The U.S. Senate opened for business Thursday, and Colorado Republican leaders could hardly take their flirtatious eyes off Wayne Allard.
Will he or won’t he seek a third term in office?
Allard is considered among the most vulnerable incumbents by the national handicappers, and if he decides to seek re-election in 2008, the race will be closely watched by both parties.
Allard said earlier he only intended on serving two terms, but he wouldn’t be the first Colorado Republican to reconsider self-imposed term limits. Democrat Mark Udall, the veteran congressman from Eldorado Springs, has expressed his intention to challenge for the seat, no matter what Allard does. In just the past two years, Colorado Democrats have wrested away a Senate seat and two House seats from the GOP.
Allard’s decision is said to be imminent, but the waiting game has ratcheted up the chatter about who might run if he doesn’t.
Udall tossed his hat into the ring almost two years ago, but we haven’t heard much from him lately. We note in passing that Democratic control of the House means that Udall will actually be risking something by making the race.
Gov. Bill Owens is sure to look at the race if Allard bows out, but he doesn’t seem to be champing at the bit.
“I seriously doubt it,” Owens said Thursday when asked whether he would run. “I’m looking forward to doing a number of things in business.”
Former Congressman Scott McInnis seems poised to make a run, but says he’d defer rather than challenge Allard or Owens. He says Allard’s re-election would be good for Colorado because of his seniority and his slot on the Appropriations Committee.
But if Allard declines, “I certainly would, under those circumstances, take a very close look at it,” McInnis said.
He doesn’t seem to think the nomination would be handed to him on a silver platter. “The party has some great candidates out there,” McInnis said. “My biggest concern is unifying the party.”
Republicans are still smarting over two divisive primaries in 2004 and 2006, and many would rather see the party unite behind one candidate. Still, some conservatives say they’d like a choice other than McInnis, such as former Rep. Bob Schaffer. Other names mentioned include Secretary of State-elect Mike Coffman and Attorney General John Suthers. A GOP opponent wouldn’t deter McInnis: “If there’s going to be a primary, there’s going to be primary.” However, he notes, “I’m very confident the Democrats will focus on one candidate.”
Until Allard tips his hand, he has everyone’s rapt attention.
