Intraparty fight brewing in Colorado

The Washington Times ^ | May 4, 2004 | Valerie Richardson

[DM1]

DENVER -- On the surface, Bob Schaffer would seem to have everything Republicans could hope for in a Senate candidate.

A state senator at the age of 24, Mr. Schaffer had crafted a reputation as a staunch conservative and leader on education reform even before winning a U.S. House seat in 1996. Elected president of his House class, he left a safe seat after three terms to honor his term-limits pledge, cementing his reputation for integrity.

[DM1]

Well this is disconcerting The more i look at the Senate the less optimistic i am that we will retain the majority let alone expand it.

[olde north church]

Well, I must ask for myself and in the hope of swaying your opinion to match mine, how is a millionaire going to mix in the most REE-spectable chambers of the U.S. Senate?

[donozark]

I agree with you. However, many Dims claim "...Colorado is still in play." Or "...Colorado is leaning Democrat." Reality, what a concept...(to a Dem).

[ConservativeLawStudent]

I wouldn't put a whole lot of stock in a local poll conducted by a TV station. CO is a very conservative state, particularly outside Aspen and Boulder. With President Bush at the top of the ballot, it will be even more difficult for a Dem to swipe. Thats one theme in most of the open Senate races, other than IL, they're all in slightly to solid conservative states: CO, OK, GA, SC, NC, FL, LA.

[DM1]

"solid conservative states: CO, OK, GA, SC, NC, FL, LA."
Normally i would agree but based on some local polls i found the following
CO, OK, and NC are all polling with a D lead for some reason that i really cannot fathom - i was surprised and dismayed. That being said it is still early so we shall see.
LA continues to disappoint. In 02 one of the House seats flipped from R to D in a runoff, Landrieu won and in 03 Blanco won. I dont trust LA at all.
GA i am fairly certain will be a pickup with Miller endorsing Bush and FL is probably a tossup depending on who the R nominee is.
Alaska is a concern as well with Nepotism charges on Markowski.

[JohnnyZ]

NC are all polling with a D lead for some reason that i really cannot fathom

Two things: one, with Republicans in the majority, divided government folks will lean toward Democrats. Two, I think we've been over NC -- Bowles has 86% name recognition, Burr 45%; when Burr moves up in name rec. he'll take over the lead in the polls.

[DM1]

"Bowles has 86% name recognition, Burr 45%; when Burr moves up in name rec. he'll take over the lead in the polls.
"
yep we have been over it ;)
And again i hope that your assesment is correct. I would love to see Burr grab the seat.

[Kuksool]

I would say OK is the GOP open seat likely to stay put. Next year, Dr. Coburn will be addressed as Senator.