Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced today that he is not running for Governor of Colorado and threw his support behind Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper (who has yet to announce himself). So, unless there are more surprises here - John Hickenlooper is probably the new opponent for Republican Scott McInnis.
Now, there was some polling released today showing McInnis up against both Hickenlooper and Salazar, which caused some to comment on my comments-section fretting about a potential Hickenlooper candidacy. And while the numbers are far better than I expected, as a Coloradoan I know just how dangerous Hickenlooper is. When he ran for Mayor, he was something of a long shot – but by the end of the campaign, everybody loved “Hick”. Seriously, how can you not like a professional microbrewery operator with a funny name and even funnier campaign commercials?
Listen, Hickenlooper may not be as bulletproof as I thought (thank goodness). However, if he can pull a surprise come-from-behind mayoral win, he sure as heck can come from 5 points down against Scott McInnis. I will also stand by my claim that - if he wins – Hickenlooper quickly becomes a Democratic frontrunner in the 2016 presidential election. Yeah, I may be overstating this a little – but I’m doing this for a reason. We CAN NOT underestimate this guy. Take a look at these TV ads and you’ll see why…
January 7th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
You’re right, those commercials are pretty good. Hickenlooper will be tough to beat. Has Hickenlooper been a competent mayor?
January 7th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Dude. I want to vote for him.
January 7th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
ogrepete: I would say he has been a normal politician, he has his goods and bads. But overal I think he has not done anything crazy to hurt Denver, but noone in office is 100%. And it seems he really thinks the things he does will help make life better in Denver, so, I at elst think that counts for something. I think he cares less about his image than the final result being positive.
January 7th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
I remember on the Hewitt show, some controversy over his restaurants hiring illegals, then again I was surprised that Ritter made it all.
January 7th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
1 – Can’t remember which magazine it was, but he did get named as on of the top big-city mayors in the nation. So yeah – he’s been a “good mayor” and is VERY popular in Denver.
January 7th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
“then again I was surprised that Ritter made it all”
Ritter made it in because it was 2006, Democarats were winning everything, he had no primary opposition (Hickenlooper was thinking about it but decided agaisnt) and the GOP has a less-than-stellar candidate.
January 7th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
He’s a Steve Jobs democrat. Although in terms of everything he did to become a success I don’t really understand “why” he’s a democrat. I’ll bet its history, culture, and outlook for government’s role. I’d love to trap him for an hour and see if actually understand’s the “final results” of big government effect on our long term health and in how things “really work”. My guess is that whether some of the authenticity would fade.
January 7th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
To follow up, a Hickenlooper reign would be far more Clinton-esque than what Obamanomics has meant so far. If that ended up reducing our deficits, debt and making our private sector far bigger with respect to our public sector, I dont think most people on this board would mind. Combined with center right congress, we might prosper despite his party affiliation.
January 7th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Between those commercials and his background, I’m even starting to like him… bad sign.
January 7th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
He seems among the most sane of the bunch, which is saying something in the land of Richard Lamm and Gary Hart.
January 7th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Clintonite Democrats are by far the most dangerous electorally, both in the election and in governing. Of course, they govern from the center, and my non-ideological side likes their pragmatism.
That’s why I actually like Clinton’s record as President. Balanced with Congress, he got the job done. Cheney on the other hand was busy running his mouth about “deficits don’t matter”.
President, maybe not so soon, but this guy is going to be a tough candidate for Governor. He’s quite likable for a Democrat. I hope McInnis is ready to shine for this race in order to win.
January 7th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
He brews, jumps, and rides a motorcycle (OK, scooter, but close enough). How is he on gun ownership? So far I’m good with him.
January 7th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
Latest Harris Poll. Leading Influences of the Republican Party. Top three contenders close. Romney leads top three with Sarah a close second.
http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20100107005386&newsLang=en
January 7th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Jack Cafferty Rips Obama on Failed Openness Pledge: ‘Just Another Lie Told for Political Expediency’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pO1oJPps1I
January 7th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Not exactly…
January 7th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
” How is he on gun ownership?” I think he’s pretty big on gun control.
January 7th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
Double checked. Bad on guns, major advoacate of Marijuana legalization, big time greenie.
January 7th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Wow, those are some good political ads…very very effective. I would still take Hickenlooper over an Obama’s and/or Pelosi’s Presidency.
Does anybody else here thing a Pelosi’s Presidency would be a (shiver) scary thing? May God keep Obama and Joe in good health.
January 7th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
New 2012 projections: http://republicanrankings.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-rankings-romney-takes-wyoming-and.html
January 7th, 2010 at 5:02 pm
Joe Biden itself is scary. He’s the model of the kid in class that every time he opens his mouth, you wonder how he could be so incredibly stupid and cocky at the same time. Let’s hope we can just get through four years of Obama
January 7th, 2010 at 5:56 pm
Kavon, my reference to “top three contenders” refers to those three people most believe to be the top three contenders for the GOP nomination in 2012. I believe that my statement is accurate as it stands. (No one that I know suggests that either McCain or Limbaugh are thinking of campaigning for the nomination in 2012. Some believe there is a moderate chance that Newt will run, but none of them believe he is currently tought to be in the top three.)
