Former Republican congressman Bob Beauprez told POLITICO that he is “leaning towards running” against Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) because he doesn’t think any of the party’s current crop of candidates can win.
“There’s a general sense that our field isn’t really set on our side, and Bennet is quite vulnerable,” said Beauprez. “We’re looking at it — with an increased sense of urgency.”
Beauprez said the administration’s policies on health care and energy have been driving him to jump in the race. But he remains concerned whether he will be able to raise enough money in a tough environment for fundraising.
He said he will have to make his decision soon, but didn’t set a timetable.
I don’t doubt that Bennet is vulnerable to a challenge, but is Bob Beauprez the man to beat him? Beauprez, as you may remember, was last seen losing the 2006 gubernatorial race in Colorado to Democrat Bill Ritter in a humiliating fashion (17 points worth of humiliation, to be precise). Beauprez won’t be facing that kind of headwind again next year if he chooses to run, but he may have to work hard to earn back some credibility with the GOP base — and everyone else.
UPDATE: ColoradoPols hears through the grapevine that Beauprez is telling his friends that he’s gonna run.
RaceTracker Wiki: CO-Sen
Im not too worried about this one as long as Bennet makes himself known well statewide to the people of Colorado. Beauprez is a very weak candidate in a statewide election
why no Democrat has stepped up to challenge Bennet. A primary challenge might help keep him honest.
Do people in Colorado even know Bennet in their Senator? Nationally, I’ve seen Ted Kaufman in the news more than Bennet!
I’m more excited about Tom Wiens.
Yeah I guess Im pretty lukewarm on all this news with his massive loss in 2006. But the man has also won two hard fought House races as well. A pretty mixed record, but at least he has one, unlike the other small fish GOPers running.
I’m not to worried about Beauprez, but it does look like the GOP is getting its recruiting chops together to make some semi serioyus runs at potentially vulnerable senate seats.
This could prevent the Dems from making a good solid push at all of their possible targets.
Or something? Or someone else matching Ritter?
I remember seeing some CO-Gov polls that didn’t look so hot.