Posted on 03/24/2005 12:23:41 PM PST by ChuckK
U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar jostled the Colorado governor's race from halfway around the world Tuesday, saying he would not rule out a candidacy in 2006.
Salazar called a group of reporters from the Republic of Georgia on Tuesday, where a congressional delegation had just landed after a long day surveying conditions inside the high-security "Green Zone" in Baghdad, Iraq.
After he spoke at length about progress and pitfalls that lie ahead in Iraq, a reporter asked Salazar about a published report that he had not ruled out running for governor in 2006.
"I love what I'm doing as a U.S. senator, and you know I expect that I will continue on as a U.S. senator," said Salazar, who took office less than three months ago.
"But I also don't want to say never to a possibility that I will change my mind between now and 2006. I love the state of Colorado, and I think there are things I could do as governor in Colorado; but I also am very much enjoying serving the people in the state in my current position."
He quickly added: "I have no immediate plans to run for governor."
In theory, if Salazar were elected governor, he could wait to be sworn-in, resign from the Senate, and appoint a replacement. Presumably, that would keep the seat in Democratic hands.
Salazar aides and other Democrats said people should not try to read too much into the comments. Still, with Congress away on recess and the governor's race yet to fully take shape, Salazar's comments gave Washington pundits something to buzz about.
"I might attribute his statements today to jet lag," said political analyst Jennifer Duffy of the Cook Political Report. "I can't imagine he could seriously contemplate a move like this so soon."
"It would be awkward," Duffy added. "There's a point where you look too ambitious, and that all your moves are very, very political. . . . If you run for governor less than two years later, I think the voters are going to have some questions about what your intentions are."
Gov. Bill Owens will depart after 2006 due to term limits. Among Republicans, U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez, former Rep. Scott McInnis, state Treasurer Mike Coffman and University of Denver President Marc Holtzman all are considering a run.
Potential Democratic contenders include Rutt Bridges, who founded the Big Horn Center for Public Policy, and former Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter.
Since Rep. Mark Udall recently decided against running, some Republicans, including McInnis, believe Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper might join the race.
So what about Salazar? State Democratic Party chairwoman Pat Waak said that she was surprised by his statement Tuesday but that it might not mean much. "I don't know how much I'd read into that," Waak said.
Bridges said he's not surprised Salazar would not rule out the race.
"It's just a long way to November 2006," Bridges said. "Never is a strong word. It's unwise to use the word never in politics."
Unless you're honest or have principles.
Not ruling something out doesn't mean the person isn't honest or doesn't have principles.
Salazar is pretty popular here - even among some Republicans. I hope we can narrow the Republican field early, and I hope the ones that are running behind can defer to the front-runner to prevent a replay of Coors/Schaffer.
Because can not rule things out. But if you never say never, it's just because you're a spineless opportunistic weasel who refuses to make a commitment because he's never met a commitment he wouldn't break.
Wow. That's .... wow.
"Honest people CAN not rule things out." But if they never rule ANYTHING out etc etc
I'm not saying he has never ruled ANYTHING out. I feel sure he's ruled out running for city council this next year. But I don't blame the guy for keeping his options open on the governor's race. If he is a good public servant (not saying he is, but just if . . .), he will want to be in the office where he can do the most good for the people. There's a good running debate on whether that is in the Senate or as a Governor.
"Never is a strong word. It's unwise to use the word never in politics." -- Rutt Bridges
PLEASE tell me where we disagree????? I said the Rutt Bridges quote, and those following that, um, "principle", showed a lack of honest principle. You seem to agree with me, but claim disagreement somewhere.
I'm disagreeing because I don't see anything dishonest about what Senator Salazar said. Hell, I think you could argue that he's more honest than most by laying more of his cards out on the table.
Coors was a terrible choice - true conservatives can win most of these races.
Upon reflection after the election, I agree with you that Coors was a poor choice. At the time though we really thought he was the only one that had a chance against Salazar. I still believe Salazar would have beaten Schaffer. There are a minority of Republicans (mainly ranchers and rural voters) that have supported him throughout his career and some even know him and are friends with him. I think they'll regret their votes someday.
Let me clarify. Last year at this time we were wishing Owens would run. If he did not we thought Coors was our best hope.
I haven't commented on Salazar's statement. If it's because he'll never say never, as Rutt suggests, then I condemn that approach. If it's "don't say never this time", well, I think it's a goofy thing to not rule out at least, but that isn't the situation I was talking about.
Owens really screwed the pooch by not running. Flushed his national ambitions down the drain with the resulting electoral debacle.
Anybody know if Salazar's brother thought of running? Or maybe Ken Salazar can run, and then appoint his brother as Senator.
Better yet, they can bring in another carpet-bagger. I hear Al Gore and Gray Davis are looking for a job.
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