May 11, 2009 06:39 PM UTC

Should Gardner, Penry Resign To Campaign?

•  
• by: Colorado Pols

The Pueblo Chieftain asks the next logical question:

During the final two days of last week, after the 120-day session ended on Wednesday, lawmakers were busy clearing their desks, some for the last time.

Senate President Peter Groff, D-Denver, Sen. Jennifer Veiga, D-Denver, Rep. Gwyn Green, D-Golden, have all announced their resignations for one reason or another. Longtime Sen. Jim Isgar, D-Hesperus, too, may be leaving for a post with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

It’s also unknown whether Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, or Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry, R-Fruita, will return next session. Late last week, Gardner announced his bid to run for Congress in an attempt to unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. Betsy Markey. He may chose not to return next year because it would take time away from his primary battle with Tom Lucero for the Republican nomination during the summer of 2010.

Penry may run for the GOP nomination for governor against former U.S. Rep. Scott McInnis. Because state lawmakers are barred by law from accepting campaign contributions when the Legislature is in session, Penry may decide to step down before the 2010 session next winter…

It’s a tough question for legislators aspiring to higher office, particularly given fundraising restrictions on them during the 2010 session: a critical time for both building name ID, which being in the legislature helps, and raising the cash they need to run–which obviously isn’t helped. It can help signal commitment to the race, though, useful in the primaries both candidates anticipate.

Perhaps the question shouldn’t be should they resign, but do they both need to resign in order to be competitive in larger races. Of the two candidates, Gardner is the one who probably has the greater need to resign. Penry can at least keep himself in the spotlight thanks to his Senate Minority Leader post, and most of the money spent in any statewide race comes from 527 committees – money that will be raised for Penry’s gubernatorial hopes without his input. As for Gardner, he faces a larger primary field, and he doesn’t get that much benefit out of being a minority state representative anyway.

A poll of the question as it specifically relates to Gardner and Penry follows.

 Loading ...