Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet
State Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg is the latest Republican to
express interest in a campaign against Colorado Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet. Sonnenberg says he's been considering for months, and was waiting to see what establishment favorite George Brauchler would do (Brauchler decided not to run last week).
Fellow state Sen. Ray Scott's name was also recently mentioned, and Scott has now publicly hinted he's looking at it. When a state representative badmouthed Scott's primary chances on Facebook, Scott replied, "Tunnel vision only applies when you're in a tunnel." This may also be the first time we've used a snarky Facebook comment as proof of a politician's interest in a U.S. Senate bid.
A few Republicans are actually running against Bennet, but none of them have impressed national Republicans. Here's a quick look at who's in right now:
• El Paso County Commissioner Darryl Glenn
• Ex-Colorado Small Business Administration Director Greg Lopez
• State Sen. Tim Neville
Glenn and Lopez fall close to the Some Dude end of the spectrum. Neville is more serious, but Republicans are worried he's too conservative to win.
And here's a look at who is believed to be considering, with any information about their plans:
• Rich guy and 2012 CO-05 candidate Robert Blaha: Likely to announce in October
• State Senate President Bill Cadman: Mentioned, hasn't said anything publicly
• Conservative radio host Dan Caplis: Publicly considering
• State Senate Majority Leader Mark Scheffel: Mentioned, hasn't said anything publicly
• State Sen. Ray Scott: Reportedly being recruited by state party, hasn't ruled it out
• State Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg: Publicly considering
• Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith: Publicly considering
• Rep. Scott Tipton: Hasn't ruled it out
The strongest potential candidate is likely Tipton. The congressman
declined to rule anything out a month ago but he's been silent since then and if the NRSC is trying to recruit him, they're doing it very quietly.