Denver Post: Beauprez Shouldn't Run

[coloradodem2005]

There's an interesting, almost strange, editorial in The Denver Post today encouraging Congressman Bob Beauprez not to run for governor titled "A No Vote on Beauprez's Question:"

In a letter this week to Colorado Republicans, Rep. Bob Beauprez asked the state's hottest political question in simple fashion. Underlined. In bold face. "Should I run for governor?"

In a word, no.

Beauprez is in a position of influence and potential in Washington, and it is to Colorado's advantage for him to realize that potential on the national stage...

...In Congress, Beauprez can make an invaluable contribution to Colorado, and it matters, big time. Colorado has been a net loser in Washington, sending more tax dollars to the federal treasury than it gets back...
<snip>
http://coloradopoliticalnews.blogs.com/colorado_political_news/2005/04/denver_post_bea.html#comments

[saltpoint]

1. This sounds real good to my ears.

That's a vote we'd like to have on the blue side of the issues instead of the red.

Keep up the good work out in Colorado!

[coloradodem2005]

2. Well. I don't know if it is so much of a "we don't like him" thing...

....as it is a we want Beauprez to stay right where he is because they believe that he is the strongest member of the delegation from Colorado.

[saltpoint]

3. I wish he were beatable, no matter which race.

I'm on a let's-go-blue kick these days!

[coloradodem2005]

4. We need to find his weak spot.

It's the only way.

[paulk]

5. it's about CO7

They realize that if Beauprez runs for Gov, the Dems are a lock for CO7., which has more registered Dem than Repub.

Statewide, they probably feel they've got a shot with whoever they run.

[coloradodem2005]

6. Do you think Dems are really a lock for CD 7 in that case?

Mike Coffman may run for that seat and he may be hard to take on.

[paulk]

7. can't remember where I saw this

but demographics are trending in our direction there, and we already have more registered Dem than Repub. in that district - so it's an uphill battle for any Republican out of the gate. Beauprez would have lost in 2002 if the Greens hadn't run a candidate, and Thomas was a dead duck after the Columbine thing... The party pretty much gave up on that race.

Perhaps "a lock" is putting it too strongly, but any Democrat would have to be seen as the favorite, even against Coffman, IMO. If Beauprez runs in 7th district, he's automatically the favorite - just because incumbents always win. The RNC also may not want to spend the money it would take to get a Coffman elected vs. what it would take to get Beauprez back in - they're still smarting over how much it cost to get Musgrave re-elected. Not to mention the western slope, which they want back...