February 10, 2009 07:09 PM UTC

Romanoff 2010 - Coattails, Primary or Wildcard?

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• by: RockyMtnModerate

( – promoted by Laughing Boy)

Passed over for two appointments by Governor Ritter but still adored by the party activists, the Democrat’s Golden Boy Andrew Romanoff made what many believe was a deliberate and telling decision to make the rounds during County Reorg meetings this past weekend.  There has been speculation on here about what his future plans may be and I thought it would be interesting to have a discussion about what people think he should do and why.

I’ve recently heard two possibilities from very credible sources.  One scenario has O’Brien stepping aside and Romanoff being on the ticket with Ritter which would in theory position him to run for Governor after Ritter’s next term.  The other theory which I had dismissed earlier when it was just the urging of some local activists but am now hearing is under serious consideration is a primary challenge to Bennet.

(Poll Follows)

Of these two, the Lt. Governor slot seems to be the path of least resistance and could line him up nicely if the future has Colorado keeping the Governor’s office in Democratic hands beyond Ritter’s next term. Ritter may not be the most popular Governor right now but the GOP’s bench isn’t very deep so Romanoff may be able to ride Ritter’s coattails into statewide office while using his own popularity to steer GOP attention to Bennet’s Senate seat if they were forced to make one or the other a higher priority.  

A primary challenge to Bennet could get interesting.  Romanoff’s popularity among party activists could probably carry him in a primary.  My questions on that possibility though are whether a guy who has never run a contested race himself has the cojones to step up and challenge a sitting Senator.  If he did, I think it could do a lot to redefine Romanoff’s image from simply a bright, affable legislator to that plus somebody who has the backbone to stand up and fight for what he believes in which could make him a strong leader on the national scene. If he were to challenge Bennet, I think he’s got to get in now.  If he waits even a few more months he’ll have to make the argument about Bennet’s record and actions in the Senate, but if he were to jump in now I think he could make it about the appointment process and him being better qualified to understand and represent the interests of all Coloradans.  If he did get in, it would be interesting to see who would stay lined up with Bennet.  I’m not convinced he has the fight in him or the willingness to rock the boat.  The Lt. Gov spot seems more in his style of negotiating to get what he wants without having to go fight for it.  

So what say you polsters?  What should Romanoff do in 2010?

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