Ritter Dropping Out in Colorado?

[jefferson_dem]

Ritter Dropping Out in Colorado?

A source tells Political Wire that Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter (D) is ending his re-election campaign. A fundraiser scheduled for tonight was canceled and all campaign staff was sent home in the middle of the day.

The decision does not appear to be fundraising related which has reportedly gone better than expected.

Emails to campaign staff have not been answered.

Update: Marc Ambinder also reports Ritter is dropping bid.

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2010/01/05/ritter_dropping_out_in_colorado.html

[hlthe2b]

1. Wow... though I didn't think he'd get reelected, but still...

Where does this leave us, Coloradoans?

[niyad]

2. wow--that is some piece of news. will have to keep checking in on this.

[Clio the Leo]

3. Marc Ambinder says....

(via Twitter, maybe this will make sense to someone even though it doesn't to me)

This gives Dems a chance to avoid a Senate primary if Andrew Romanoff runs for GOV, not SEN (challenging Sen. Michael Bennet).... Ex-GOP Rep. Scott McInnis is the probable GOP nominee...

http://twitter.com/MarcAmbinder

[Robb]

4. His theory seems to be

Ritter is ending his political career to lure Romanoff into running for governor so he doesn't challenge Bennet for the senate seat.

Seems a little far-fetched.

[Clio the Leo]

5. ah - thank you. NT

[niyad]

6. well, I understand it, but convuluted, to say the least.

[rockymountaindem]

7. But seriously, where was Ritter going anyway?

Other than a nail-bitingly close victory against McInnis at best.

[donheld]

8. Andrew Romanoff should run for Governor.