Colorado needs a candidate for governor who fits all of the above: Grounded in, and committed to, conservative principles Understands state issues and how state government works Has demonstrated leadership Has experience in business Can garner funds and sufficient broad-based support to wage an effective late campaign Isn't tainted by ethics scandals Is more likely to attract independent voters rather than repel them with wild, off-the-cuff remarks Can unite the Republican banner under conservative, limited government principles Given the circumstances, I have had a difficult time coming up with any really great options. But here's an idea: What about state senator (and assistant minority leader) Greg Brophy? … [Read more...]

It's been two full months since the last ranking of state senate races. A few candidates have been weeded out, and Colorado's primary election is four weeks away. Republicans need to pull off the feat of winning four seats to regain the majority in the 35-seat upper chamber, which means they have to take 5 of the 6 competitive races (out of 19 total this cycle). But it's certainly not outside the realm of possibility. In fact, based on recent fundraising reports, I feel more strongly about my prediction that there's a better than even chance of a GOP takeover. Without further ado, here are the updated rankings of competitive state senate races, based on the likelihood of switching party control: … [Read more...]

For the first time today, Rasmussen Reports released survey data on the Colorado gubernatorial race that included Dan Maes as a candidate. The result? A tie in the head-to-head matchup: Maes 41, Hickenlooper 41. At the same time, the presumed Republican frontrunner Scott McInnis leads Denver's Democratic mayor 46-41 -- a statistically consistent advantage over the past three months. Hickenlooper remains the candidate who draws the strongest reactions either way, while Maes' very favorable-to-very unfavorable ratio of 9-8 is similar in proportion to the more well known McInnis' 16-14. … [Read more...]

In the long-term battle for liberty, limited government and Constitutional Founding principles, it is crucial to focus attention and energy on this year's election for state legislative seats. Among other things, these candidates bring the opportunity to change majorities before redistricting begins and strengthen the bench for future runs at higher office. Those who follow my writings here are familiar with my analyses of Colorado's 2010 state senate and state house races. In the same spirit, I was very pleased to see my friend and Republican national committeeman / former state treasurer Mark Hillman start a new feature on his "Capitol Review" email updates:This year, you're hearing much about candidates for federal office, but … [Read more...]