On Friday, we received word from more than one reliable source about fresh rumors that Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman may be preparing to announce a run for the U.S. Senate–a particularly interesting rumor given her husband Mike Coffman’s announcement one week ago that he would not run against incumbent Sen. Michael Bennet.
Since then, we’ve heard conflicting reports about this possibility, including a source that says an imminent run is highly unlikely given a lack of any evidence of preparation by Mrs. Coffman for such an announcement. Also, since Cynthia Coffman was just sworn in as Colorado’s new Attorney General just a few months ago, immediately jumping into the U.S. Senate race could be spun negatively by opponents–and that’s before her husband’s motives for passing on the race are scrutinized.
Given Cynthia Coffman’s equivocated positions on social wedge issues like marriage equality running for her first elected office last year, it’s likely that she could not clear a primary field in the same manner as her husband anyway, and will face heat from fellow Republicans on issues ranging from LGBT rights to gun control.
There are several subplots to this potential story we’re trying to get more information about right now that may help confirm or refute this rumor. In an interview this weekend, 2008 GOP Senate candidate Bob Schaffer said he “doesn’t see it” in response to a question about Cynthia Coffman running for Senate. Schaffer spoke favorably of a number of possible candidates including Rep. Scott Tipton, former Gov. Bill Owens, even disgraced 2010 gubernatorial candidate Scott McInnis and talk show host Dan Caplis.
Whatever happens, it’s hard to argue with The Hill’s Jonathan Easley, who reported Saturday:
Rep. Mike Coffman’s (R-Colo.) decision this week to pass on a Senate run has damaged Republican hopes of taking out Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), their top incumbent target in 2016…
Without him, the GOP faces running an untested, second-tier candidate against a well-funded incumbent in a state that will be critical in determining which party controls the Senate in 2016.
At this point, there’s nothing to suggest that Mrs. Coffman has what it takes to break out of the “second tier”–and that may be enough to forestall her entry into the race, preferring to build name ID and momentum for a 2018 (or even 2022) run for governor. With that said, we are looking into it, and we’ll update when (and if) we hear more.
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Why not? She's probably next-to-most-electable after her husband. In fact,maybe some will simply hear the name Coffman and think they're voting for him.
How about Owen? Do they think enough time has passed since all the love child rumors that it's safe to go high profile again?
Good question. What's the statute of limitations on family values hypocrisy in the GOP? The love child (or love children) must be old enough to taking his, her or their SATs by now.
Given that the family values party has re-elected David Vitter, I guess the statute of limitations is none at all.
If the party bigwigs really are encouraging her to run, these truly are desperate times for the Colorado GOP.
They saw Either Way Ellen's performance to date and figure they better find someone else….and FAST!
You sexists. You don't get to call our Attorney General, whether you like her or not, "Mrs. Coffman." It's as disrespectful as when the right wing does this to Secretary Clinton. It's simply not acceptable, it's sexism plain and simple. Stop it.
You're right.
Cynthia Coffman is a lightweight. She still hasn't decided which of the upper level people to keep. The AGO is a mess. The Peter principle is at work.
I hope you're all well! Always great to be back home on ColoradoPols 🙂 I came across this story and had to leave my 2 cents –
1. Cynthia Coffman is a very nice lady and intelligent. But she won't beat Michael Bennett. You can book that.
2. Mike Coffman would beat Michael Bennett. I like Bennett, but he can't beat Coffman statewide. Just going to say it.
3. I think this means Coffman is targeting Governor for 2018. I hope we (Democrats) have a good candidate 😉 Coffman will be tough to beat.
4. Scott Tipton is a VERY VERY GOOD candidate. Do NOT underestimate him. I would even say he's better than Coffman, in that he's taken very few 'firebrand' stances on issues. Tipton has also been a solid Congressman and has a good relationship with his constituents. Ignore him at your peril – I'm saying this to fellow Democrats (who are reading this) because Tipton is a better candidate for US Senate than we all think.
I love you all! ALI