Good News: Ben Nighthorse Campbell won't seek re-election in Colorado

[ringmastery]

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~64~1994067,00.html

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado, facing failing health and an ethics investigation into an alleged kickback in his office, announced today he will not seek re-election this year.

Campbell, 70, the only Native American in the Senate, was hospitalized Tuesday night, his second visit to the hospital in as many weeks. Last week, he was diagnosed as having severe heartburn, but in his statement today announcing his retirement from the Senate, he cited his bout with prostate cancer.

“After a great deal of soul searching and reflection I have decided not to seek re-election to the United States Senate,” said Campbell in a written statement.

“After spending another night in the hospital, I realize that deteriorating health may hamper my ability to serve. Doctors have assured me that after treatment for prostate cancer, the recovery rate is 98%. But, I believe Coloradans deserve a 100% guarantee of service.”

His statement did not cite the ongoing ethics investigation, triggered by an accusation by former Campbell staffer Brian Thompson that the senator’s former chief of staff, Ginnie Kontnik, inflated his paycheck in 2002 so that Thompson could give her $2,000. Kontnik acknowledged the payment, but said it wasn’t wrong because it was a reimbursement.

[Mattforclark]

1. Oh, wow

That is very good.

Not good that he is sick, good that he isn't running.

He was a 100% re-elect. Do we have a dem running there yet? Who can do it?

How old is Gary Hart? :)

Yay!

[Mattforclark]

4. ah

"Millionaire software Rutt Bridges, a Democrat, jumped into the race Sunday, leaving him now the best-financed candidate in the field. Colorado Springs educator Mike Miles, Denver lawyer Brad Freedberg, Larry Johnson of Boulder and Liz Baker of Boulder were already in the running on the Democratic side.

But political speculation will quickly fall on Republican Gov. Bill Owens, Rep. Mark Udall, D-Boulder, and Rep. Scott McInnis, R-Grand Junction.

Owens put out a statement shortly after Campbell’s announcement saying, "Ben Nighthorse Campbell is a Colorado legend. He has served the people of Colorado tirelessly for more than two decades. He has never let Colorado down.""

[Catholic Sensation]

7. I've heard a lot about this Bill Owens guy

from what I've read, this guy could be the Republicans' version of Howard Dean in 2008.

[coloradodem2005]

13. Don't insult Howard like that.

[Mr. Bean]

15. Sorry. Owens is not even remotely close to Howard Dean.

Owens is a misogynst, an adulterer, and an all-around asshole.

Yes, I live in Colorado too.

He won't get the nod. The seat will go to Mr. Mike Miles. Fuck Rutt Bridges. He's just like Mr. John Kerry - buying himself a nomination after a man by the name of Mr. Mike Miles has worked extremely HARD to earn that nomination -- because he meets people like myself, and yes, I personally met him at a Meetup in Janruary and was VERY impressed with what he had to offer. I have donated about $250 thus far to Mr. Miles.

[janx]

18. Bill Owens

has absolutely nothing in common with Howard Dean.

Bill Owens is a friend of Chimpy's, and that's probably why he has been getting some press coverage.

[mountainvue]

20. Bill Owens

is despised in Colorado. The "CEO governor" doesn't have a shot.

[coloradodem2005]

24. Didn't B.O. used to be liked here up until 2002?

[janx]

25. Well, I never felt attached to the guy.

I was an independent, and I never voted for him either.

[mountainvue]

26. The people I've talked to don't like him.

Westword skewers him on a regular basis. My daughter's grandmother ( a lifelong Dem) says "He reminds me of a child molester."
BTW, have you tried to renew your driver's license lately?

[janx]

27. Uh-oh...driver's license?

Why? What?

[mountainvue]

30. One of the magnificent governor's first orders of

business was to lay off about 2000 state workers, closing DMV offices that he felt were extemporaneous in the process. This was told to me by a state worker at the DMV. Apparently, he's not winning any votes there. Denver County has one driver's license office and it took nearly two hours for me to get a simple renewal. They jacked up the cost too. They are good for 10 years now. Also, I've had family members try to apply for unemployment and have literally sat on the phone on hold trying to get through to file a claim-to no avail. They finally had to come over and use my computer to file for unemployment. It also takes much longer for them to receive their checks now too.
We had a good state government AND a budget surplus under Uncle Roy. All gone now.

[mountainvue]

32. To add

One night about a year or so ago, I turned on CNN to see Governor Owens standing next to Ariel Sharon in Israel. I'm like, wtf is Owens doing there? I still don't know.

[mot78]

5. Hart's not running

[janx]

16. Two words:

MIKE MILES

www.mikemiles4senate.com

[mountainvue]

21. I heard Webb's name being tossed about

but that was a while ago.

[mot78]

2. Now we have another GOP seat in play!

That makes AK, Il, PA, OK, now CO that are in play for Dems! If we carry all of those seats, plus hold on to one of two Southern seats (likely NC and FL) we can actually control the Senate!!!

[Liberalboy]

3. Just got this press release from CO Dems....

Looks like Owens is running..........

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, March 3, 2004
Contact: Chris Gates

CHRIS GATES’ STATEMENT ON CAMPBELL’S WITHDRAWAL FROM SENATE RACE

Denver, CO—Colorado Democratic Party Chair Chris Gates issued the following statement today in response to Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell’s announcement that he will not seek re-election:

“As I’ve been saying for months, I’m not surprised to see Senator Campbell leaving this race. I think Senator Campbell realized that his prospects for re-election were fading by the day. I also think the impending Justice Department investigation of Senator Campbell's offices played a larger role in this decision than he is letting on.

