Schaffer First GOP Candidate in Colo.

The Associated Press ^ | 3/12/04

[LdSentinal]

DENVER - Former Rep. Bob Schaffer on Friday became the first Republican candidate in the race to replace retiring GOP Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell.

Schaffer made the announcement just hours after Reps. Scott McInnis and Tom Tancredo joined a growing list of Republicans who declined to run. Schaffer said a formal announcement would come next week.

"I've filed and I have an organization that I've put together, an exploratory team and a team that is getting larger," he said. "I see nothing that discourages me."

Schaffer was elected to the House of Representatives in 1996 and served three terms, stepping down to fulfill a self-imposed term limit pledge.

GOP Gov. Bill Owens, Rep. Bob Beauprez and state Treasurer Mike Coffman previously said they would not seek the Republican nomination.

Campbell's announcement and Owens' decision not to run have boosted Democrats' hopes of making up lost ground in Colorado as they try to retake control of the U.S. Senate. Republicans hold a 51-48 majority with one Democrat-leaning independent.

Other potential GOP candidates include Lt. Gov. Jane Norton and Jim Nicholson, the chairman of the Republican National Committee from 1997 to 2001.

Campbell, 70, announced abruptly last week that he would not seek re-election, citing his health. He was treated for prostate cancer last year. His Washington office also faces allegations that a longtime aide had taken kickbacks.

[zbigreddogz]

I'm pretty much interested in one thing: Can this guy hold the seat?

[Coop]

It's a GOP-trending state with President Bush heading the ticket. I have to make the Dems the underdogs.

[Delphster]

I think its going to be a tough fight. He is good man but does not have state wide recognition. His most likely opponent has state wide recognition as he is the states Attorney General.

[Morgan in Denver]

Schaffer said he would term-limit himself when he was in the US House. He did that even though the majority of voters in his district asked him to continue representing them. He explained that he gave his word and he would do what he said he'd do. Unusual for representatives, isn't it? For the past two years he has continued to hold a Monday morning Republican meeting which is popular in the area, even though he really didn't need to continue doing it. Once his organization is in place and he is better known I believe he will be attractive to the majority of CO voters.

[Reagan Man]

The next Senator from Colorado.

[Kuksool]

Here's hoping for Schaffer. He's going to need lots of luck in taking on Salazar.

[Trteamer]

Bob Schaffer was my Congressman for 3 terms. He did a fantastic job. Here is a man that has got it stright, he keeps his word. I will campaign hard for him, and that includes getting out the checkbook.

Can this guy win the election? You bet!

Ken Salazar has not been an good Attorney General and now is the time to go on attack. He is an Anti-Gun, Pro Tax, liberal Democrat. We will stomp him up north in the election, and FReep him when he comes to visit.

[KQQL]

Update:

OUT
: Owens, Tom T, Coffman, Bob .B.

In Shaffer

Maybe : Lt Gov and Jim N