November 02, 2011 10:26 PM UTC

Coffman Hitches His Wagon To Perry's Falling Star?

•  
• by: Colorado Pols

As noted in the Colorado Statesman late last week:

Texas Gov. Rick Perry recently announced key members of his Colorado leadership team. U.S. Congressman Mike Coffman will serve as the state chair, with House Majority Leader Amy Stephens and state Rep. Larry Liston serving as state co-chairs. Liston will also serve as the Perry state network coordinator, overseeing grassroots outreach efforts in the state.

“I look forward to bringing my vision to get America working again to Colorado with the help of this outstanding team,”
said Perry…

Coffman goes even further in the release from Gov. Rick Perry’s campaign:

“Gov. Perry’s experience, ideas and proven record of job creation make him the candidate we need to get our nation working again,” said Rep. Coffman. “I am looking forward to being a part of Gov. Perry’s campaign team.”

Given Perry’s quick flameout in the polls and seemingly tough situation going into the initial primaries, this would seem a bit risky for Mike Coffman, wouldn’t it? Well, in addition to Coffman’s apparent willingness to take reckless political risks, McClatchy reports that Perry could have a come back in him yet–especially with Herman Cain’s flash in the pan nearly over:

In less than three months, Perry has nosedived in the polls and is drawing comparisons with candidates from past races who showed early promise but quickly tanked. Now the question often asked is whether Perry’s quest for the presidency is nearing an end or poised for a new beginning and an ultimate rebound.

“The polls go up and down, but when it comes to jobs, conservative record, policy initiatives and resources, Perry is well-positioned to win,” insists Ray Sullivan, Perry’s communications director. And, to varying degrees, a number of independent analysts share that assessment, saying it’s far too early to dismiss Texas’ longest-serving governor as a spent force in the national political arena.

Perry’s strategy for winning – and rebounding from his slide in the polls – rests on a number of factors, including $17 million in fundraising, aggressive campaigning on television and social media, more selective engagement in debates, magnifying his jobs-oriented economic message, and intense personal campaigning to accent Perry’s proven skills at working a crowd.

And in the key swing state of Colorado, Mike Coffman’s smiliing mug leads the way. It seems to us there’s also some risk to Perry if Coffman, who has run himself pretty seriously afoul of the Latino community, becomes identified with Perry here. Perry is counting on his moderate immigration credentials if he gets far enough to reach out to those voters in a general election.

In the meantime, a poll for Team Perry Colorado follows–does he still have a shot?

 Loading ...