“We all certainly hope Senator Campbell’s health improves and we wish him the best as he leaves office.

”We presume that Governor Owens is a likely candidate to replace Senator Campbell on the ballot. We would relish the chance to have a statewide debate with Governor Owens about the state of Colorado's economy and the state of Colorado's budget and fiscal policy.”

[El Supremo]

6. Good riddance to that phony traitor!

I don't care if he sick or not. Ben Arnold Campbell is what I've called him since he changed parties in the middle of a term.

American Indian??? He is about 1/16 Cheyenne. He's mostly Portuguese. He joined a tribe, moved to a reservation, got rich on indian jewlery and rode around on a Harley just to appeal to the people who wanted somebody different.

We now have a very good chance of gaining that seat. I happen to know one of the Democratic candidates pretty well. I didn't think he could beat ol' Crazyhorse, but now its a different story.

Happy days!!!!

[Gildor Inglorion]

8. Hear, Hear!

Campbell had the cojones to do what ol' Zell Miller won't - openly and blatantly switch parties.

[dixiechiken]

11. I couldn't agree with ya more, El Supremo ...

Ben "Nighthorse" ( :eyes: ) Campbell can go fuck himself! Neither he nor Wayne Allard have shown that they possess the capacity to even remotely think for themselves or that they are capable of taking into consideration the welfare of their state or their constituents. They take their cues directly from the * White House and always fall in step with their vote like good little Busheviks. (bastards :grr: ) I say, "Good riddance and don't let the door hitcha in your fat ass on the way out!"

I'm a little surprised to hear that Owens (what a wanker) is expected to throw his hat into this ring, though, considering that it wasn't all that long ago that his name was being bantered about as *'s successor. (Ummmmm, wishful thinking much? :eyes: ) B-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-t, I guess the repukes figured that his recent marital woes won't exactly "fit" with the whole "family values" thang, huh!?!?!? Yup ... cryin' shame, I'd hafta say ... :evilgrin:

[maxanne]

9. sorry he's sick

glad he's leaving. And not surprised there was a confusion between his heart and his prostate.

[Kanary]

12. Confusion... bwahahaha... good one, maxanne!

[revcarol]

10. I always felt he was a racist.

My impression, don't know how true it was.Colorado could be much better served by a wide variety of DEMS.

[Jack from Charlotte]

14. Could someone tell me the possibilities of which party gets that seat?

I have no idea or what party the possible candidates for that seat are in. Could a someone gives us a rundown? Plusses, minues and which party has which candidate?

[Finch]

17. Senator Owens then...

The guy won reelection with over 60% of the vote in 02! if he throws his hat into the ring he will win and by a substantial margin he is a solidly conservative Republican but not so conservative that he alienates independents and moderates... if Cheney was dropped tomorrow the first choice for Bush would probably be Owens... he is definitely looking at a run in 08 if Bush wins or loses, even so he's term limited and needs a new job soon...if Kerry wins in November and is considered too strong in 08 then Owens is young enough to sit out that contest and come back in 2012... if Kerry where strong in 08 the GOP would probably have a sacrificial lamb probably Bill Frist or Rick Santorum if they are feeling indignant...

[janx]

28. A few Dems are running to challenge it.

Mike Miles is far above the rest.

www.mikemiles4senate.com

His background and experience are both so varied and strong that I can't say enough good things about him.

I have no idea what will happen on the right wing side.

[Tim_in_HK]

33. Wow . ..

Mike Miles looks AMAZING.

Screw Senate . . . Miles for President! I'm gonna give him $10.

I have to say, the level of talent we are seeing this year in Dems running for office around the country is simply incredible.

[jsw_81]

35. I agree

Miles looks terrific!

[mountainvue]

19. Woohoo!

:party: This seat will most assuredly go to a Dem.

[bushwakker]

22. Turncoat a-hole - good riddance*

[Finch]

23. If Owens is the R...

...publican candidate this seat will stay GOP if he does not run then Udall has a shot but it will be very competative... just to restate Owens got over 60% !!! in his reelection bid in 02 he would almost certainly win the senate seat if he ran for it even against Udall who will probably run now... Just hope and pray Owens sits out the rest of his last term as governor and doesn't run otherwise this senate race will be over before its begun...

:(

[mermaid]

36. My Feelings Exactly!!

n/t

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

29. yee-haw! ---someone call Gary Hart!

we need him back in politics

[mndemocrat_29]

31. I'm guessing that Mark Udall will run for this seat

He's always been touted as a potential senator and now that the seat is open, he'll likely run. Owens will be a difficult competitor (though he may not run, if he wants to run for president in 2008, it would be easier for him to stay as governor). If Owens isn't in, it will likely be Scott McInnis or Tom Tancredo.

Any Colorado Dems out there who know who'd consider a run for Udall's seat?

[NewJerseyDem]

34. Roll Call mention 3 candidates to fill Udall's seat

They say that state senate minority leader Joan Fitz-Gerald, state Board of Education member Jerrod Polis and state Sen. Ron Tupa as 3 potential democratic candidates for Udall's seat.

[Piperay]

37. The "reimbursement" was probably

money to keep an ex-girlfriend hushed up, I know that he was another one of those repug hypocrites who was "playing around".x(