September 27, 2005 08:00 AM UTC

McInnis for Governor? Maybe...If Beauprez is Leaving

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• by: Colorado Pols

We’ve said for months here at Colorado Pols that former Congressman Scott McInnis is unlikely to be a candidate for governor in 2006, no matter what supporters might be wishing for. If his statements to the Cortez Journal are any indication, we’re probably right:

…During an interview at Saturdays GOP gathering, McInnis explained his most recent thoughts on the 2006 gubernatorial election, a race he continues to flirt with. He suggested if something major happens with the current Republican field he would likely get in.

“I want to make sure the Republicans win with a capable candidate,” said McInnis, who is a partner in the Denver office of the Hogan & Hartson law firm. “If I feel a few months from now that were not, Ill engage it.” McInnis was mum on whether he knew if either GOP gubernatorial candidate  Marc Holtzman or Bob Beauprez  was planning a fall exit. A move in that direction could entice McInnis to bid for the states top political post. “If the dynamics change, Ill get in,” he said.

It sounds like McInnis will only make that walk if it’s on a red carpet, and the only way that carpet comes down is if Holtzman or Beauprez get out of the race, and it would probably have to be Beauprez for McInnis to consider it.

But now that we’ve said that, consider what McInnis told the Grand Junction Sentinel:

McInnis said also he still was watching with interest as the gubernatorial contest plays out.

If Beauprez drops out, he said, “That changes the whole dynamic” and forces party officials to “look beyond Denver” for a new candidate, such as himself.

Colorado Pols first reported last week that Beauprez has inquired about a “drop dead date” to leave the race for governor, but this is the first we’ve heard of someone saying it publicly. Maybe McInnis is just fishing, or maybe Beauprez is really looking at getting out.