January 2, 2009 10:20 AM
It's Bennett for Senate
Denver schools superintendent Michael Bennett is Colorado's newest U.S. Senator,
The surprising move, expected at a state Capitol news conference Saturday, perplexed many political insiders, most of whom considered Bennet the darkhorse candidate in a field crowded with big name, political veterans like Bennet's old boss, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper.To some, the reaction wasn't head-scratching.
It was jaw-dropping.
"I'm very surprised. He's improbable. He's risky," said pollster Floyd Ciruli, who figured the little-known Bennet would barely be a blip in the polls because he's so unknown. . "He's qualified, and he could be a really, very special and sensational senator. But at least initially, from the political side of it, you are puzzled."
Bennet's selection was confirmed by multiple Democratic sources, all of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid pre-empting the governor's announcement. Ritter's office only announced the 2 p.m. news conference. Bennet declined comment, as did various top-level Democrats who had been informed of the decision.
The selection was unconventional, just like Bennet and his unique political résumé.
A graduate of Wesleyan University and Yale Law School, he started his career in the legal field and was counsel to the deputy U.S. Attorney General under former President Bill Clinton.
Good choice? Can Bennet be an effective statewide candidate? Who do you think the Republicans will run against him?
December 16, 2008
7:11 AM
mandingo writes:
Hick has too much baggage. He hired Gomez-Garcia, criminal illegal Mexican that murdered Denver Police office Donnie Young. Next, his GOP "BROWNIE" move. Hick violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965, when commandeered the DPS board and placed his lackey, Bennet, into the DPS sup's job with a staggering ENTRY-LEVEL salary of $400K. Even the GOP blushed. In some circles this is known as federal funds fraud, waste, abuse, and RICO violations. Bennet had 0 BFOQ's for this job.
Goof-Ball wouldn't be a good pick because he stood on the sidelines, while Hick stole the DPS sups job from a Black woman who have treemendous BFOQ's. Blacks would probably throw "shoes" at Goof-Ball and Speaker Carroll.
December 16, 2008
7:18 AM
mandingo writes:
Hick has too much baggage. He hired Gomez-Garcia, criminal illegal Mexican that murdered Denver Police office Donnie Young. Next, his GOP "BROWNIE" move. Hick violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965, when commandeered the DPS board and placed his lackey, Bennet, into the DPS sup's job with a staggering ENTRY-LEVEL salary of $400K. Even the GOP blushed. In some circles this is known as federal funds fraud, waste, abuse, and RICO violations. Bennet had 0 BFOQ's for this job.
Goof-Ball wouldn't be a good pick because he stood on the sidelines, while Hick stole the DPS sups job from a Black woman who have treemendous BFOQ's. Blacks would probably throw "shoes" at Goof-Ball and Speaker Carroll.
December 16, 2008
7:51 AM
Ben-Native American writes:
I would say that Hick should maintain some consistency and make sure a Mexican illegal alien is the next Senator from Colorado.
December 16, 2008
8:10 AM
Pulpvillerick writes:
Joe Cocker is resident of the state and has been for quite some time. What's wrong with Joe? He's a fine decent guy!
Seriously, I'd like to see DeGette appointed. She would be a good fund raiser (#1 occupation of any Senator) and then maybe everyone here in District 1 could upgrade the Representative in our House seat.
The only trouble with that is, she won't play statewide----too "liberal." CO usually has a conservative (ne Repub) Senator and a "liberal" Senator (now Mark Udall.)
My bet is on John Salazar.
December 16, 2008
8:18 AM
Pulpvillerick writes:
Joe Cocker is resident of the state and has been for quite some time. What's wrong with Joe? He's a fine decent guy!
Seriously, I'd like to see DeGette appointed. She would be a good fund raiser (#1 occupation of any Senator) and then maybe everyone here in District 1 could upgrade the Representative in our House seat.
The only trouble with that is, she won't play statewide----too "liberal." CO usually has a conservative (ne Repub) Senator and a "liberal" Senator (now Mark Udall.)
My bet is on John Salazar.
(The reason people post stuff 2 TIMES is 'cause the Rocky's server is riddled with "errors."
December 16, 2008
8:49 AM
JMH writes:
Pulpvillerick,
I agree with you. I think John Salazar is a good bet. Would make the most sense, since he basically runs on the same issues as Ken & is "moderate" enough to play well statewide!
