December 24, 2008 09:37 AM UTC

Someone Else Not Seeking Senate Appointment

• 8 Comments
• by: Jeff Bridges

I suppose it’s feast or famine here on Pols for my friend and President of the Children’s Museum of Denver Tom Downey. Earlier today we reported that former US Senate candidate Buddy Moore tried to run over Downey in a parking dispute prior to Barack Obama’s acceptance speech last August.

Apparently determined to make it a double-Downey day, I received the following release this afternoon from the Children’s Museum (which you should really take your kids to if you’re a good parent):

Tom Downey Removes Self from Consideration for US Senate

Denver, CO- Following the slew of elected officials and community leaders disclosing that they are seeking appointment to the US Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Ken Salazar, Tom Downey, President of the Children’s Museum, has asked Gov. Ritter to remove his name from consideration. Upon hearing of Downey’s withdrawal, Gov. Ritter was quoted as saying, “Tom who?”

Downey felt obligated to make his announcement after a “ripple, rather than a flood” of inquiries… exclusively from people who work for him and whose salaries he controls, in response to Downey’s not-so-subtle soliciting, and usually after awkward silences. [emphasis added]



In removing himself from consideration, Downey noted that he still had many goals to accomplish at the Children’s Museum. He also proved himself to be a pathetic political wannabe by saying that he wanted to spend more time with his family. Downey’s mother-in-law, Helen Fox, responded by saying, “Oh, get over yourself.”  In a sign of supporting Downey’s decision, Gov. Ritter’s Chief of Staff, Jim Carpenter, said, “Please stop bothering me!”

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While I fully admit the political news has slowed to a trickle over the holidays, this is still one of the funniest “releases” I’ve ever read. Also, come on – how many more people with clearly no shot at getting the Senate appointment will announce their interest (or lack thereof)? Downey just pointed out in a rather creative way how this whole process has jumped the shark.

And in case you’re wondering, yeah, I want it. Now will someone please make me a facebook group already?