Monday, July 15, 2013

Senators Take on the Senator

The 2014 U.S. Senate race is beginning to generate some competition. Mark Udall, incumbent, who still is much favored to win, can now speculate on an opponent. Although none of the early competition looked formidable, he must have some concern about the continued poor reputation of Congress and the collapse of President Obama’s approval rating (Obama is 6 points negative).

A recent poll showed Udall with less than 50 percent approval (45%) and a quarter (24%) of the public unable to rate him. After five years, he’s not making much of an impression.

Republicans, after a slow start, have three legislators either announcing their intent to run or seriously investigating the race.
  • Senator Randy Baumgardner. Western Slope senator, conservative, colorful, but no access to money or a population base.
  • Senator Owen Hill. New state senator, bright, good resume from Colorado Springs.
  • Representative Amy Stephens, former House Majority Leader, strong campaigner from Colorado Springs.
Along with these new faces, former Congressman Bob Beauprez continues to mull the race. He served as the party’s chief spokesman during the presidential campaign, but still carries the baggage of the weak governor’s race in 2006. As a member of the Republican establishment, he doesn’t have much support with passionate right. But, he is the best-known of the group and could raise some initial money.

See The Buzz:
Udall in trouble
Udall faces challenges

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