John McCain? He’s still an Arizona senator. The state legislature? Democrats remain in control. The 2008 election? It’s in the history books.
And 2010? Well, that’s a different story. Look out, Democrats, here we come.
So goes the mantra of the Colorado Republican Party, which meets tonight and Saturday to reflect and elect.
“There are a number of Republicans who believe that we will have success on the local, state and federal level in 2010,” said Mike Beasley, who served in former GOP Gov. Bill Owens’ administration.
He said events in Washington, including President Barack Obama’s handling of the economy, are giving Republicans hope they will be back on top in two years.
“Republicans now are in a very good position,” said Dick Wadhams, chairman of the Colorado Republican Party, who faces a challenge when he seeks re-election Saturday.
Former Eagle County Commissioner Tom Stone also is vying for chairman, and four candidates are running for vice chairman.
The GOP biennial gathering starts tonight with a a sold-out dinner featuring an address from Michael Steele, the first black chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Steele’s appearance comes 10 days after his comment in GQ that abortion is an individual choice set off a firestorm of criticism from conservatives within his own party.
Wadhams said the chairman’s comments “have been a topic of conversation” but he hasn’t fielded any “angry phone calls” about Steele being the speaker.
“I think he was real quick to clarify what he said,” Wadhams said.
Pat Waak, the Colorado Democratic Party chairwoman, will be out of state this weekend, so she’ll miss all the GOP hoopla, but she said she doubts Republicans will say anything new.
“It’s the same sound bite, and I’ve heard it all before,” she said.
On Saturday, the 433-member Republican State Central Committee will meet at Douglas County High School. The hottest item on their agenda is the race between Wadhams and Stone.
When Wadhams took over two years ago, he inherited a $597,000 debt and a state party demoralized and in disarray after back-to-back whippings in November.
Wadhams presided over the third straight beating, but he had predicted from the start that 2008 would be rough because of a national climate that favored Democrats.
As he has campaigned for re-election, Wadhams has pointed to his successes.
“Today, the Colorado Republican Party doesn’t owe anybody a dime, and to be able to do that in one of the most difficult election cycles in 34 years, I’m very proud of that.”
Wadhams said he also reconnected with county GOP leaders statewide, and the party’s voter turnout effort in 2008 was recognized by Republicans as tops in the nation.
As for Stone, he believes what used to be a long shot now has turned into a horse race.
“A lot of people are looking for change. There are a lot of people out there that I have talked to who are ready to have the Republican voice heard again in Colorado,” Stone said.
He said he has nothing against Wadhams, noting “we’re on the same team.”
“But I decided to run because Republicans need to start winning again in Colorado,” Stone said. “What we’re doing is not working.”
Lynn Bartels: 303-954-5327 or lbartels@denverpost.com