December 16, 2008
9:16 AM
SASQUATCH writes:
HOW ABOUT FLORENCE COLORADO'S LEADING CITIZEN...RICHARD "SHOE BOMBER" REID?
December 16, 2008
9:21 AM
Max Planck, Aurora writes:
I'd like to see Andrew Romanoff. He's a 'big' thinker and did a noble job in the Colorado Legislature, where he gained the respect of the opposition by reaching across the 'party divide' to serve the best interests of the state.
December 16, 2008
9:38 AM
SASQUATCH writes:
HOW ABOUT FLORENCE COLORADO'S LEADING CITIZEN...RICHARD "SHOE BOMBER" REID?
December 16, 2008
10:58 AM
Kevin J Jones writes:
I'd like to see Ritter strengthen socially conservative Democrats by putting one of them in the Senate, but I can't think of an obvious Colorado candidate.
On the national level, the Dems have an opportunity to draw these voters back from the GOP if they can show that they really aren't controlled by radicals.
On the state level, a Dem party more friendly to social conservatives would weaken the GOP's inherent appeal among non-Evangelical social conservatives especially.
Everybody knows how much Colorado Democratic leaders held their nose over Ritter's nominally pro-life stand. Breaking them of that reaction would be good for the party, the state, and the nation.
December 16, 2008
11:31 AM
Nathan writes:
I sure wouldn't mind Andrew Romanoff.
A long shot that I'd like is Joe Rice. With his history as a public servant and Army service could be helpful running state-wide.
December 16, 2008
11:41 AM
Tbone writes:
TOM TANCREDO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 16, 2008
12:32 PM
history buff writes:
I think Cary Kennedy is the cutest. I'd vote for her for that reason. Then Ritter could appoint Romanoff state Treasurer and Ken Gordon Secretary of State.
December 16, 2008
1:18 PM
robert zimmerman writes:
"He hired Gomez-Garcia, criminal illegal Mexican that murdered Denver Police office Donnie Young."
You know, Hickenlooper is a pretty smart guy. But I'm pretty sure that he can't see into the future.
December 16, 2008
1:19 PM
Ben writes:
Tbone, 11:41- I agree.
December 16, 2008
1:21 PM
robert zimmerman writes:
"He hired Gomez-Garcia, criminal illegal Mexican that murdered Denver Police office Donnie Young."
You know, Hickenlooper is a pretty smart guy. But I'm pretty sure that he can't see into the future.
December 16, 2008
6:33 PM
Robert Chase writes:
Both Hickenlooper and Romanoff are unacceptable choices: Romanoff was complicit in lying to voters about Amendment 44 in 2006. Hickenlooper has used his (inexplicable) popularity and Denver's one-party status to stonewall voters revocation of criminal penalties for possession of marijuana by adults; this despite three strong pluralities for decriminalization in Denver in 2005, 2006, and 2007. I am a lifelong Democrat who is fed up with the war we have been waging on U.S. citizens for the past seventy years; in Denver a majority of the voters agree with me on this issue. I will not tolerate politicians who pander to the prohibitionists.
I think that Governor Ritter himself might be the best replacement for Ken Salazar. No one can fix the mess that the far Right has made of Colorado's government by crippling its constitutional prerogative to raise tax revenues, so I think Bill Ritter's talents would be better employed in the U.S. Senate. As for Colorado, until citizens realize that they were duped into voting for a radical attack on our own government simply because proponents deceptively described TABOR as a "taxpayer Bill of Rights", we will continue to decline in our (already poor) educational standing and in our state's ability to govern itself. If you voted for TABOR, you prevented your own representatives from exercising the authority intended for them by the founders of our government. We cannot provide for public health, safety, and education through users' fees or by encouraging poor people to gamble.
December 17, 2008
4:33 PM
freemarketworks writes:
Diana DeGette would be a great choice to fill that seat in the Senate. She has many years of experience in the House and would be able to hit-the-ground-running. I'm sure she could garner statewide support for the 2012 election; especially if we see the californication of Colorado continue over the next 4 years.
December 18, 2008
6:24 AM
mamajama writes:
Diana Degette or Ed Perlmutter! Both have really solid records of serving their constituencies. Degette has been right on FISA, on the War in Iraq, on reproductive rights, and so has Ed.
I used to support Peter Groff, the son of a fine DPS teacher who then stabbed Denver teachers in the back by trying to privatize education in NE Denver, making it a union-free "innovation zone".
