September 02, 2015 12:34 PM UTC

BREAKING: Sen. Tim Neville Weighing U.S. Senate Bid

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• by: Colorado Pols

UPDATE #2: Liberal activist group ProgressNow Colorado calls Tim Neville “the most dangerous politician in Colorado.” Will he take that as a compliment?

As news broke today that far-right Colorado Sen. Tim Neville is considering a run for the U.S. Senate in 2016, ProgressNow Colorado, the state’s largest online progressive advocacy organization, warned Colorado voters against being deceived by one of the state’s most dangerous far-right politicians.

“Tim Neville in the United States Senate would be the most dangerous politician in America,” said ProgressNow Colorado executive director Amy Runyon-Harms. “Senator Neville is more than just another vote to repeal Obamacare, to ban all abortions without exception, and to repeal all laws against gun violence. Neville represents the no-compromise, take-no-prisoners wing of the Republican Party that will bring the loudest voices of the Tea Party into the mainstream.”

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UPDATE 1:05PM: The Denver Post’s John Frank now reporting:

Neville is considered one of the most conservative members in the state Senate. He defeated an incumbent Democrat in a swing seat in 2014 to win the seat. His campaign would appeal to hard-right conservatives and those aligned with the tea party.

An invite to a Tuesday event for Neville hosted by real estate agent Mike Donahue at his Lakewood office described the lawmaker as a “highly principled patriot.”

…Neville is scheduled to talk to conservatives 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Denver VFW on West Warren Avenue. Ray Garcia is listed at the host.

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We started hearing rumors in the last 24 hours about the possibility that Colorado Sen. Tim Neville, who represents mountain areas of Jefferson County and Front Range gambling towns, would shortly declare a run for the U.S. Senate in 2016 against incumbent Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet.

Late yesterday, confirmation of Neville’s interest began to circulate on social media:

Please Join me for A Meet and Greet with Senator Tim Neville regarding Conversations about the Colorado U.S. Senate race.

Saturday, Sept 12th, 1:00-3:00pm (Lunch Provided)
Hosted by
Frank and Christy Rodriguez
& Representative Lori Saine

1019 10th Ave
Greeley, CO 80631
R.S.V.P 970.599.0037

Senator Neville is considering a run for
the U.S. Senate to defeat liberal extremist
Senator Michael Bennett.

•Senator Neville has proven he can win in a highly
targeted competitive district.

•Senator Neville has highly regarded principles and a
proven voting record.

•Senator Neville is well known and respected
throughout Colorado communities.

Neville’s entry into the U.S. Senate race could indeed be a game-changing development. Neville’s support among the conservative wing of the Republican Party is very strong, and he enjoys a close relationship with the Rocky Mountain Gun Owners organization whose power in GOP primary elections has been demonstrated repeatedly. In this year’s legislative session, Neville arguably had the highest profile of any Republican state senator, energizing the Republican grassroots with uncompromising positions on everything from guns to “freedom” of school children to decline vaccinations. Neville’s base of support in Jefferson County is also a powerful advantage that he would enjoy in a statewide Republican primary.

Back in June when the GOP’s first choice Rep. Mike Coffman opted to not run for the U.S. Senate next year, we identified Neville as one of a few names to watch. Neville wouldn’t be up for election to his SD-16 seat until 2018, so there’s no risk in running for higher office next year. And Neville’s strong support from RMGO and the conservative grassroots make him a formidable candidate who could actually win this primary–a fact that might be enough to dissuade a challenger before they emerge.

Bottom line: Neville has the clout to factor in this race, especially compared to alternatives left after so many have opted against running. Above all, he can’t be manhandled any more than Dudley Brown himself. He will feel no deference at all to George Brauchler, or anyone else Republican Party elites might decide they prefer.

So go make some popcorn, folks. One hell of a show is about to begin.