Bob Schaffer Looms Large as Colorado Senate Nominee

Human Events Online ^ | March 12, 2004

[hinterlander]

Two years after he left the House to honor his pledge of "three terms-I'm-out" and barely a week after Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R.-Col.) dropped the political bombshell that he was retiring this year, Bob Schaffer looms large as the probable Republican Senate nominee in the Centennial State.

"I'm running and the phone is ringing off the hook!" a breathless Schaffer told HUMAN EVENTS, as he hastily cobbled together a campaign from his home in Fort Collins. The stalwart conservative lawmaker, who once made headlines by refusing to attend the State of the Union address because Bill Clinton was delivering it shortly after his impeachment, said he is now being helped by "volunteers only" but he soon expected to hire a campaign manager and press secretary. Among those weighing in for him before the Colorado primary is former Sen. Bill Armstrong, easily his state's most respected conservative.

As Schaffer worked to mobilize a campaign to succeed the more moderate Campbell, freshman Rep. Bob Beauprex announced he would seek re-election rather than make a Senate bid -- as fellow Republican and Gov. Bill Owens urged him to do last week (Owens himself had been mentioned for the Senate, but announced last week he would remain in the State Capitol). Sources on Capitol Hill told us that Beauprex, had been under tremendous pressure from House GOP Leaders to remain in the House who feared that any other Republican would lose the district Beauprex won in the closest-in-the nation House race two years ago. Reportedly, the freshman lawmaker is now in line for the coveted seat on the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee now held by fellow Republican Rep. Scott McInnis, who is retiring.

Both McInnis and another Republican House Member, Tom Tancredo, say they are still contemplating a Senate race. However, most pundits and pols in Colorado say that -- aside from the fact that both broke their pledge to step down after three terms and are thus vulnerable to an independent expenditure campaign from U.S. Term Limits -- McInnis and Tancredo are more likely than not to pass on the race because of the early movement toward Schaffer.

While Republicans could conceivably unite behind Schaffer in the weeks ahead, Democrats have already closed ranks behind their probable standard-bearer -- two-term State Attorney General Ken Salazar, who last week declared his candidacy flanked by most of the other Democrats who had been seriously eying the race (including Rep. Mark Udall, who announced and then withdrew to endorse Salazar in a matter of 48 hours).

[r9etb]

LOL! Tom Tancredo would get destroyed if he ran.

[Morgan in Denver]

Before everyone starts in, be aware Bob Schaffer will be a great conservative US Senator. He has respect across the state and his name recognition will improve quickly.

[Red Boots]

The stalwart conservative lawmaker, who once made headlines by refusing to attend the State of the Union address because Bill Clinton was delivering it shortly after his impeachment

I'm over here on the western slope. I've never heard of this guy, but the above sounds promising.

[Galactic Overlord-In-Chief]

Looks like he will have to be our man. Practically the entire CO GOP congressional delegation has taken a pass.

[William McKinley]

This is like trying to get a date with some supermodels, having them say no, and ending up with the name of a litte known gal who is prettier and nicer and is gung-ho.

Schaffer would be great.

[Morgan in Denver]

The CO bench was caught with their collective pants down when Campbell changed his mind and withdrew. There are various good reasons why each has decided not to run, although it may be hard to convince some people on FR.

CO does have many who would serve well and who, as far as CO goes, will be available for future campaigns The Democrats have one high ranking statewide representative: Ken Salazar the AG. That's it.

[Galactic Overlord-In-Chief]

I just hope this isn't the perfect storm that costs us a seat we wouldn't have otherwise lost. Then again, we've already been through a nailbiter in Colorado last time, so it's not like we don't know the lay of the land. Perhaps Schaffer can make a better impression than Wayne Allard did? His term limits pledge reminds me of Toomey and Coburn, a fine comparison I think.

[Morgan in Denver]

Schaffer is not a done deal. Having said that, wait and see. I believe you will find Schaffer will run a good campaign and connect with voters.

[ambrose]

thoughts?

Allard is probably one of the most dull men in the Senate. He languished in the polls all throughout 2002... then he won a 4 to 5 point victory against a very well finance challenger.

Colorado is trending Republican.

[Torie]

I have not seen Schaffer on the tube, but I have no reason to think he would not be a credible candidate. A plus his that he honored his term limits pledge. I have a soft spot for folks whose word is good.

[Holden Magroin]

Schaeffer is another Allard. Better put this one in the "leans Dem" category. Assuming the job losses continue, Bush's approval ratings don't rise, and the situation in Iraq doesn't stabilize, then Republicans are going to have one hell of a bad year on their hands.

[JenB]

Question:

I am probably going to be moving from Pennsylvania to Colorado in August. Is this guy (presuming he's the nominee?) really a conservative? Does he deserve my support?

[Galactic Overlord-In-Chief]

For all of Allard's troubles with Strickland, he still won two statewide elections.