The all-star bench that could take down Cory Gardner
Ahandful of upcoming U.S. Senate races will determine whether the Republicans retain their majority in 2020. This is as important to Democrats as winning back the White House.
Under Sen. Mitch Mcconnell’s leadership, the party blocked President Barack Obama’s Supreme Court nomination; confirmed President Donald Trump’s conservative judicial and executive appointments; and ensured that popular House Democratic priorities, such as legal status for Dreamers, universal background checks for all gun sales, and gender equity in pay, were stalled.
The Senate, made up of 53 Republicans, 47 Democrats, and two independents, has 34 seats up for grabs in 2020. Of those available seats, 22 are held by Republicans and 12 by Democrats. Republicans have more seats at risk, but to take control of the legislative process Democrats will need a net gain of 4 seats.
One of the hottest seats Democrats are honing in on is that of Colorado’s own Cory Gardner. The most vulnerable senator entering the 2020 election.
The one-term senator has earned this distinction.
Gardner’s audacious embrace of President Trump and his policies,
his noticeable silence around controversial issues, and failure to consistently support Colorado values have not gone unnoticed.
Colorado’s Democrats are energized and have positioned many formidable candidates to unseat him. Visions of the 2018 blue tsunami must keep Senator Gardner awake at night.
Theoretically, the incumbent should have a distinct fundraising edge. However, early fundraising efforts by a few of the Democratic candidates have been catching fire, calling into question political wisdom about Gardner’s fundraising advantage.
Former state senator and gubernatorial candidate Mike Johnston raised $1.6 million in the last quarter, compared to Gardner’s $2 million. Johnston has now raised $3.4 million since January. Gardner, by comparison, reports about $5 million on hand.
Dan Baer, former ambassador and executive director of Colorado’s Department of Higher Education, surprised Colorado political circles by raising $1.3 million in the last quarter. Baer is running a particularly sophisticated campaign and is primed to be a top tier candidate no matter who enters the race.
Two other well-known Colorado leaders posted good early numbers. John Walsh, former U.S. attorney for Colorado, raised nearly $800,000 and former Colorado House Speaker Andrew Romanoff’s campaign announced $503,000 in contributions.
For newcomers to the race, it’s premature to discern their fundraising abilities. State Sen. Angela Williams announced her campaign early this month. She is the only current elected official in the race. Former House Majority leader Alice Madden announced her candidacy in May.
As if that isn’t enough, the list of potential candidates waiting in the wings, could become even more problematic for Gardner and the Republican party.
Former Gov. John Hickenlooper has dismissed queries about a possible Senate candidacy. However, if he abandons the presidential race soon, he could potentially clear the field and be the strongest candidate to go head-to-head with Gardner.
Eight-term congressman, Ed Perlmutter, who represents the competitive suburban 7th Congressional District, would also be a formidable candidate if he decided to run. Although he decided not to pursue a gubernatorial campaign, this race may be too enticing to pass up.
U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse, the newly elected representative of the 2nd Congressional District and former executive director of the state Department of Regulatory Agencies, has attracted significant attention in progressive circles and recognition by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Neguse, a 35-year-old rising star, has continued to gain national attention with regular cable news appearances and strong floor speeches.
Newly elected Congressman and political newcomer Jason Crow from the 6th Congressional District has already proven he can win competitive races like this one. Crow, an attorney and war veteran, is a thoughtful congressional leader and is well regarded in Colorado political circles.
Should Perlmutter, Neguse, or Crow, decide to run, it would spark a whole new set of campaigns in these three congressional districts. Two of which would be toss-up seats that Democrats could lose. Only Neguse’s seat is a safe one that Democrats will hold. The likes of former Boulder County District Attorney Stan Garnett and Colorado Speaker of the House K.C. Becker would be strong candidates to replace him.
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold is also eyeing a potential run for the Senate. Griswold won a major upset over former Secretary of State Wayne Williams. If she decides to run she would ostensibly be competing with Madden and Williams to garner support from Emily’s List who will fund only one female candidate for the seat. Griswold would be the only female to enter this race that has won a statewide election.
State Senator Kerry Donovan is also reportedly pondering a go at it.
While Colorado Republicans are struggling to create a starting lineup, the Democratic senate seat list is an all-star team.
Democrats are poised to take this seat. Looks like Gardner is going to need a miracle to win.