Audio By Carbonatix
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Former speaker of the Colorado House Andrew Romanoff’s potential primary challenge to senatorial appointee Michael Bennet is earning national notice: In case you missed it, Rachel Maddow’s take on the situation, which she mostly views through a healthcare prism, can be viewed above. But this morning’s Denver Post gives the story in a new twist. Specifically, reporter Michael Riley cites multiple sources who claim Romanoff only began exploring a Senate run after a deal by Governor Bill Ritter to appoint him lieutenant governor fell through.
To say the least, the scheme, which would have had to involve current LG Barbara O’Brien either jumping or being pushed from office, seems cockeyed in the extreme — and it once again calls Ritter’s political skills into question, as did his quickly withdrawn proposal to divert money for extra drunk-driving patrols to help offset budget shortfalls. A Post editorial today argues that this plan wasn’t as terrible as it seemed at first blush, but even if that’s true, it means zip politically. (Same goes for the brouhaha over President Barack Obama’s planned speech to schoolchildren this Tuesday, which doesn’t distress Post, either.) Ritter could have kept Romanoff happy by appointing him Colorado’s Secretary of State in December — a position for which he was a finalist. Instead, he handed the job to Bernie Buescher, who would have been bummed if he’d lost out, no doubt — but he wouldn’t have entertained going head-to-head against Bennet, as Romanoff is supposedly considering. Yet another botch for Bill.
When news happens, Westword is there —
Your support strengthens our coverage.
We’re aiming to raise $50,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to this community. If Westword matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
