December 23, 2011 01:09 AM UTC

Tim Allport to Take on Libby Szabo

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• by: Colorado Pols

With Dianne Primavera itching to take back her old House seat, all eyes turned to former State Representative Sara Gagliardi. Gagliardi narrowly lost her 2010 election to Republican Libby Szabo.

Of course, Primavera likely decided to run after 2010 winner Don Beezely announced he wouldn’t be seeking a second term. But Szabo is running for re-election, and her incumbency is probably enough to ward off a battle weary Gagliardi.

Gagliardi probably had a better chance than most to win her seat back for the Democratic caucus, but HD-27 has always been a tough nut to crack. Even after reapportionment, the Arvada seat is fairly favorable to Republicans. Treasurer Cary Kennedy lost the district with 47% of the vote in her 2010 campaign, and Republicans hold an 8% lead in registration numbers. Though it was a critical 2010 win for Frank McNulty, it’s less likely that Mark Ferrandino will pour resources into the seat in 2012 – there are easier ways to gain back the majority.

Still, Democrats need a candidate capable enough to bolster races up-ballot despite a daunting fight to win the seat. Who, then, is going to run against Szabo?

Cue Democratic activist Tim Allport:

Having served the people of Colorado as a public employee and as an active member of the community, I have a unique background and a strong passion to serve. As a long-time advocate for working families, I have seen Coloradans struggle during this long Recession. I am passionate about finding ways to get them back to work in good-paying jobs and providing a quality education for their children so that they grow up to have a real chance at finding success in America.

My family was always engaged in the political process and while my views have evolved, be assured that my commitment to civic responsibly is stronger than ever. I will work hard to improve our district, our community and the state of Colorado. Like most people who run for office, I have core beliefs, but am committed to getting things done. I will achieve results, respond to everybody and do a great job for the people of House District 27 and the City of Arvada, Colorado.

Thank you for your support.

Allport is a familiar face to many Democrats both in Arvada and the Denver Metro Area. He’s the current chair of the Colorado Democratic Party’s Labor Initiative and a staple of Democratic fundraisers across the county.

But can he win? Allport’s certainly connected enough to the activist core of the Colorado Democratic Party, and we suspect that every notable Dem in Jeffco will at least go canvass for the labor leader. Whether or not he poses a serious threat to Szabo, however, all comes down to his fundraising. If Allport’s numbers are competitive, HD-27 might be useful in the Democratic attempt to regain the House.

If Allport doesn’t pull in the amount of money he needs to, however, it gives good reason for Democrats to ignore HD-27 and focus on easier ways to recapture the speaker’s office. The next few weeks, then, will be critical to the overall viability of Allport’s campaign as he both picks off low-hanging fruit and reaches out to new donors.