Hefley won’t seek 11th term this fall (Colorado Congressman)

Congressman Joel Hefley announced late Thursday afternoon that he will not seek an 11th term in Congress, setting the stage for what could be one of the most crowded Republican primaries in the nation.

Hefley, a Republican from Colorado Springs, sent out a news release just before 4 p.m. stating that he had reached the decision with mixed feelings.

“I like my job and it is an enormous honor and privilege to represent the people of the 5th District of Colorado,” Hefley wrote. “I have received a great deal of encouragement to run again and I appreciate that support, but the timing seems right to move on to other opportunities.”

The press release was as unassuming as Hefley was throughout most of his career. The 70-year-old

rancher had been largely anonymous in Washington, D.C., spending most of his career defending and expanding Fort Carson.

That changed in late 2004, however, when the House ethics committee that he chaired reprimanded House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. DeLay reacted angrily, and Hefley was removed from his chairmanship in early 2005.

That thrust the former state legislator into the national ethics debate and pitted him against the most powerful man in Congress.

In recent months, Hefley had gotten support from both local leaders and from the White House to run again. Though former El Paso County Sheriff John Anderson announced last month that he would challenge Hefley in a primary, most other potential Republican candidates had voiced their support for him to run again.

Part of this is really misleading. Joel Hefley has always been a strong conservative and supported every effort to lower taxes and reduce government.

Hefley's leaving his position as committee chair was part of the limits in place and had nothing to do with the internal politics in DC.

2 posted on 02/16/2006 4:19:48 PM PST by Morgan in Denver

Yes, you're right about why he left it.

But, I was proud of Hefley for standing up for what he thought was right on the ethics committee.

We can only hope and try hard to choose another man as good as Hefley has been.

I know Joel Hefley and he's been a good representative for both the citizens of Colorado and the nation. He has large shoes to fill, and I hope Colorado Springs is capable of supporting someone as well qualified as Joel has been.

4 posted on 02/16/2006 5:10:34 PM PST by Morgan in Denver

Big news. Joel Hefley, my man from Colorado Springs is leaving after 20 years. Sad day for Colorado Springs, the state of Colorado and the GOP.

Hefley is a good man, a good conservative and a loyal Republican. He will be missed.

5 posted on 02/16/2006 9:07:27 PM PST by Reagan Man (Secure our borders;punish employers who hire illegals;stop all welfare to illegals)

Former El Paso County Sheriff John Anderson is the only announced candidate who even resembles a conservative Republican. Maybe I should run. LOL

6 posted on 02/16/2006 9:09:10 PM PST by Reagan Man (Secure our borders;punish employers who hire illegals;stop all welfare to illegals)

Judging from your personal FR page, I think you'd be great. Go for it!

7 posted on 02/17/2006 3:08:22 AM PST by Morgan in Denver

Thanks for the encouragment. ~chuckling~ Too much old baggage.

8 posted on 02/17/2006 8:35:18 AM PST by Reagan Man (Secure our borders;punish employers who hire illegals;stop all welfare to illegals)

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