CO: Perlmutter Dropping Out

[Cactus Jack]

He's not seeking reelection.

Good. I like Perlmutter, but the Democrats desperately need new names and fresh faces in safe districts, especially in non-coastal states like Colorado and New Mexico. Their lack of a bench outside of states like California and New York is killing them nationally.

Incidentally, that's exactly why I hope he passes on challenging Gardner, who won on the merits of being younger and more charismatic than Udall. Colorado Dems need somebody who can counter that.

[Cactus Jack]

Definitely feeling Polis has an edge for CO Governor. The state is trending blue, the incumbent party is the Republicans in the White House, and Colorado went Clinton by 4. I definitely feel Polis could benefit and capture the governorship.

As was brought up by a previous poster, Polis also has the benefit of being obscenely wealthy. A self-funding Democrat with experience and a platform that lines up with modern Colorado, in this political environment, spells at least a little doom for the COGOP.

[Cactus Jack]

I'm hoping for a Hick run against Gardner in 2020, it'd pretty much take the seat off the table.

I don't doubt that Hick and Perlmutter would both be the end of Gardner, but I maintain my previous point: the Democrats don't just need to win, they need to build a newer, younger national bench. Neguse, once he most likely wins Polis' House seat, is going to be among the names to watch.

[Cactus Jack]

I don't get why people think Polis is weak, though I get coloradocowboi's point. His entrance, presumably, caused Perlmutter to drop out. I will admit bias, though, as I know people who have worked in his D.C. office.

An earlier reply of mine didn't post. I've worked for both campaigns before. Polis is weak because he is perceived as too far left (even though the policy differences between them are minimal).

I'd reckon that being from Boulder and homophobia factor into this. Also being rich, and inheriting a lot of his wealth. On the other hand, I can also say that Jared does himself no favors. He is a pompous communicator, and has a terrible public image that is managed poorly. (And no, I'm not talking about the bow ties)...

To be clear, anyone who thinks that the race is "doom" for the GOP is delusional. Polis has a harder climb uphill than Perlmutter. It was Likely D with Perlmutter, and Tilts D with Polis. Money cannot buy you a Governor's seat, and the barriers he faces are real. Plus a gay liberal from Boulder will motivate the deplorable to show up en masse.

But he plays League of Legends. Will the Redditors really turn on their own?

As they say in certain circles, I lol'd. Well played.