Posted on 08/09/2004 3:57:49 PM PDT by aynrandy
Where have you gone, Ben Nighthorse Campbell.
Tomorrow, one of the most tedious reality shows of the political season will finally end, as the Colorado Republican senatorial primary race concludes.
A Denver Post poll shows that Pete Coors leads Bob Schaffer 45 to 41 percent among 400 likely Republican primary voters - a contest too close to call.
Whether it's Coors or Schaffer, the anointed Republican candidate will be scarred and battered as a result of a worthless skirmish that pitted two conservatives who would likely share interchangeable records in the Senate.
Yes, primaries are a valuable function of our political system, and, yes, a hard-fought campaign is constructive in helping voters determine where the candidates stand. But primaries between the ideologically indistinguishable are a waste of time and money.
Walt Kline, who is a general consultant for the Coors campaign and a veteran of numerous high-profile Republican races in Colorado, says that he's "never seen a Republican primary in the state that has taken a nasty turn like this in a major race with major candidates."
In fact, this primary may have been destructive enough to seriously damage Republican chances in November.
What should have been exclusively about electability has turned into a mean contest filled with personal assaults.
How did they get to this point?
On a national level, Democrats have effectively funneled millions to independent 527 groups throughout the year, saving candidates the trouble of launching their own negative ads.
In Colorado, Republicans seem to be confused, employing 527s in a counterproductive way.
One of the 527 groups that has sprung up is called Colorado Conservative Voters. And they are breaking Ronald Reagan's oft-cited Eleventh Commandment: Thou shalt not criticize fellow Republicans.
Their 30-second spot, most of you have probably already heard, goes on to tell us that "Beer executive Pete Coors says we should lower the drinking age so teenagers can drink. ... Makes you wonder what else we should know about Pete Coors. Oh, Pete!"
Now, religious conservatives may feel more comfortable with Schaffer, but they need to ask themselves one simple question before voting.
Who is more electable?
Do they really believe Pete Coors supports a "radical homosexual agenda"? (Actually, do they believe there is any other kind of homosexual agenda?) Do they believe that Coors wants to encourage teenagers to drink? (As if they needed any encouragement.) Do they believe he's pro-abortion?
If they answer yes to those questions, then Schaffer is the man.
But what there is no question about is Democrat Ken Salazar's position. He advocates abortion rights. If elected, Salazar will certainly help Democrats vote to roll back tax cuts and will likely vote for an estate tax, a marriage tax, dividend tax and about every other tax you can think of. Salazar will join the Democrats in obstructing the vote on judges that share their moral outlook.
"I worry because the personal nature of this attack stuff on Coors won't make it easy for the all the Republicans to get together," Kline says. "If I am right, it will be an unfortunate turn of events."
Schaffer's campaign manager, Pat Fiske, doesn't believe it will be a problem: "I know Bob will step forward and do the things that need to be done in the event he loses. He'll do the things he needs to do to unite the party."
And Salazar will run away with this race if Republicans can't get over the petty viciousness, nomadic alliances and unite to face the challenge of one of the most pivotal Senate races in the country.
In fact, for Republicans, it couldn't be simpler. A majority in the Senate is everything. Coors or Schaffer? That's a bit more complicated.
David Harsanyi's column appears Monday and Thursday. Contact him at 303-820-1255 or dharsanyi@denverpost.com .
Come on Walt! It hasn't been that "nasty". LOL Bob Schaffer deserves the opportunity to represent the GOP against Ken Salazar. If Pete Coors comes out on top, he'll have a tough campaign to beat Salazar. The CO AG has out fundraised everyone and leads in the state wide polls against both Republicans. BOTTOMLINE! Both Coors and Schaffer would be better representatives for Colorado in the US Senate.
I voted for Pete. And I work for him too. AND, I stayed at a Holiday Inn last night.
I voted for Bob Schaffer, but have no problem voting for Pete Coors in the general election.
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