Josh Penry: Rising Colorado GOP Star

There’s no need to recount the many woes and difficulties Colorado Republicans have faced in recent years, dethroned and demoralized by a well-funded and well-planned onslaught from the Left in the 2004 and 2006 elections.

Thanks especially to the principled and savvy work of several key lawmakers in the caucus, the Republicans finally held their own this year. They have set the table for a comeback in Colorado, but the road is still arduous and uphill.

The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel shines the light on one of the most prominent – if not the most prominent – GOP rising stars: Senator Josh Penry. The Sentinel reports on the growing speculation that their 32-year-old hometown hero will lead the Senate Republicans next year:

Sen. Greg Brophy, R-Wray, said Penry’s political prowess and ability to negotiate from a position of strength, even as a member of the minority party, makes him a prime candidate to lead the Republican caucus.

“He’s definitely the future of the Republican Party in Colorado, particularly in the Senate,” Brophy said.

Senate Minority Leader Andrew McElhany, R-Colorado Springs, who has served as the Senate’s top Republican since mid-2005, is term-limited this year after serving six years in the House and eight years in the Senate.

“(Penry) has a nose for what’s important,” Brophy said. “And it seems like he finds a way to be involved in those things that are really important.”

Meanwhile, Sentinel reporter Mike Saccone surveys readers on his blog as to Penry’s next destination. (I voted for “The governor’s mansion.” To me, the only question is when. But maybe it’s wishful thinking on my part.)

Politically speaking, there’s light at the end of the tunnel for some semblance of limited government and fiscal conservatism.