August 29, 2005 08:00 AM UTC

What About Mike Coffman?

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• by: Colorado Pols

UPDATE: Mike Coffman’s campaign issued a press release strongly stating that he plans to run for Secretary of State (click on the link at the bottom of this post for the full release):

Maj. Mike Coffman, who is on an unpaid military leave of absence to help with the reconstruction efforts in Iraq, will run for Secretary of State when he returns to Colorado early next spring.

It’s interesting that Coffman’s camp felt compelled to issue this statement, which could be a further indication that Gigi Dennis’ appointment was not made with Coffman’s interests in mind.

Gigi Dennis was appointed Colorado Secretary of State (SOS) today in a move that could signal trouble for Mike Coffman, the Republican State Treasurer who has announced plans to run for SOS in 2006.

In a press conference at the State Capitol today, Dennis did not rule out running for re-election. She did not rule out running for the post when the term expires next year. “It’s way too soon to even talk about it,” she said.

Whether Dennis runs or not, this appointment obviously wasn’t made with Coffman’s interests in mind. There’s no Democratic candidate for SOS just yet, but it sounds like we may have two Republicans unless Coffman has another seat in mind (Lt. Governor, perhaps?)

Coloradans for Coffman Statement on Appointment of Secretary of State

Coffman’s assignment is the Elections Officer. His responsibilities for the remainder of the year will be focused exclusively on working with the Independent Elections Commission of Iraq with the upcoming
elections in the province. After the December election, Coffman will be an advisor to the newly elected government in Al Anbar province until the end of his tour of duty in March.