It’s a well-worn principle of politics that a lame duck loses influence with every passing day. As U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard announced his decision not to seek a third term Monday, we couldn’t help but wonder, what’s the big hurry?
The Senate election is in November 2008 and candidates have until late spring of that year to petition onto the ballot.
Allard made a pledge in 1996 to serve no more than two terms, but over recent years he’s let on that he might reconsider. He made an honorable decision to hold to the pledge, and opened the gate on what is sure to be one of next year’s most spirited congressional campaigns.
Allard told reporters Monday that the timing of his announcement was the result of state and national Republicans encouraging him “to make an early decision so they could plan ahead.” That may be good for the GOP, but Allard wasn’t elected by the political bosses – he was elected by the people of Colorado. His early abdication surely will not benefit his constituents. As Colorado’s senior senator, Allard sits on two powerful committees – Appropriations and Budget. But his clout is now diminishing.
Allard’s lame-duck status means both parties will look immediately toward filling his shoes. Among the GOP possibles are former Reps. Scott McInnis, Bob Schaffer and even Bob Beauprez, the landslide loser in last fall’s gubernatorial race. Rep. Tom Tancredo, another possibility, said Monday he’d like to see McInnis run for the seat. Former Gov. Bill Owens may want to test the political winds. Dick Wadhams, a candidate for state GOP chair, said a party primary is “not necessarily a bad thing.”
Among Democrats, Rep. Mark Udall has said he’s running and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper’s name is being bandied about, along with Rep. Diana DeGette.
We hope Allard’s early decision will have one favorable aspect as he turns attention to polishing his legacy.
Last April, Time magazine named Allard among the five worst senators in the Senate, “so bland that his critics have dubbed him Dullard.” It was noted he “almost never” played a major role in legislation. Allard aides said the senator is a workhorse, not a showhorse, but that doesn’t explain his record of voting with the White House 98 percent of the time, more than any other member of the Colorado delegation. We hope his change of status will give Allard a more independent outlook, particularly on environmental, fiscal and military matters.
Sen. Allard made a new pledge Monday – to work hard for Colorado in his final two years. We applaud, and hope he does so with a newfound sense of independence.