January 7th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
#21 Harris is an unscientific online poll that uses the same methodology of Zogby Interactive. Meaning it’s complete bs.
http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/03/worst-pollster-in-world-strikes-again.html
January 7th, 2010 at 6:44 pm
Thanks Adam. So good on pot, bad on guns. Damn. Maybe he is teachable about the joys of shooting. Anyone who likes to brew, ride, and jump should easily get into it.
January 7th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Andy Barr just shredded any type of credibility he has by citing the Harris poll in his article without noting that it’s an online, unscientific poll. By not telling readers of his article that it is such an online, unscientific poll, he has allowed Harris to completely pull the rug on him. Harris dishonesty tries to get around the fact that its poll is unscientific but only fools like Barr will buy it.
Notice that Mark Blumenthal from pollster.com hasn’t put up the poll and notice how he put up the Washington Post poll conducted in mid-November that asked similar questions, in addition to the 2012 question? What’ the difference? One’s scientific and the other is an online, unscientific poll.
January 7th, 2010 at 7:12 pm
AKReport – what in the world is your methodology? Palin taking Florida is ridiculous, and she sure as heck won’t take Idaho.
January 7th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Mark Sanford pic should probably be removed from this website. I mean he’s not a presidential contender in the US or in Argentina.
January 7th, 2010 at 7:26 pm
Thanks, Tommy. Wasn’t aware of the shortcomings.
January 7th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Why don’t we just declare 2016 (if Obama wins) Rubio v Hick right now? Stuff the primaries. Funny how a few months ago it was definitely Jindal v Warner or Schwezter or whatever that guy’s name is.
January 7th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
“Palin taking Florida is ridiculous”
Two words: marco rubio
“she sure as heck won’t take Idaho”
she was born there. obama did pretty well in his birth state.
January 7th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
#29:
When did Kenya get to vote in our elections?
(I kid. I’m certainly not a birther.)
January 7th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
AKReport: I am certainly not so sure that Mr.Romney takes Virginia.
January 7th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Virgina is a toss up in my mind.
Palin wins it if huck drops out though.
January 7th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
Palin wins a lot of states if huck drops out.
January 7th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
#32:
Bob McDonnell probably will hold the cards when it comes to Virginia. I’d bet on whoever he endorses to win. Same with Mitch Daniels and Indiana (if he doesn’t run himself).
January 7th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
There probably won’t still be a primary going on when Virginia comes around (hopefully, it’s a competitive Democrat primary) and if there is, we’ve probably lost already.
January 7th, 2010 at 9:32 pm
#35:
Not necessarily. A long primary season keeps whoever becomes our nominee out there in the public eye and lets Republican voters fully vet the candidates. Also, it forces the candidates to build up a competitive infrastructure in as many states as possible which will help in the general election.
January 7th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
The main findings are:
* Palin (24%) is mentioned more often than any other Republican apart from McCain (47%) as a leading voice in the Republican Party. Others mentioned by more than 10% are Limbaugh (21%), Huckabee (13%), Gingrich (12%), Romney (11%), and McConnell (11%).
* Palin is more likely to be seen as influential by Republicans (59%) than by Democrats (39%),
http://www.benzinga.com/press-releases/ … -of-the-pa
January 7th, 2010 at 9:46 pm
Sarah’s got this in the bag.
With Huck in position if she chooses to wait.
They both won’t run. Too smart.
January 7th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
#37 Online, unscientific poll. There’s no need to rely on this one to push the narrative when you’ve got the scientific one from mid-November.
January 7th, 2010 at 11:39 pm
Fair enough, Tom.
January 7th, 2010 at 11:51 pm
“Time for vetting”. Why? McCain failed to adequately vet, so why hold the demo’s to a higher standard?
January 7th, 2010 at 11:52 pm
If Palin ‘wins’, the GOp loses and Obama enjoys a second term.
I know, I know. Some of you actually think she’s ‘qualified’. Sorry to burst the bubble, but she’s so unqualied, it’s not even funny.
January 7th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
yes, she was ‘born there’, but if Romney is running, count on Idaho to not go Palin. Or utah. Or California, Or Arizona, or Wyoming, or Montana, or Nevada, or Alaska, or Oregon, or Washington…. the list goes on and on and on.
January 8th, 2010 at 12:09 am
Sarah Palin Coming to Louisville
The Phil Waldrep Ministries’ “Women of Joy” Conference welcomes former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin . She is scheduled to be in Louisville on April 16th. Palin will speak during the conference about her New York Times Bestseller’s List book entitled “Going Rogue”.
http://www.whas11.com/community/blogs/news-blog/SARAH-PALIN-COMING-TO-LOUISVILLE–80959107.html
January 8th, 2010 at 12:12 am
Taylor Marsh concedes Virginia:
Palin to Headline Tea Party Convention
By Taylor Marsh
http://www.taylormarsh.com/2010/01/07/palin-to-headline-tea-party-convention/
January 8th, 2010 at 1:50 am
I’ll stick up for Palin when it comes to vetting. She had done a fine job as Governor of Alaska and no one should be ashamed for having chosen her on the merits of her past accomplishments.