The chances for the Dems to win back the Senate just improved a bit. Incumbent Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) announced today that he will not run for a third term.
Rumors had circulated for months that Campbell may not run, but his staff insisted that he would. In recent weeks, however, Campbell has suffered from some health problems, including being hospitalized last week, which apparently prompted today’s announcement.
“After spending another night in the hospital, I realize that deteriorating health may hamper my ability to serve,” Campbell said in a written statement. “Doctors have assured me that after treatment for prostate cancer, the recovery rate is 98 percent. But, I believe Coloradans deserve a 100 percent guarantee of service.”
With no obvious frontrunner to replace him, this race is an instant toss-up, after being consider a “solid Republican” seat yesterday.
The two best Dem candidates for the seat swore off a campaign in recent months — Gary Hart and Rep. Mark Udall. Of course, with Campbell stepping aside, one has to assume that these two may reconsider. Also watch to see if Denver mayor Wellington Webb and/or Colorado Attorney General Ken Salazar jump in. Tom Strickland may also give this race a good look, but after two unsuccessful Senate campaigns, state Dems may want a fresh face.
Among Republicans, Colorado Gov. Bill Owens has to be considered a likely candidate. If he wants it, the nomination is his. A handful of House Republicans — including Beauprez, Hefley, McInnis, and Tancredo — will certainly consider jumping in, depending on what Owens decides to do. Also look for Colorado Springs businessman Dan O’Bryant to run. He was already planning to challenge Campbell in the primaries; his efforts will now become even more aggressive.
No matter who runs, this is likely to be one of 2004’s most competitive Senate races and offers the Dems new hope in taking a GOP seat.