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August 28, 2009 09:33 PM UTC

Maybe Conservatives Really Don't Want Norton?

  • 31 Comments
  • by: Colorado Pols

Yesterday afternoon, we discussed rumors that the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) was committing resources to still-undeclared Senate candidate Jane Norton, which would (if true) likely have the effect of clearing the GOP primary field on her behalf.

Interestingly, the discussion about this was originating on conservative Colorado political blogs–we were immediately reminded of the faux “concern” rightie blogs displayed after gubernatorial candidate Scott McInnis’ now-infamous voicemail message was leaked…on the same right-wing blogs. Our first assumption was that all this traffic about the NRSC and Norton yesterday was of similarly duplicitous origins.

But this morning, to be fair to our colleagues on the right, we’re second-guessing that. Further commentary today from the “People’s Press Collective” is relatively convincing:

As we previously alluded to, there does indeed appear to be a plot underway among a tiny group of elitists (namely Bill Owens, Bob Beauprez, and John Cornyn) to silence every Republican activist in the state of Colorado by coronating Jane Norton (who has been absent from grassroots events and silent on running for Senate until only days ago) as the candidate for U.S. Senate. CompleteColorado.com has unearthed evidence that the NRSC is actively helping pro-tax candidate Jane Norton and appears to be preparing to meddle in Colorado’s Senate primary.

This isn’t entirely without precedent for NRSC chairman John Cornyn and Co.. Cornyn’s decision to back Florida Gov. Charlie Crist over conservative Marco Rubio set off a massive backlash from outraged conservatives nationwide. Only weeks ago, the NRSC made fools of themselves in an oddly familiar story from the New Hampshire primary. Cornyn and the NRSC attempted to back Kelly Ayotte, an untested candidate who has never actually stood for election (sound familiar?) and had to back away after stronger than expected backlash from New Hampshire Republicans.

Ben DeGrow points out that Jane Norton’s fundraising record isn’t exactly stellar which somewhat undercuts the rationale for Norton’s candidacy being put forward in some quarters. This leads to the question of what John Cornyn felt was missing from our Senate race. Was he afraid we would pick a fiscally conservative candidate and felt to need to seek out and recruit one of the small handful of Republicans that endorsed Referenda C and D?

Sounds like sincere fighting words, wouldn’t you say? Maybe not an act after all? A poll follows.

Will Jane Norton face a conservative revolt if the NRSC muscles her in?

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31 thoughts on “Maybe Conservatives Really Don’t Want Norton?”

  2. Republicans weren’t too hot on McInnis in 2008 but that doesn’t mean they weren’t pissed off over the intervention in that primary. Giving everyone an excuse to draw a line in the sand may not have been the smartest move.

      1. Considering Frazier has underwhelmed insiders with his fundraising, and is socially liberal to boot, Ken Buck has an opportunity to capitalize on this as the titular conservative in the primary.

        If I was Buck, I would re-double my efforts to finish this quarter as strong as possible while Norton and her operation try and get their act together.

        It’s about time for Ken Buck to secure his conservative credentials by lining up the public support of the cave trolls like Lundberg, Brophy and Schultheis.  

  4. Sounds like she already is facing one.

    But if it as successful as the “revolts” cited in the article against Crist (isn’t that closet a bit cramped?) and Ayotte, she doesn’t have anything to worry about….

  5. Norton get’s the who she-bang.  Buck retires the campaign, Frazier transfers to CD-7, and Wiens forgets he ever formed a committee.  

    It’s Norton v. Bennet, folks.  

  7. http://www.denverpost.com/brea…

    “To read anything further would be misleading and wrong,” Wilkerson said. “We already have two other great Republicans running for this seat in 2010, and we believe any of these potential candidates will unseat Michael Bennet next November.”

    Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck and Aurora City Councilman Ryan Frazier have already announced for Senate.

    “The NRSC has been kind enough to visit with me about the race, but that’s about the extent of their involvement,” Frazier said today.

    Buck was not available for comment.

  8. If the NRSC is pushing her it means that she polls well AND that Ken Buck has negatives and is polling poorly. I would have thought Buck’s job history as a career prosecutor would poll very well. Norton is articulate but has a fairly shallow resume

  9. If Frazier and Buck both leave this race, I might just consider jumping in

    Honestly – I’m bothered by past transgressions on REF C

    Yes, I am pro-gay-marriage and a lil’ liberal on some issues, but I am as right-wing on fiscal conservatism as Doug Bruce….. I expect the same from a Republican Senator….

    2. has the best services, roads, police force and infrastructure in the state if not nation!  

      Doug Bruce and fiscal policy just sound good together, don’t they!  

  10. While the theory is that Bennet is very beatable being recently appointed and having no experience running, the facts on the ground are that Bennet is nailing it. He’s going to win this race – by a lot.

    So why should anyone put in a killer effort to get trounced in November?

    1. Bennet is from a wealth east coast family and his wife is a trust funder. He is smart but comes across as a weathly 17th street type. He picked fights with minority neighborhoods and helped usher in Joe Nachio. I think it is a stretch to think he will win by alot.

        1. Bennet had $1.2 million cash on hand last filing. He’s not going to be relying on anybody except his donors.

          The 527s will have more of an effect on the Governor’s race than the Senate race because of the smaller contribution limits.

            1. And national groups (and the parties) will dump a lot into the Senate race.

              But I agree with RSB, state 527–much of it from out-of-state oil and gas companies–will dump millions into the Gov’s race.

              As far as tossing around the term ‘sugardaddy’ you might be careful MAH, since you–quite literally, not figuratively–have one of your own.

              1. The funds that I put into HD56 were all my own, none my family’s (outside of a couple $400 contribution checks) – you’re welcome to check SOS to confirm

                As far as how my money was made, a large amount was from political commentary, which you’re welcome to check out here –

                http://www.muhammadalihasan.com

                Don’t bring up stupid accusations, CT – they undermine your own credibility

                You’ll also note that there was not a single 527 that had any kind of expenditure in support of my campaign – I didn’t need a 527 SugarDaddy to get my 47%… and we all know that Bennet’s gonna need his to get above 50%, especially with the lack of popularity over this healthcare bill…..

  11. Romanoff gearing up primary challenge of Bennet

    Davis I think you are thoughful but way off mark in assessment of Bennet. I have met him twice and been very underwelmed. Money aside he is an empty suit for Democrats

    1. He’s built up strong support among the base. Most people have come away from him impressed. The fact that he did not reach you does not mean he has not reached many.

      Bennet is most definitely not an empty suit. He’s very thoughtful and intellectual curious. He may come from privlege but while that is not a reason to vote for him, it’s also not a reason to vote against him.

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