December 18, 2008
2:05 PM
prima facie writes:
What's laughable is the portrayal of Ken Salazar as some sort of centrist. He votes reliably with the Democrats -- name three significant issues on which he's bucked the party line.
Even his stance with the Gang of 14 refusing to filibuster the appointment of Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court even though he opposed Alito shows a lack of backbone more than moderate pragmatism.
Why can't Salazar be proud of what he is, a liberal?
December 18, 2008
4:27 PM
Oracle writes:
Cory Voorhis, of course!
December 18, 2008
6:16 PM
momma y writes:
I'd like to see Jare Polis. His seat is a safe Democratic one and a special election to fill the seat in Congress would be smple.
Polis has also spoken truth to power over the potential bailout of the auto companies. He is a great businessman also.
I'm a strong conservative and am already happy with Polis. He won't be a patsy for either side. give him some real power.
December 19, 2008
8:11 AM
Anonymous writes:
"I'm a strong conservative and am already happy with Polis"
You ain't that strong of a conservative lady.
December 19, 2008
12:06 PM
Shaggy writes:
"I'm a strong conservative and am already happy with Polis."
LoL, yea right, The only person you are fooling is yourself.
I don't think it is possible to be more Liberal than Polis.
BTW, He had to buy his election because instead of winning it.
He also is not a good businessman, he is a trust fund baby.
December 19, 2008
12:29 PM
RickyLee writes:
Tom Tancredo
December 19, 2008
1:14 PM
SASQUATCH writes:
BLAGO DIGS IN, PROMISES FIGHT--HISTORY BUFF PLACED ON SUICIDE WATCH!
The shit is going to hit the fan and the spray is going to get smeared all over everyone associated with Chicago politics. Blago will bring Obanba down if he has to.
Go get 'rm Fitz...it time for a war!
December 19, 2008
2:22 PM
history buff writes:
LOL. Squat, I moved here from Chicago 27 years ago. I'm not fazed by events. You know, more people live in the city of Chicago than the entire state of Colorado. Some of the comments make it sound like Obama is from Mayberry, and all of the personalities in Chicago politics hang out at Floyd's barbershop, or at the Sheriff's office with Andy, Barney, Goober, Gomer, Opey and Aunt Bee.
BTW, did you see that Whitney Young is rated first in Illinois boys basketball poll? That's where Michelle Obama and her brother went to high school. Academic schools can have winning sports teams -- unlike Northwestern.
December 19, 2008
2:25 PM
Iceman7 writes:
Hey Bill, what about:
William Ayers or possibly Rev. Wright.
I hear there is a great need for a senator with community organizer experience.
December 19, 2008
4:16 PM
Big_D writes:
How about Jim Reisburg? He has been elected twice as a Democrat here in Weld. That is near impossible so he must be doing something right.
December 20, 2008
7:24 AM
tiero writes:
Without a doubt........TOM TANCREDO for the change we need
December 20, 2008
8:01 AM
Howard Johnson writes:
Im picking the Hick to go to the senate. Degette would make a great mayor.
December 20, 2008
11:54 AM
Reader writes:
Hiromi Oshima
December 20, 2008
2:42 PM
Robert61 writes:
As a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO), I recommend chosing a man/woman who has worked in the intelligence community(IC). This person could assume position in the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Remember, we're at war with radical Islam... wordwid. I have been curious as to Amerca's perception on whether or not we will experience an attack wihin our borders within one year by radical Islamists. And, is so, by what method(s) will the attack be carried out? Please visit my Declassified Secrets site and take the POLL on this question in the right-hand margin. I plan to publish the results soon, Thanks in advance for taking the POLL. Robert
www.declassifiedsecrets.blogspot.com
December 20, 2008
4:15 PM
leftside writes:
Diana Degette
December 20, 2008
7:44 PM
Rightside writes:
Unfortunately there is going to be a big stink with the rac-(ial,ist) politicians demanding another hispanic be chosen to fill the seat.
So much for the content of one's character instead of the color of their skin.
It is no longer an irony that Democrats are the most racist and intolerant folks along the political spectrum.
December 23, 2008
11:03 AM
Lyn B. writes:
Diana DeGette
December 24, 2008
10:29 AM
prima facie writes:
Appoint a saloonkeeper, by all means. Ted Kennedy will approve.
December 24, 2008
10:31 AM
Keep Hick Here! writes:
Keep Hick Here! Lots of work to still be done.
