Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper on Friday told his Cabinet officers that he has not ruled out running for governor, but said that so far he has not found a compelling reason to enter the race.
The mayor told his top appointees that perhaps he should listen to the political activists and supporters who are pressuring him to run, said people who attended the meeting.
“A number of people from both sides of the political aisle continue to encourage the mayor to consider running,” said Lindy Eichenbaum Lent, Hickenlooper’s spokeswoman. “He has learned nothing so far to convince him to run, as he absolutely loves being mayor of Denver.”
The pressure on Hickenlooper to get into the race is rising because candidates need a year to raise enough money to mount a statewide campaign. Hickenlooper was scheduled to meet with a prominent Democratic fundraiser Saturday, a source said Friday.
In recent weeks, privately commissioned polls found Hickenlooper was popular with voters statewide.
Some Democrats want Hickenlooper or another candidate to get into the race because they are unsatisfied with former Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter’s opposition to abortion rights.
Earlier this month, state Rep. Gary Lindstrom of Summit County announced his candidacy. He has campaigned on growth issues and the high price of gasoline in mountain towns.
U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez and former University of Denver president Marc Holtzman are vying for the Republican nomination.
Three Cabinet officers and two other staffers confirmed that Hickenlooper addressed the matter during the private meeting Friday.
Staff writer Mark P. Couch can be reached at 303-820-1794 or mcouch@denverpost.com.
