Castle Rock, CO
The Douglas County Republican Party held a special election on January 19th at the Douglas County Events Center to replace outgoing Chairman John Ransom on a joyous night that was made special by the voters of Massachusetts. Before formal activities began, it was announced that Scott Brown had decisively won the U.S. Senate Seat formerly held by the late Ted Kennedy.
Douglas and El Paso counties have very special roles when it comes to statewide elections. Both counties are predominately Republican and the local outcomes are not always that dramatic. However, each of these counties is a net exporter of Republican votes that help statewide GOP candidates overcome the net exports of Denver and Boulder counties. In 2002, Douglas County cranked out a net plus of 44,337 votes for Bill Owens who became Colorado Governor. In 2006, Douglas County only generated a net plus of 6,129 for the GOP governor candidate Bob Beauprez. Democrat Bill Ritter won that 2006 election and went on to unionize Colorado Government, try to raise any tax or fee available, put Michael Bennet in the U.S. Senate, and serve as Barack Obama’s host and cheerleader, delivering Colorado to Obama’s 2008 win.
Obviously, turnout matters in Douglas County. It can affect the outcomes of races both near and far. In the only contested 2009 race, for school board, the DCGOP scored a clean sweep. Now they are looking forward to 2010 with a number of statewide races, including open races for both Governor and U.S. Senate.
Mark Baisley deservedly moved up to Chairman by acclamation after coming off his successes in 2009. The DC Republicans picked Pat Nohavec-Fink as their new Vice Chair and this was a smart choice. The new Vice Chair has been a bright light in social functions that are so important for fund-raising, social networking and getting out the vote on election day. When she got a chance to speak to the assembly, Ms. Nohavec gave a surprisingly powerful and moving speech, encapsulating the opportunities and challenges the Republicans have in the age of Obama. She will be a force to be reckoned with.
One of the voting delegates present was Major Aaron R. McAdow, USANG. Major McAdow has made 4 different deployments overseas since 9/11. He has crawled through darkest Africa and the Moslem world in defense of our nation dealing with our terrorist enemies. He is a Republican and he voted that evening for the Chair and Vice Chair. The Massachusetts loser this election night, Martha Coakley, believes there are no terrorists in Afghanistan. She is a Democrat and she lost handily that night. Poetic justice.
Some days are better than others. This election night was one to remember for the Douglas County Republicans and one to forget for the Dems.
Mike Robinson is Sr. Partner at Robinson & Henry P.C., a Castle Rock Law Firm.
Comments
Fun for you - not so fun for your pals on the DCSD Board of Education who were getting skewered in Highlands Ranch last night. The honeymoon is over for three of the GOP's handpicked four winners in November. 600 people don't come to a Board meeting to tell you that you are doing a good job! Wake up and smell the coffee, counselor.
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