Theres:
Illegals to coddle
Cop Killers to hire for the Cricket
Snow to leave on roads
Gangs to let run rampant
Educational decay to continue
Infrastructure to ignore
Taxes to raise
Honest citizens to persecute
Don't let this important work end!
December 24, 2008
11:43 AM
Konyok writes:
In the classic western satire "Little Big Man," Jack Crabb tells George Armstrong Custer: "You just go up there and see what you find!"
Hickenlooper has successfully marketed himself as quirky and inoffensive, but l'affaire Gomez-Garcia is just the most obvious handicap he faces in a state-wide election.
By 2010 the FasTracks farce and the inevitable flotsam and jetsam of one-party rule in Denver will be ripe and stinky fodder for GOP opposition research.
Ditto Diana DeGette, perhaps the dumbest member of Congress.
The only Democratic candidate with a ghost's chance of re-election AND the ability to represent Colorado is Andrew Romanoff.
December 24, 2008
2:17 PM
dirkle writes:
Hickenlooper would be a mistake. If he takes it I would be very disappointed in him. He needs to stay in Denver and bring the current issues and projects to completion.
If he goes "beltway" it's his choice - but I'm off him for life if he does.
December 24, 2008
8:03 PM
Satch writes:
The Council chimes in to steer the white guy away from the minority-only Senate seat.
Democretins are racists.
December 25, 2008
10:26 AM
SASQUATCH writes:
Anyone who looks like "Howdy Doody" should be required to live in Denver.
December 31, 2008
10:30 AM
Shaggy writes:
Degette is a joke.
Just the other day she was on record begging Ritter to appoint her saying she isn't anymore Liberal than Hickenlooper and Colorado has never had a women Senator.
It will be tough for Hick to win a Statewide election after being appointed and knowing how Liberal he is.
What ever happened to assigning the most qualified person for the job?
We have a black man appointed in Illinois because he is black and it will make it more difficult for him to be removed.
(Blago has the Dems cornered in a bad position)
The Mexican organizations say Ritter needs to appoint another Mexican to replace Salazar.
FACT IS:
No one should be appointed by anyone, they should have a speedy election because the one doing the appointing will just appoint someone for his/her personal beliefs/benefits and not the good of the people.
This is definitely the year fair journalism and fair politics has died.
December 31, 2008
10:39 AM
jay writes:
as much as the tinfoil hat brigade would like to pretend otherwise, hick has been an exceptional mayor and is wildly popular among voters...just like ritter.
maybe you folks would be more comfortable in wyoming or texas...
December 31, 2008
10:41 AM
LetsThink writes:
DeGette is an extreme liberal.
Her editorial in today's Denver Post is evidence of that fact.
We can only pray that she will not do more damage to the moral fabric of America.
December 31, 2008
11:06 AM
Shaggy writes:
"just like ritter"
Ummm jay, have you looked at TaxRitters approval ratings lately?
Or is that just another inconvenient fact for you to swallow.
Hick would have a better chance than Degette in 2010 but it is hard for anyone appointed to a position to win an election especially when they have a voting record established that will be scrutinized.
Hick is very Liberal as we all know!
December 31, 2008
11:34 AM
history buff writes:
Shaggy
A so called Boulder liberal just won a Senate seat by more than 10 points. Why do you think Hick would have trouble overcoming the one-dimensional cartoon speak of Dick Wad and the Republican crew?
And, let us pray for Let's Think who seems to have a severe misunderstanding of God's power.
December 31, 2008
12:03 PM
Shaggy writes:
Buff,
Everyone who was able to convict their opponents with Bush and big oil to the voters won this year.
Barry is very Liberal too but was able to marry McCain with Bush and brainwash enough people into voting for him.
Hick and the Dems won't have Bush to blame in 2010.
Big difference!
December 31, 2008
12:21 PM
bropous writes:
Well, one less drooling congenital idiot in the running for the Senate seat...
Shag, good job beating back the walls of ignorance, once again. Happy New Year to you, and you as well, Sas.
December 31, 2008
1:37 PM
Shaggy writes:
Back @ ya Bro!
Hopefully the real Conservatives will come out of the woodwork and represent us next year and the following elections instead of having die in the wool Democrats like McCain.
I have a world of respect for McCain personally but he doesn't represent me nor the Republican party.
Sarah Palin was the best thing that ever happened to his campaign and the fact Barry engaged him to Bush.
Happy New year to everyone, including you jay.
