Northern Colorado Gazette

Story and Photos
By Brett Reese

Delegates to the 4th Congressional Assembly listen as candidates make their cases

The anti-establishment sentiment already shown in many political contests across the country was equally strong in both state conventions this weekend.

In Loveland at The Ranch Friday night, Cory Gardner was chosen to represent the 4^th Congressional District  by a margin wide enough to keep his opponents Tom Lucero and Dean Madere off the primary ballot.

Many appreciated Loveland HVAC salesman Dean Madere’s message, however his inexperience proved to be a liability rather than an asset as he collected a 2^nd place finish with 120 votes. Madere’s three little girls could be seen sobbing after the results were announced.

Because of weak polling, Jane Norton’s U.S. Senate campaign decided to avoid the convention process and pay signature-collectors throughout Colorado to place her on the August primary ballot against Greeley’s own Ken Buck. However, the former Lt. Governor attempted to gain access to the voters of the convention in the individual congressional district meetings.  These attempts met with resistance; being refused in some, and booed down altogether in others.

Her campaign manager, Josh Penry, who himself pulled out of the Governor’s race ostensibly to unify the party, has become what many term an “attack dog” on the scent of Buck, her grassroots opponent.  Penry’s direct attacks on Buck appear to have had little effect thus far with Buck garnering 77% of the vote, though Norton did not attend the convention. In the Republican party if a candidate fails to receive enough votes at the convention, they are disallowed to petition on.

After Friday night’s seven Congressional Districts met in the Embassy Suites Hotel, Saturday’s State Convention was held in the Budweiser Events Center.

An influx of new voters and delegates upset state Republican party politics-as-usual.  Many attributed the stunning defeat of long-time politician Scott McGinnis to the Tea-partiers, 9.12ers, and other conservatives who have become active within the Republican party.  McGinnis opponent and long-time businessman Dan Maes said it is a different climate this year.  He hopes to capitalize on this new conservative base, though some believe Maes is weak on conservative issues like guns. And while both Republican gubernatorial candidates proclaimed a pro-life and pro-family stance, McGinnis is the only candidate with a record; and it doesn’t match his on-stage comments.

Weld County Delegation to the 4th Congressional Assembly

The Gazette uncovered several votes McGinnis made while he was in Congress showing both pro-abortion and pro-life stands. McGinnis is past chairman of the National Republicans for Choice and in 1996 said, “I personally don’t support abortion, but feel the decision shouldn’t be made between a woman and the government but between a woman and her doctor.” He said Friday he no longer feels that way, although he has maintained his reputation as a political moderate.

CU Board of Regents

Sue Sharkey:  513

Kelly Barlean: 7

CD4

Tom Lucero: 110

Cory Gardner: 359

Dean Madere: 120

US Senate

Greenbeck:  56   1.59%

Tidwell:  522    14.8%

Barton: 35   .99%

Buck:  2701  76.56%

Treasurer

Ament:  2788  79.02%

Hasan: 690   19.56%

Governor

Maes:  1741   49.35%

Mcinnis:  1725   48.89%

Yeager:  21   .60%

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