Golden – Jefferson County Treasurer Mark Paschall pulled out of the Republican race for the 7th Congressional District on Wednesday, saying his fundraising was stymied by Washington heavyweights who threw their support behind Rick O’Donnell.
“I had high hopes of having some national groups come in and help, like Gun Owners of America and Congressman Ron Paul, R-Texas, but none of that came through,” Paschall said.
Paschall said he would seek a second term as treasurer in November and promised he would contribute to creating “the leanest, most efficient and taxpayer-friendly county in the state.”
Paschall decided about a week ago to withdraw from one of the most competitive races in the country. “My campaign was on life support for the last couple of months,” he said.
According to Federal Election Commission filings, Paschall raised $12,675 from a dozen donors as of Sept. 30.
In comparison, O’Donnell, executive director of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education and the only other Republican candidate for the seat being vacated by Bob Beauprez, has raised more than $400,000.
“Last spring, I did what I call the ‘kiss the ring’ tour back in D.C.,” Paschall said, where he informed “all the players” that he was interested. “Obviously, they didn’t buy it, and I didn’t get any support from them.”
Paschall said he is not considering leaving the Republican Party, but he dislikes the national power politics “that dictate who we get to vote for in Colorado.”
Staff writer Ann Schrader can be reached at 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
