WASHINGTON — Fueling speculation that a governor’s run is imminent, Congressman Ed Perlmutter said Thursday that he plans to make an announcement Sunday at a grocery store in Golden.
For months, the Democrat from Arvada has been on the short list of potential 2018 gubernatorial candidates to replace Gov. John Hickenlooper. And grocery-store meetings have been a hallmark of his congressional career.
One lingering question, however, was whether Perlmutter would pursue the job if former U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar jumped into the Democratic primary — a query that when Salazar said he was out.
Now a Perlmutter campaign seems almost certain.
The invitation to his Sunday event included a logo that showcased the state of Colorado, a lengthy biography of his life and career, and the motto “Perlmutter for Colorado.”
Competition likely will be stiff — both in the Democratic primary and the general election.
Former state Sen. Mike Johnston recently posted a and other Democrats such as U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, D-Boulder, former state treasurer Cary Kennedy and Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne are mulling bids.
On the Republican side, prosecutor George Brauchler this week . He’ll likely be challenged by two-term state Treasurer Walker Stapleton.