March 3, 2004
THE FIRST GOP PRIMARY OF 2008 (via AWW):
Campbell quits Senate race (Judith Kohler, March 3, 2004, Associated Press)
Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, beset by health problems and an office scandal involving a longtime aide, announced today he will not seek a third term this fall."After a great deal of soul searching and reflection I have decided not to seek re-election," the Republican said in a statement. "I feel the time has come to pass that duty on to another and return to my ranch with my family that I love."
Campbell, 70, has faced questions about his health since last year, when he acknowledged undergoing treatments for prostate cancer. Last week, he was examined in a Washington hospital after experiencing mild chest pains that turned out to be heartburn.
"After spending another night in the hospital, I realize the deteriorating health may hamper my ability to serve," Campbell said. "Doctors have assured me that after treatment for prostate cancer, the recovery rate is 98 percent. But I believe Coloradans deserve a 100 percent guarantee of service." [...]
Former Sen. Gary Hart and Rep. Mark Udall had declined to run, leaving the party with wealthy think-tank founder Rutt Bridges, little-known attorneys Brad Freedberg and Larry Johnson, and educator Mike Miles.
Governor Owens is reportedly interested in running for president--this provides him with the opportunity (necessity) of showing he can get things done, by drafting and electing a replacement. Especially since one of his potential rivals, Jeb Bush, will be helping Mel Martinez take a Senate seat now held by the Democrats and another, Mitt Romney, will get to appoint someone to fill John Kerry's seat. Posted by Orrin Judd at March 3, 2004 5:41 PM
Senators don't become President. Governor Owens will be fine where he is. He'll have a huge advantage over Jeb since his name isn't Bush.
I don't believe for one second that Kerry will step down if Romney can appoint his successor.
Posted by: brian at March 3, 2004 5:57 PM"...and another, Mitt Romney, will get to appoint someone to fill John Kerry's seat."
Do you really believe that JF***K will leave the Senate a day before 20 January 2005 in any circumstance?
Posted by: Raoul Ortega at March 3, 2004 5:58 PMHe has no choice. His public image is as a waffler--how can he try keeping his seat while supposedly being committed to running for president? Rove will drape it around his neck like a loop of intestines.
Posted by: oj at March 3, 2004 6:13 PMI'm puzzled - Kerry was re-elected in 2002; why must he step aside, unless he wins?
Posted by: TM at March 3, 2004 10:37 PMTM - as OJ notes the GOP can hit Kerry for votes he makes, votes he misses, and can say he's not serious about the Presidency if he won't give up his senate seat.
That said I agree with Raoul - Kerry, like Kennedy, Byrd, etc. won't leave the senate until they are horizontal.
OJ - On Florida I remember reading that Jeb wanted someone else (Webster?) and that he may not be strong supporter of Martinez (assuming Martinez wins the primary)
As for Colorado the names mentioned I believe are Dems - any suggestions for the GOP candidate other than Owens?
AWW: I always seem to see Scott McInnis talking away on C-Span, but I have no idea if he's a possibility.
Posted by: kevin whited at March 3, 2004 11:44 PMKerry isn't going anywhere. After he loses his election he'll go right back to the Senate. When he only has Massachussetts voters to please, that "D" after his name will be all he needs to keep the seat. Look what the other Mass. senator gets away with.
Posted by: MarkD at March 4, 2004 6:23 PMI thought I would follow up on this old post -- apparently, McInnis is now the White House choice to hold this seat.
Posted by: kevin whited at March 10, 2004 10:40 AM