Let’s Elect Bob Schaffer

Since I have no way to turn this blog orange without creating complete havoc, let me just urge readers to use your imagination: pretend the site (or at least this post) is colored a blazing orange!

Why, you ask? In support of Bob Schaffer, who right now is seriously contemplating whether to answer the many calls to run for National Committeeman. Tomorrow is the State Central Committee meeting and the moment of truth. Thanks to all those who have written and urged Bob to run. I feel confident he will make the right choice.

I’ve been active in Republican politics for most of a decade now (one-third of my life!). And I can honestly say, that in all my years of political activity, I have never encountered anyone that possesses and displays the combination of deep principle, vast knowledge, acumen, integrity, personal warmth and good humor of Bob Schaffer.

I moved to Colorado from Michigan in the summer of 2002. In April 2003, a mutual friend arranged a personal meeting for me and former Congressman Bob Schaffer. At that point, he was still quite fresh in his return from Washington, D.C., having impressed countless observers with his decision to honor his term-limits pledge against all the tide of political winds telling him it would be no big deal to fudge it. “What kind of example would it teach my family?” was his chief concern.

Bob came back to Colorado and was taking a lead role in education reform activities. My one-hour meeting with him in a small delicatessen in Denver impressed me beyond belief. He took my resume and a writing sample, and I thought I might never hear from him again. But nine months later he called me back with a new opportunity to help the education reform movement, and I gladly swept it up.

I was at dinner with him and a group of about 8 or 9 people the evening that Ben Nighthorse Campbell announced he wasn’t running for re-election. I remember his remarks about the frequent calls and e-mails on his Blackberry urging him to take a stab at the Senate race. I don’t need to rehash all that history, except to say it was a great honor over the next 5 months to volunteer many hours on his campaign. Even though he lost in the primary, I hold no hard feelings at all.

Now comes an opportunity where there should be no disagreement whatsoever. Bob Schaffer is the man of the hour to run for National Committeeman – a man committed to God, family, and country; a man who represents Colorado values; a man who has a deep and personal connection with the grassroots of the state’s Republican party; a man with the knowledge, experience, and convictions to get the job done.

Let’s do the right thing – to echo the words of Clay: Let’s elect Bob Schaffer!

I hope to see you this afternoon at BLOGFEST.