Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Face of Colorado Republican Party: Boebert and Hanks

The midterm election provides a huge opportunity for the Colorado Republican Party in 2022. But, the most critical challenge is to disengage their candidates from Donald Trump and his retrospective vision of the 2020 election. Most of the party’s professionals realize this need. Unfortunately for their prospects, it is proving to be difficult as the start of Congress and the Colorado legislature shows. 

The core of Trump’s power in both legislatures is in their respective House caucuses. This week in Washington, D.C., the Liberty Caucus selected first-term Lauren Boebert as part of their leadership. She was made the communication chair. Boebert is a star on social media, an expert at grievance politics and a Donald Trump acolyte – a strong resume for 2022 leadership. She will, of course, be a flashing sign in every competitive House district in the country that Donald Trump owns the new House leadership.

Colorado’s House Republican caucus’ first day opening resolution praised Ron Hanks, one of their most extreme members, for his attendance at the January 6 riot, which he describes as a “peaceful citizens protest.” Mr. Hanks is running in the Republican U.S. Senate primary. The resolution went on to question if Joe Biden was the legitimately elected president and recommended a decertification of election returns to reinstate former President Trump. It was a front-page story in the Denver Post.

Not a good start to disengaging from the “Big Lie” and Donald Trump. House Democratic leader Alec Garnett shouted “holey moley,” reflecting his surprise and, no doubt, sense of good fortune. 

Lauren Boebert speaks at a news conference held by members of the
House Freedom Caucus on Capitol Hill in Washington | Andrew Harnik/AP

Ron Hanks reads a piece of paper in the House of Representatives at the
Colorado State Capitol, Jan. 12, 2022 | AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

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