CO-Gov: Hickenlooper Considering Race, But Will Defer to Salazar; Perlmutter Keeping Options Open

[ccharles000]

We've made no secret that we're hoping that Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper jumps into the gubernatorial race. In a statement to the media today, Hickenlooper is considering it, but he's giving Interior Secretary and ex-Sen. Ken Salazar the first right of refusal:

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper said this afternoon he would make a relatively quick decision about whether to run for Colorado governor but said that he would consider entering the race only if Ken Salazar didn't. <...>

"Ken Salazar is Ken Salazar. Should Ken Salazar decide to run I'd probably be his first volunteer," the popular Denver mayor said at a downtown press conference, surrounded by his family.

Hickenlooper praised Ritter for his "courage" in announcing earlier in the day that he wanted to devote more time and energy to his family and would abort his run for a second term, declaring that "this is Bill Ritter's day."

Will Salazar actually go for it? Well, there are enough rumblings to suggest that it's a distinct possibility. Salazar's brother, 3rd CD Rep. John Salazar, is on the record with words of encouragement for such a switch, and, for what it's worth, ColoradoPols is hearing that an "official decision is all but done". Salazar is staying mum on the question for now, but the Denver Post reports that he'll have the White House's permission to run if he so chooses.

Meanwhile, 7th CD Rep. Ed Perlmutter, who sounds pretty jacked now that Ritter is off the ballot, is not ruling out the possibility of a gubernatorial bid himself:

"This is a nightmare for the Republican party. This decision is a game changer, and I believe Colorado Democrats have a deep bench of potential candidates who can win this race. I am confident we will have a candidate who will present real solutions for Colorado instead of the Republicans who want to focus on the status quo by just saying no. We will retain this seat and continue to move our state forward and ensure Colorado remains one of the best states to live in.

"I am honored to have my name mentioned as a potential candidate. I love this state and I want to continue to serve my community and state and make it a great place to live for everybody. It's a premature decision to make at this time, but one I will carefully consider."

http://www.swingstateproject.com/diary/6152/cogov-hickenlooper-considering-race-but-will-defer-to-salazar-perlmutter-keeping-options-open

[rockymountaindem]

1. Pearlmutter is right

We do have a deep bench of candidates, and that is even without considering Salazar. I think it would be great if he ran because I think in the role of governor he would do a good job maintaining our environment. Romanoff might also want to consider this, since he's determined to run for something, but I think Salazar would handily beat him in a primary.

[eleny]

2. Is Romanoff having a press conference tmorrow at 1 PM?

[rockymountaindem]

3. I haven't heard about that n/t

[eleny]

4. I don't always trust what I hear on the radio in the very wee hours

You know, the time way before the first cup of coffee. :D

[burning rain]

5. Speaking of Salazar, I regretted his appointment to the cabinet, & I regret it more now.

He had the best chance of anyone to hold that Colorado Senate seat for the Democrats.