Andrew Romanoff, the Democratic challenger in the 6th Congressional District this year, thanks his supporters during his concession speech Nov. 4, 2014, at Moe’s Original Bar B Que in Aurora. (Brent Lewis, The Denver Post)
While Andrew Romanoff isn’t saying much about his plans following his , D.C. news outlet Roll Call that House Democrats will mount an effort to recruit him to run again in 2016.
That would be against the advice of some Colorado political observers and Democratic activists, who that Romanoff ought to consider stepping back from politics for a while. He’s lost two hard-fought races in a row.
Also Thursday, another name emerged on the Democratic side for a potential candidate in suburban Denver’s 6th Congressional District, centered in Aurora. In two years, the Republican Coffman will be finishing his fourth term.
Former state Rep. Edward Casso, an Adams County politician who served three terms in the House through 2012, said in a tweet that he’d formed an exploratory committee.
We’re excited to announce we’ve formed the Edward Casso Exploratory Committee for CO’s 6th Congressional District 2016.
— Edward Casso (@CassoforCO)
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Edward Casso
Casso, 40, is a moderate in the mold of a classic Adams County Democrat, a staunch supporter of both unions and gun rights. The former teacher got involved in the election this year by . It would have allowed a casino at the Arapahoe Park horse-racing track, funneling some of the proceeds toward education.
As for 2016, Casso says he’s looking at the feasibility of launching a candidacy. His decision about whether to run will depend, in part, on Romanoff’s plans.
“Absolutely. I served with Andrew Romanoff for two years,” he said. “That would definitely play into any type of decision we make. … I have the utmost respect for Andrew Romanoff.”
The Roll Call story reported that Romanoff, 48, was among five losing Democratic challengers and incumbents whom strategists with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee now want to recruit for rematches in 2016. In two years, the electoral climate presumably will be more favorable to Democrats than this year’s Republican wave.
Through his campaign spokeswoman, Romanoff declined to comment Thursday.
U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman speaks to supporters during the GOP election night gathering after winning re-election on Nov. 4, 2014. (Brennan Linsley, Associated Press)
Another unknown for 2016 that could change the dynamics of the race is whether Coffman, seen by Republicans as having run a near-flawless campaign in 2014, will run for re-election next time — or seek a higher office.
Among the opportunities would be taking on Democratic U.S. Sen. Michael Bennett.
For now, the National Republican Campaign Committee, in reacting to Thursday’s news, is assuming Coffman will be on the ballot in CD6.
“After a devastating 9-point loss, perennial loser Andrew Romanoff should hang it up and find a new career outside of politics,” said Tyler Q. Houlton, the NRCC’s spokesman. “Colorado voters overwhelmingly re-elected Marine Corps combat veteran Mike Coffman, and he will have no problem dispatching Ed Casso or any other professional politician Washington Democrats decide to recruit.”
