Aaron's Real Opinions (Yikes!)

GUBERNATORIAL SURPRISE -- RUTT BRIDGES BOWS OUT
08-11-05

In what is the biggest surprise of the young Colorado gubernatorial campaign, Democratic candidate Rutt Bridges withdrew his candidacy much to the surprise of Democrats and Republicans alike. Bridges, a self-made multi-millionaire who founded the Bighorn Center for Public Policy and authored the Colorado No Call List (much to the delight of almost every Coloradan), decided his forte was public policy and not the grunge of campaigning 24/7 for almost two years in order to win the race.

Bridges' withdrawal leaves a lone Democratic candidate -- former Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter -- and two Republican candidates -- Congressman Bob Beauprez and former Colorado Secretary of Technology Marc Holtzman (programs with all three candidates can be viewed at www.HarberTV.com ). Ritter is considered a strong General Election candidate due to his law and order background as well as his personal opposition to abortion. The latter, however, likely makes him an easy target in a Democratic Primary.

Holtzman is an unknown but is well-funded and, except for some recent stumbling, has acquitted himself well. Beauprez, however, is considered the leading candidate from either party due to his position, his prior service as Republican State Party Chairman, his strong White House ties, and an attractive personal story. Political insiders generally have opined the election is Beauprez' to lose.

After running for the U.S. Senate last year for only 10 days and then stepping aside for then-Attorney General Ken Salazar, Bridges's second aborted campaign may be an indication he has concluded the rough-and-tumble world of politics simply is not for him. It is an understandable and rational conclusion.

Most surprising was Bridges' announcement at such an early point in the campaign. Many believed he would focus on winning the Democratic Primary in August of 2006 and use his personal wealth and that of his friends and associates to fund 527 organizations which could be used to convince voters of the need to elect a Democratic Governor. While money alone rarely wins elections in Colorado, a separate investment of $10 million in 527's could have tipped the scales in Bridges' favor, even after his own and his Republican opponent's campaigns each spent $5 million on their own.

People familiar with Bridges know him as a very intelligent, straight-talking, no-nonsense, kind and caring person. It is easy to understand how unattractive the rigors of campaigning -- as well as the constant begging for money one does -- would give Bridges second thoughts. At the same time, his withdrawal is a loss for Colorado due to Bridges' sincere commitment to public service.  If you see Rutt Bridges, thank him for running, for raising important issues, and most of all for the Colorado No Call List.

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Aaron Harber hosts "The Aaron Harber Show," seen Fridays at 9:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm on PBS Station KBDI-TV Channel 12. Please go to www.HarberTV.com for more information. Send your comments and topic suggestions for both columns and TV shows to Aaron@HarberTV.com. You also may view programs on a 24/7 basis via the "Broadcast Videos" section of the Website. Many of Aaron's columns also are available on the Website on the page entitled "Aaron's Opinions." You often can find them in The Colorado Statesman (www.ColoradoStatesman.com) as well as in The Denver Daily News (www.DenverDailyNews.com).

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