Sheriff Justin, shown here during the High Park fire in June 2012, plans to remain on duty in Larimer County rather than run for U.S. Senate next year, he said Friday. (Photo by Walt Hester/Estes Park Trail-Gazette)
Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith thinks government closest to the people governs best, and his people are in Larimer County. That’s why he won’t be a candidate for U.S. Senate next year.
The popular, likable sheriff might have been a strong Republican alternative to incumbent Democrat Michael Bennet next year, but he said Friday on his Facebook page that he has other things to consider.
“… (M)y gut and my heart tell me that I can best serve by doing what I’ve done for the last quarter of a century — pinning on my shield and strapping on my sidearm and continuing to protect and serve through the Office of Sheriff..”
Smith would have brought a lot of conservative credibility to the race.
As the in September, “In a potentially wide-open race, Smith’s allies hope that he can turn the conservative profile he’s built on gun laws, marijuana, and immigration into grassroots support that’s easily translatable into votes thanks to Colorado’s all-mail balloting.”
Smith, 46, has been with the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office since joining up to be a patrol deputy in 1991. He was promoted to major in 2003 and was elected sheriff in 2010. He ran last year.
Smith’s exit from consideration follows similar decisions from and. That leaves state Sen. Tim Neville of Littleton, former Parker Mayor Greg Lopez and El Paso County Commissioner Darryl Glenn as announced candidates with any name recognition.
Here is Smith’s :
“Several weeks ago, many of you read that I was contemplating entering the 2016 campaign for the United States Senate. It has been very humbling to even consider such an opportunity. I’ve sincerely appreciated the support and advice of many accomplished and well-respected Coloradans in this discussion. Thank you all for your feedback and support.
“I firmly believe that our nation is in crisis. As our influence around the world has decreased, it has left a vacuum that petty dictators and extremists have been all too eager to fill. The world today is more dangerous and unstable than it has been at any point in our lifetimes. At home, our struggling economy has left too many people without hope, and a culture of lawlessness has led to brazen attacks on our law enforcement community. Those who have looked to Washington to “fix” our problems have come to realize that Washington itself is broken.
“However, my focus right now must be here in Larimer County. Because of that, I have chosen not to enter the race for the Senate.
“Voters around our state and across the nation have some very important decisions ahead of them as we approach a critical crossroad in 2016. We have the responsibility to seek out candidates who represent our values and our priorities. We will elect a new President. We will be a part of a national election that determines control over the next Congress. We must assure that our elected representatives and leaders are focused empowering the American people to succeed and disabling those who threaten our safety and prosperity- not the other way around.
“Thank you again to everyone who’s provided encouragement and support as I’ve contemplated a possible run for the Senate. However, my gut and my heart tell me that I can best serve by doing what I’ve done for the last quarter of a century — pinning on my shield and strapping on my sidearm and continuing to protect and serve through the Office of Sheriff. It’s a job that’s provided great satisfaction to me through the years!”
