GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.—Former six-term congressman and gubernatorial candidate Scott McInnis is running for a seat on the Mesa County Commission, telling voters that he’s ready to make the switch to local government after holding national office.
McInnis and former Grand Junction Mayor Gregg Palmer have filed paperwork with the Colorado Secretary of State to become Republican candidates for the seat. The election is more than a year away.
McInnis, who works part-time for Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, said he knows all about land issues, budget operations, and Second Amendment rights at the county level.
“It’s a different ball game, but not a game I’m unfamiliar with,” he said.
McInnis last campaign was for governor, when he ran against Democrat John Hickenlooper in 2010 and his campaign imploded.
Tea party favorite Dan Maes won the GOP nomination after McInnis was accused of plagiarism.
McInnis apologized after it was disclosed that whole sections of his “Musings On Water” essay about the history of Colorado water rights were identical to a 1984 article written by Colorado Supreme Court Justice Gregory Hobbs.
McInnis said he anticipates more candidates will enter the field from various parties, which is competition he welcomes.
Palmer, who owns Brown’s Shoe Fit Co., said he has wanted to return to government service ever since he left the Grand Junction City Council in 2011 after eight years on the job.
“It’s not a job I need, it’s a job I want. I’m committed to running and serving a full term. The county needs someone who wants to serve at that level,” Palmer said.
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Information from: The Daily Sentinel,
