Scott McInnis, Reloaded

by: Colorado Pols

Mon Oct 05, 2009 at 21:42:42 PM MDT

Rep. Bob Gardner began his introductory speech at the Capitol today by talking about how many people "in this building" (referring to the Capitol) have endorsed McInnis. But when it came time to list names, apparently Gardner could only come up with a few Colorado Springs-area legislators: Larry Liston, Mark Waller, and of course himself. From there the list of endorsers descended into the deep ranks of county commissioners and "formers" of all levels--including former McInnis staff. Several attendees we've talked to found the list to be oddly underwhelming.

Interestingly, McInnis' harshest ire was directed at an issue he can use against Ritter and primary opponent Josh Penry equally: McInnis blasted Ritter for his treatment of 'Colorado's second largest employer,' the U.S. Army, over Ritter's (and Penry's) opposition to expansion of the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. Clearly intended to curry favor with El Paso County primary voters, we've questioned McInnis' support for the Army against Pinon Canyon ranchers as politically self-destructive and contrary to the views of most of the property rights-sensitive GOP base.

According to sources, the State Capitol west steps were reserved for today's event by Rep. Gardner, who estimated 150 people would attend. Reportedly, they got around seventy, including press and Mike Huttner busily passing around "Breast Cancer Awareness Week" press releases.

Bottom line: In July, Josh Penry rolled out his campaign (everyone agrees he only did this once) in a way that grabbed headlines nationally and inspired beleaguered Republican activists around the state. Whatever its net importance to a long campaign, or what the early polls say, McInnis' "reboot" needs to pull that momentum back in a decisive way.

What he did today will not be enough.