Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell Retires

The Democrats have a tough row to hoe this fall. The chances of retaking Capitol Hill are slim to none. News today that Senator Ben Campbell will not seek a third term might serve to give hope to Democrats watching from afar. If you are one such person I urge you to curb your enthusiasm. As wyvern knows much better than I, the exanimate Colorado Democratic party is not in any kind of position to capitalize on Campbell's retirement.

Representative Mark Udall is perhaps the best positioned in terms of name recognition and accessibility to a state-wide electorate. However, he's already indicated his intent to defend his seat in the second congressional district. Then again, that was before Campbell's announcement.

Tom Strickland, a former US Attorney, has lost two state-wide contests to Wayne Allard, Colorado's other senator. Will he make a third very expensive run? No news yet.

Wellington Webb, Denver's three-time mayor has been mentioned in the past as a possible Senate candidate. Webb, however, has never demonstrated himself outside the Denver metro area. He would seem to be a longshot candidate.

Then there's the perennially mentioned Gary Hart. All indications seem to be that while he remains interested in public service, he's no longer interested in elective office. And despite his enormous name recognition, the state is much different (read conservative) than when he last elected senator.

Governor Bill Owens is likely to be the early favorite as the GOP challenger. As a sitting governor who won re-election handily he's likely to be a formidable candidate.

The Democrats shouldn't back away from this fight. And certainly, they're in a better position competing against a non-incumbent. But it's going to be an uphill battle.

UPDATE: Reuters is reporting that one possible challenger for Campbell's seat might be Marilyn Musgrave. Personally, I hope she's the Republican nominee. That would clear the way for a more moderate replacement in her congressional district. And, she would make the state-wide race much closer given that her hard right views won't play well in Boulder and Denver.