The gubernatorial sweepstakes have rounded another corner with the decision by House Majority Leader Alice Madden not to make the race and to endorse Democratic frontrunner Bill Ritter instead. She was tempted to run, seeing a vacuum in the race because neither Ritter nor the two GOP candidates share her pro-choice position on abortion policy.
We think Madden made a smart decision. Her entry into the race would have unsettled the House in the midst of its 120-day session with much important work still on the calendar.
Suddenly the gubernatorial endorsement window is wide open. Former U.S. Sen. Gary Hart threw in with Ritter on Thursday, as did Democratic financier and Bighorn Center CEO Rutt Bridges. But the big surprise involved prominent lawyer Steve Farber, who crossed party lines to endorse Republican Bob Beauprez.
Some Democrats continued privately Thursday to talk about a pro-choice candidate to challenge Ritter, Denver’s former district attorney, but no names surfaced. Democratic Party chair Pat Waak said she knows of people who want to run but won’t because it’s too late.
Undoubtedly, Madden’s entry into the gubernatorial race would have energized pro-choice Democrats. It can be difficult for a candidate with no serious opposition to fire up a campaign, and so Ritter will have his work cut out for him. Democratic state Rep. Gary Lindstrom is running, but his effort has not gained traction.
Democratic Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald said the sparks will fly when the time is right. “It’s early for people to become energized,” she said. “In the end everyone will pull together to give us a Democratic governor. I think people will realize that neither Beauprez nor (Marc) Holtzman are moderate Republicans.” Yet Fitz-Gerald has not committed to Ritter or anyone else.
With Beauprez and Holtzman, Ritter and Lindstrom seeking support, and party assemblies 13 weeks away, a formless campaign may now be taking shape.
