If Victor Marx鈥檚 lead in the Republican primary gubernatorial race holds, we鈥檒l be back on late-night comedy in no time. It doesn鈥檛 seem to matter to the 40% of Colorado Republican primary voters that their candidate鈥檚 outlandish statements and fantastical bio make good punchlines. They would rather have a man with no governing experience and little knowledge of public policy than a woman with decades of experience and expertise.
While this election promises to be more amusing than usual, the results will be no laughing matter. We, the people, are better served when there are two viable parties in the statehouse and serious people representing the state.
If Barbara Kirkmeyer were facing off with Democrat Phil Weiser, the race would be a contest of ideas and Republican candidates for the General Assembly would be buoyed by her presence on the ballot. With more Republicans in the statehouse, lawmakers would be more likely to pass balanced legislation when they convene in 2027.
Over the past few years, single-party rule in state government has generated higher taxes (I mean fees), burdensome business regulation, and even extreme laws that have been overruled by the U.S. Supreme Court. With more people leaving Colorado than moving in, a move toward moderation will stop the bleeding.
However, with Marx as the Republican nominee, the state鈥檚 continued march to the left is guaranteed. Weiser need not campaign to win. He can focus on helping candidates in down-ticket races with the aim of attaining a Democratic supermajority in the General Assembly. Come November, we can officially rename the Colorado Republican Caucus, the Colorado Republican Carcass.
While Democrats did not choose an exorcist as their candidate for governor, some of their choices were also less than prudent. In the 1st Congressional District race, Denver voters picked Melat Kiros, a fiery 29-year-old self-proclaimed democratic socialist, over 15-term Rep. Diana DeGette. The upset compares to Lauren Boebert抖阴ap 2020 primary win against incumbent Scott Tipton in the 3rd Congressional District.
Boebert, who recently made news by mocking her colleague鈥檚 hospitalization for severe depression, has been a gift to Democrats since she took office. Will Kiros, whose writings have already gotten her fired once, tone down her rhetoric once in office, or will she, like Boebert, prove to be an embarrassment to the state? Time will tell.
In the 8th Congressional District, voters picked the more left-leaning Manny Rutinel over former lawmaker Shannon Bird. Bird would have given U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans a reason to worry. The swing district, rated 鈥渢oss-up鈥� by the Cook Political Report, includes both suburban and rural areas. Rutinel, a former vegan, has described animal agriculture as a 鈥渉orrific, exploitative industry.鈥� Now that he鈥檚 a candidate, Rutinel is trying to sound more supportive of the district抖阴ap economic driver. It is doubtful voters will believe the convenient change of heart.
There was one race where the establishment candidate was not the best choice, but voters nevertheless picked a candidate with slim credentials and a track record of errors. Jena Griswold will now face Republican District Attorney Michael J. Allen in the race for attorney general. Because of her past performance as Secretary of State, Allen has a chance. In other blue states like Massachusetts and Maryland, Republicans occasionally secure a statewide office. It could happen here.
As Tuesday’s results show, Colorado can always expect the unexpected in elections.
Krista Kafer is a Sunday Denver Post columnist.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.
