As the Denver Post's Kurtis Lee reported late last night:
Former U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo, known for his strong stances on immigration, said late Wednesday night he plans to formally announce a run for governor on a conservative talk radio show Thursday.
“This Dunlap thing is the last straw,” said Tancredo in a message.
As most of our readers know, former Rep. Tom Tancredo challenged Gov. John Hickenlooper in 2010, following the implosion of leading GOP contender Scott McInnis in a plagiarism scandal leaving the hopelessly unqualified Dan Maes as the Republican nominee. Tancredo temporarily affiliated with the minor American Constitution Party to mount his bid, as it was too late for him to run as a Republican.
Notwithstanding whatever boost a Tancredo campaign might get in the short run from Hickenlooper's controversial decision to grant a reprieve to convicted murderer Nathan Dunlap, the fact remains that Tancredo is a symbol of everything the modern GOP is trying to get away from. Tancredo's anti-immigrant obsession has made him a repellent figure among the fast-group bloc of voters in the United States, and his frequent extreme rhetorical outbursts make Tancredo a severe liability to his political allies every time he grabs a microphone.
Having said that, he did get lots of endorsements in 2010, and just over 36% of the vote in a three-way race.
Does Tancredo have the clout in Republican circles to forestall a widely-expected primary? Or will we see a drawn-out contest between Tancredo, Greg Brophy, Scott Gessler–and maybe others? We, and Gov. Hickenlooper, will be watching closely.
UPDATE: As announced on Peter Boyles' radio show this morning:
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Let's not get too celebratory, GOPers might realize why!
If Tancredo really wants to help, he'll get out of the way for someone who can beat Hick.
Hick is beatable, more so every day. Let's play it smart and win!
Dan Maes is tan and rested, and his car is tuned up for collecting per diems, between secret agenting. Scott McInnis is waiting in the wings, and he's been collecting some great material! Josh Penry is a shoe in! Then there's Tim Foster and that guy from Rhode Island. Hell, this might be Tanc's best chance to come in Second twice in a row yet!
OK, oh ironically named one….who could beat Hick right now?
Name 'em.
Can Tanc forestall a primary? My first reaction is … seriously? My second reaction is, if he really can get enough support that nobody else bothers, the Colorado GOP must be in worse shape than in Dems' wildest dreams.
Who knows, maybe Greg Brophy can save them from Tom Tancredo.
Yes, BC, they really are that fucked I believe.
Expect Brophy to run. What else is he going to do? Doubtful that Hick will create a Dept of Clocks and put him in charge.
I'm so glad Tanc has his juices ready because that means it's going to be an entertaining show. I was prepared to be unenthused by this race but could be changing my mind…
I really wish he hadn't ended that statement about his "juices" with the word "baby."
I require brain bleach.
My favorite part of his last run was the way ol' beej dropped his boy Maes like a hot potato and got behind this guy, as did most of the state's registered Republicans. Such principles!
So, what's Tanc's platform going to be? Bring back the Klan and lynch Dunlap?
So, is there ANY Democrat or Democratically-leaning individual in Colorado (or anywhere in the world, for that matter) that does not see this as good news for Hickenlooper? Can he really be that lucky twice in a row? Will his real challenge come from somewhere on his other flank? As much as I am repulsed by Tom Tancredo, his message, what he stands for, his persona…en todo…I am glad to see him throw his name in the hat. I wish there were not people like Tom Tancredo, but I prefer them in the open and light rather than scuttling around in the dark like a cockroach. Plus I always loved the Clown Car.
Besides being a total bigot and all round dick, Tanc is the most completely selfish, self serving, self centered individual in Colorado politics and probably in politics period. Most of the crazy fringe GOP pols really do believe in stuff, granted most of it pretty disgusting or just plain ignorant. Tanc honestly couldn't care less about advancing anything he supposedly believes in, probably because he doesn't believe in anything but his own D list rightie celeb career. He is pure unadulterated 100% flim flam huckster. On a certain level you have to admire that. Purity is so rare. And a special thank you to the 36% stupid or spiteful enough to back him against the not conservative enough (seriously?) Colorado GOP establishment to make a point. Can't wait for the Palin and Akin endorsements.
Well he did come out and support Amendment 64 so he has an inside shot the Marijuana supporters. Hickenlooper needs to start showing some leadership soon. This Dunlap punt is a political disaster for him particularly when his office specificly torpedoed Death Penalty Repeal legislation. He better hope it passes next to keep from looking like a complete fraud.
Certainly not a great poitical move with even most Dem pols struggling to find better than tepidly positive things to say. But between the fading, the R field and the irrepressible Tommy Tanc, the Hick luck will probably hold.
So, delared we have the dude from RI, Tancredo and Gessler. Come on Brophy, better hurry up! Suthers?
I welcome a vigorous debate as to who should succeed Hickenlooper's failed administration.
Right now, I believe Scott Gessler is best equipped to take on Hickenlooper and win.
I thought you wanted Tim Foster Josh Penry Greg Brophy? Really, Gessler's the one for today, huh?
[. . . awaiting further instructions from
the borgthe overlords who pay him . . . ]He welcomes a debate, so he can hike up his skirt and run away from it?
Well, at least until he's fully vetted. Then it will be on to the next.
But recall- arapgop
believesknows in his/heart of hearts that the sleeping giant will carry any R tovictorya tight racea job withMarriottthe biggest employer in Coloradothe feds.But, sure Guessler has won state wide, so there is that. Of course, the gig doesn't pay that well. And the discretionary fund is…well, none.
You've never once debated anything here. You just drop your loads and never respond.
Goop,
So, Gessler will serve as SOS while moonlighting as a private attorney while running for Governor while covering his tracks for (ahem) "businsess trips" billed to the state? Wow, you're right — he must be very talented, indeed. Seems the GOP knows how to pick 'em.