Schaffer Formally In Senate Run; No Go For Norton, Nicholson

Denver Channel ^ | March 15, 2004 | Denver Channel

[Columbine]

DENVER -- Colorado's lieutenant governor has opted out of running for the U.S. Senate, just as a former representative officially entered the race.

Jane Norton said Monday in a statement that she and her family believe she can best serve the state by continuing as lieutenant governor for the next three years.

"We have important work to do by continuing our progress in education and healthcare reform, transportation improvements and protecting and preserving the environment. I will continue to fully support Gov. Owens as he leads the state forward in these efforts," Norton said.

Her decision comes as Bob Schaffer formally launched his campaign for the seat vacated by incumbent GOP Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell.

Schaffer made his announcement Monday morning at his weekly breakfast with Larimer County Republicans in Fort Collins.

[Columbine]

Ok, it looks like we are down to one candidate on the Republican side of this race and that is former US Rep. Bob Shaffer.

I remember him, of course, but I'd like to hear more about him from some of you who live in his old district.

[CasearianDaoist]

What is going on out there? Why does no one want to run? Inquiring minds want to know.

[Columbine]

Well, I think there are different answers depending on the individual.

Owens would have been the strongest candidate. He has marital problems and there is a lot of talk that he either expects a cabinet position if Bush is reelected or that he wants to run for Prez in 2008.

McInnnis just took a new job with a high profile, high paying Denver law firm

Beauprez only won his district by less than 200 votes last time.

Tancredo has no chance against a Hispanic Democrat.

Norton is really almost unknown.

The Ambassador is unknown.

Shaffer is a good conservative. I'll support him.

[JohnnyZ]

Also we only need (want?) one candidate. So that necessitates a lot of "no"s. If the Democrats ran an ex-Congressman they'd be talking about how he was the cat's meow.

[AuH2ORepublican]

"Shaffer is a good conservative. I'll support him."

---

I agree, Schaffer is a solid conservative, and we should all support him. He will also make a pretty good Senate candidate. He wasn't on the A list (that would be Owens) or even the A- list (that would be McInnis), but I think a B+ GOP candidate can beat an A-list Democrat candidate in Colorado.

[Columbine]

Also we only need (want?) one candidate. So that necessitates a lot of "no"s. If the Democrats ran an ex-Congressman they'd be talking about how he was the cat's meow.

That's an important point. We don't need to put a lot of effort into a primary.

I still want to know more about Schaffer but what I've heard so far seems to say that he's as solidly conservative as we can hope for. He's also a man of his word as he proved by honoring his own self-imposed term limits pledge.

[Redmen4ever]

Bob Schaefer is a very good person, and deserves our support. He should hold the seat for our side. As for Ben Nighthorse Cambpell, I suppose it's time for him to ride his big motorcycle into the sunset. Via con Dios!

[11x62]

Does anyone know if Schaefer has any organization or web site yet?? He was our rep here in Trinidad, I'd like to help.

[Colorado Buckeye]

I still want to know more about Schaffer but what I've heard so far seems to say that he's as solidly conservative as we can hope for.

Schaffer is a principled conservative with a libertarian streak. He's a free thinker and is most definitely not a follower, which is probably why he's not on the establishment's A-list, although he's on my A-list for just that reason. The follower types are precisely the folks who have changed the Republican party from a small government party to a big government party. Schaffer can be expected to push team-R back toward its roots.

You can expect him to be very stingy with your tax dollars. I remember that he once voted against a project in the 4th district because he thought it was simply pork. If he is elected, he may well end up being the most conservative senator in the entire senate. He and Musgrave will make a good team in D.C.

[Columbine]

I like the sound of all of that. There is a pretty good article on him in today's Rocky. Also one on the opposition.

This may be a tough race. We all need to join the Shaffer campaign team as soon as it forms.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/election/article/0,1299,DRMN_36_2732679,00.html

[WOSG]

Good to know!!! Schaffer sounds like a real solid future Senator!

Texas bump and support for real conservatives in the Senate.

IF WE WIN TOOMEY IN PENNSYLVANIA AND THIS RACE, WE WILL TURN 2 R SEATS THAT ARE SEMI-RINO TO SOLID CONSERVATIVE SEATS.

We have a Republican majority in the Senate but not a conservative majority. We need a conservative majority to make real positive change.

[Tall_Texan]

If we lose in Colorado, I'm going to be pissed. I was never a big fan of Crazy Horse, but he's been a better Republican that I first imagined when he switched parties.

Is Schaffer the best the Rove RINOs could find to carry their water?

[Colorado Buckeye]

If we lose in Colorado, I'm going to be pissed. I was never a big fan of Crazy Horse, but he's been a better Republican that I first imagined when he switched parties.

"Crazy Horse" definitely drifted, or was pushed, steadily to the right as time went on. Still, he needed to be watched constantly. We could have done worse.

Is Schaffer the best the Rove RINOs could find to carry their water?

Shaffer is definitely not a Rove RINO. Read my post just above. Rove and company wanted a more establishment type such as Owens or Beauprez. It will be interesting to see how much support Shaffer gets from the RNC.

[Colorado Buckeye]

This may be a tough race. We all need to join the Schaffer campaign team as soon as it forms.

Thanks for the link. I agree, this will probably be a tough race, but it is definitely winnable. Schaffer is quite conservative but he comes across to people as a thoughtful man of principle rather than as someone with a hard edge. This will serve him well in Colorado.

[Tall_Texan]

He made fans of rock-ribbed Republicans with sound bites like this: "I didn't come to Washington to make friends with the alligators. I want to help drain the swamp."

Oooh! Definitely not a RINO. This may turn out to be a *good* thing if we can get him in the Senate.