January 23, 2013 04:29 PM UTC

Coffman Will NOT Challenge Udall in 2014

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• by: Colorado Pols

As Tweeted moments ago by Allison Sherry of the Denver paper:

.@repmikecoffman on running against @markudall next year: Not Interested. blogs.denverpost.com/thespot/2013/0… #copolitics

— Allison Sherry (@allisonsherry) January 23, 2013

Sherry reports that Coffman will run again for his newly competitive CD-6 seat. After Coffman’s very tough re-election campaign in 2012, which as we’ve discussed revealed major weaknesses for Coffman running outside a safe Republican bastion, it’s most likely a very wise decision for Republicans to look elsewhere. But looking at the other candidates Sherry mentioned, Cory Gardner and Bob Beauprez, perhaps the question is where?

We’re not surprised that Coffman isn’t going to challenge Udall, but we are curious as to why he would end the speculation so early. Most politicos let their name dangle for higher office as long as possible, which can help increase their fundraising ability and name ID. The only reason for Coffman to publicly remove his name from Senate consideration is to soothe supporters and donors that he must court for another tough re-election battle in 2014. Coffman’s poor performance in the 2012 cycle probably cost him a chance to take on Udall, and it definitely has put a big target on his back in CD-6.

It’s also looking more certain by the day that Democrat Andrew Romanoff will run in CD-6. The as-yet unresolved question is whether or not former state representative Karen Middleton will challenge Romanoff for the nomination. We can’t see how or why Middleton would square off against Romanoff, but she’s got a little time to decide.