Wolf, I want to wish you a happy new year as well and I hope things work out for you and everyone that work for the Rocky, it will be a sad day for Denver if what looks like might happen actually does happen.
December 31, 2008
5:23 PM
Donkeys are Idiots writes:
And another caucasian bows out of the competition for the Colorado racial Senate seat. And the Illinois racial Senate disaster is just getting tuned up.
More to come.....
January 1, 2009
11:10 PM
FRN4U writes:
jay,what type of hat do you wear?
January 2, 2009
8:09 AM
Observer writes:
FRN4U,
A very very far left Boulder Liberal hat.
January 2, 2009
11:27 AM
Shaggy writes:
Did Ritter get his asking price or settle for the going rate to seat a Democrat?
January 2, 2009
1:19 PM
Anonymous writes:
Jay Marvin runs a janitor business and hires illegal aliens.
January 2, 2009
1:55 PM
Hogar De Vuelta (العودة) Democrats are still wrong on policy writes:
Bennett looks like the best choice available from the Dems side. He looks very competent and I found no hint of scandal in a very brief search.
January 2, 2009
2:27 PM
Shaggy writes:
Hog,
He will have a hard time retaining his seat in 2010.
Appointees usually do not hold on in a election.
Good news for the GOP in Colorado, Illinois and New York.
Funny how the Dems ridiculed Sarah Palin as inexperienced yet I don't hear a peep out of them about Caroline Kennedy's inexperience.
This lady has never held a job or done anything significant in her life.
The Dems have become a joke with their appointing people based on names and color to hold one of the most important jobs in America.
It is as though it has become a game with them to see to see which least qualified and least experienced person they can seat.
Obama, Franken, C. Kennedy, Burris come to mind.
It would be a joke if it wasn't such a serious matter.
January 2, 2009
4:30 PM
history buff writes:
But does he have any NASCAR sponsors? Looks like NASCAR won't have any NASCAR sponsors with Detroit going out of business. Then again, the Republicans say we should all conform to the Jap model and support the country that brought us into World War II. How do you say, I got 450 horses under the hood, in Japanese? Oh niya an niya, naya niya?
January 2, 2009
4:46 PM
jay writes:
"He will have a hard time retaining his seat in 2010."
of course he won't, which was no doubt a consideration during the selection process.
he is popular among the urban voting bloc in colorado. he was a finalist for a spot on obama's centrist cabinet. he's young, well educated and well spoken.
which is no doubt why he scares the wingnuts so much.
January 2, 2009
5:15 PM
Hogar De Vuelta (العودة) Democrats are still wrong on policy writes:
Jay,
Bennett doesn't scare me at all. I don't agree with some of his policies, but he is at least a long way away from Boxer, Franken and Blogo.
January 3, 2009
4:31 PM
Anonymous writes:
Who's Michael Bennett?
The GOP is licking their chops.
Thank you Ritter, no wonder why the DNC is questioning your ability to Govern.
January 4, 2009
3:26 PM
KingFishWatch writes:
"...we should all conform to the Jap model..."
YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH JAPANESE, BUFF? How do you feel about Jews? Poles? Germans? Irish? Italians? Do Mexicans bother you too?
Translated into the moron vernacular that you can most identify with, Buff, and by putting it in your langauage, that's Kikes, Polacks, Krauts, Whops, Micks and Beaners.
You are one ignorant dude, Buff! AKA A-hole in your own lingo!
January 4, 2009
8:38 PM
whunt writes:
So this is what happens when idiots get a forum to speak. Sad. You people are sad. There is a process in place. Let it work before you pass judgement.
January 4, 2009
9:28 PM
whunt writes:
Shaggy writes...
"Ummm jay, have you looked at TaxRitters approval ratings lately?
Or is that just another inconvenient fact for you to swallow."
Latest numbers for Ritter (As of Nov '08):
Positive: 57%
Negative: 28%
Nice try jackass.
January 4, 2009
9:31 PM
whunt writes:
Shaggy writes...
"Ummm jay, have you looked at TaxRitters approval ratings lately?
Or is that just another inconvenient fact for you to swallow."
Latest numbers for Ritter (As of Nov '08):
Positive: 57%
Negative: 28%
Nice try jackass.
January 5, 2009
8:46 AM
Shaggy writes:
Hey dumbass, Ritters approval ratings are dropping!
Fact bro, deal with it.
Please keep up with class.