March 17, 2014 10:02 AM UTC

"Buffie" McFadyen Exits CD-3 Race

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• by: Colorado Pols

As quickly as she appeared, Pueblo County Commissioner Liane "Buffie" McFadyen announces via Facebook:

After a great deal of thought and deliberation, I have decided to withdraw from the 3rd Congressional race.

My decision was made after watching my son at his lacrosse game Wednesday. Timing as the saying goes, is everything. My son is a high school sophomore. After watching his first home game, I realized I'm not prepared to miss his last two years of high school here in Colorado. Time with our children moves much too swiftly and like any mom, I want to spend as much time as possible with my son over the next two years. At least I am hopeful for as much time as a teenager allows.

With that being said, I still believe a Democrat needs to represent the independent spirit of the 3rd Congressional District. I will do everything in my power to help us elect a new and effective congressman. I look forward to working together to take back the 3rd as a dedicated campaign volunteer.

McFadyen's withdrawal from the race is not a huge surprise, given the strange set of circumstances surrounding her before she announced her candidacy (that Pueblo police video). Who will now enter the race for Democrats is anybody's guess–and at this point would need to be a high profile contender. At one point, state Sen. Gail Schwartz was considered a likely candidate in this race after women's political action committee EMILY's List targeted Republican incumbent Rep. Scott Tipton, but reportedly declined to run. Democrats should not let CD-3 go with no or only token opposition. In addition to the district being perennially competitive, there's a strategic need to not leave any resource sink for Republicans unexploited.

Any ideas, folks?