Eight weeks of fact-finding and soul-searching boiled down to two speeches for John Hickenlooper.
In one, he announced a run for governor. The other confirmed his allegiance to being mayor of Denver. By Sunday night, he said, he still did not know which one he would read to the public.
“We came back from this dinner party,” Hickenlooper said in an interview Monday, just hours after announcing he would not enter the Democratic gubernatorial primary. “I was reading over the speech that was a declaration that I was going to enter the race. And it didn’t sit right.”
For months, Hickenlooper flirted with and then embraced the idea of being gov ernor. Former U.S. Sen. Gary Hart and other powerful Colorado Democrats wooed him with polls showing him out in front and assurances of strong support.
Even Hickenlooper had concluded that he could do more as governor.
“I do believe that the governor’s office does have the greater potential for more positive impact – to make a bigger difference,” he said. “But I think in my case it was just, it was a couple of years too soon.”
But there were also warnings. State Republican leaders were furious when Hickenlooper went back on a promise to stay out of the race and were plotting early attacks to keep the popular Denver mayor from making it through the primary and into a general election, sources said.
Hickenlooper insists he was ready for any mud-slinging. But until early Monday morning, he could not make up his mind.
“Several times over the last couple of weeks I’d go to bed thinking I was going to run,” he said. “But every time I’d wake up, I wasn’t sure.”
In the end, concern that the staff he proudly refers to as the best in any city would feel abandoned won out over a shot at the highest state office.
“There was a recurring theme of people that knew me well who said they wished I’d stay as mayor … and that they felt I’d made a commitment to the city,” he said. “If those people that knew me really well felt that – and felt a small amount of betrayal – then I think there were going to be a much greater number of people … that would feel a larger betrayal.”
The move drew quick praise from city officials and put to rest concern that city projects would be put on hold.
“I think it’s inspiring that he decided to stay,” said Denver Public Schools Superintendent Michael Bennet, Hickenlooper’s former chief of staff. “Too often, people make a decision to just reach for the next rung. And I think that his commitment to the work that he is doing is something we should all treasure.”
But Hickenlooper said many others were deeply disappointed.
“Many of these folks, they saw a campaign with someone like me in it as very hopeful – a demonstration that politics didn’t have to go the way it has traditionally been done,” he said. “I think for a lot of people there was a sense of loss, just like there was for me.”
Staff writer George Merritt can be reached at 303-820-1657 or gmerritt@denverpost.com.
A decision at last
Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper’s announcement Monday was met with relief and disappointment, but most everyone was glad the wait was finally over.
“I think the party is blessed to have leaders like Bill Ritter and John Hickenlooper, and I think now there’s a place for both of them.”
– Democratic House Speaker Andrew Romanoff
“We’re disappointed simply because we think that he would be an excellent candidate and an outstanding governor.”
– Al Yates, spokesman for Democratic donor and billionaire heiress Pat Stryker
“The timing is wrong. Hickenlooper made an implicit promise to do one term as mayor. I think if it was a year and a half from now, there is no question he’d be going for it.”
– Denver pollster Floyd Ciruli
“Having gone through this process several times in my life, I certainly understand how difficult it can be to make this kind of decision. The city of Denver is a better place today thanks to John Hickenlooper, and the city will continue to benefit from his leadership. I value John’s friendship and look forward to continuing that friendship long after I leave the governor’s office.”
– Gov. Bill Owens, Republican
“He has thought carefully about his decision and had a lot of pressure to run. We must honor his decision and move on.”
– Pat Waak, head of the state Democratic Party
“I’m sure it was a very difficult, soul-searching process. I look forward to working with him if given the privilege of being governor.”
– Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Beauprez
“Mayor Hickenlooper is an outstanding public servant and would have made a considerable contribution to this race.”
– Republican gubernatorial candidate Marc Holtzman
“He had two different speeches written. He chose the one that we preferred.”
– Bill Ritter, Democratic candidate for governor
“(Hickenlooper’s delay) put everything at a standstill. I think the campaign would have started a month ago.”
– state Rep. Gary Lindstrom, Democratic candidate for governor
“We believe that John Hickenlooper is a phenomenal leader and will continue to be in the future. We believe that Mr. Hickenlooper’s service to this state is far from over. And we will support him.”
– www.drafthick.com
