Dem chairman under attack

[Freddie Stubbs]

Julia Hicks wants to replace Chris Gates as state party chief

By Susan Greene
Denver Post Staff Writer

The race to lead Colorado Democrats is shaping up much like the battle to chair the Democratic National Committee: An insurgent candidate disenchanted with the status quo is jockeying to take control of the party statewide.

Colorado Democratic first vice chairwoman Julia Hicks is seeking to replace Chris Gates as state Democratic Party chair. Hicks, a 55-year-old retired schoolteacher, complains that Gates, the 47- year-old president of the National Civic League, has strayed from the party's grass roots.

"We need a leader who includes people in the party, not divides it," Hicks said.

Gates, in response, said, "The party is definitely not in turmoil." Under his watch as chairman, Democrats regained both of Colorado's legislative chambers, a congressional seat and a U.S. Senate seat in 2004, despite a 6-percentage-point disadvantage to Republicans in voter registration.

more: http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~33999~2643107,00.html

[Fleurs du Mal]

1. Go Julia! n/t

[DaveinMD]

2. Chris Gates

just helped orchestrate the most successful year for Colorado Democrats in years and people want to get rid of him. I don't get it. Chris should be a model for other state party chairs. Campbell would have run if not for the work Chris did to bring to light his ethical issues. Chris Gates is a great party chair.