Campbell Not Running for Re-election

[NewJerseyDem]

http://www.rollcall.com/issues/1_1/breakingnews/4600-1.html (subscription required)

Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) will not run for re-election in November, confirmed a GOP colleague and two well-placed Republican strategists.

Campbell was in the process of informing staff of his decision early this afternoon.

The Senator’s decision ends months of speculation about his political future that has grown to a fever pitch in recent week after the resignation of his chief of staff and his hospitalization last week for a case of severe heartburn.

Neither Campbell’s campaign office nor Senate office returned calls seeking comment.

[Warpy]

1. I guess selling out the party that elected you

...is really hard on the GI tract. Good riddance. What a disappointment HE turned out to be!

[Wabbajack]

7. Why

did he switch? He was a moderate Dem but not a southern-fried git like Richard Shelby. Just for the power?

[Doomsayer13]

8. Soley for power

he was a moderatly liberal Democrat until the 1994 landslide, after which he turned on us to be a Republican for the sole reason that he wanted to be a member of the majority party. I have no respect for power hungry traitors like him. Shelby was a middle of the road conservative, but Campbell for all intents and purposes was a left leaning democrat until it wasn't to his benefit to be.

[NewJerseyDem]

9. I agree

Just in 1994, he got only a 25% rating from the ACU and only a 12% rating in 1993. The same years he got a 55% and 75% rating from the ADA in those years.

In 1994, Campbell got more liberal or just about as liberal ratings from the ACU than Howell Heflin (AL), Sam Nunn (GA), Jim Exon (NE), Bob Kerrey (NE), Fritz Hollings (SC) and Robert Byrd (WV) yet they all remained democrats after 1994.

In 1993, Campbell got the same rating as Barbara Boxer!!!! So, he was actualy fairly liberal, but he wanted to stay in the majority so he became a republican.

Shelby on the other hand was more conservative than all the democrats in the Senate and actually many republicans.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

2. This is a great sign

This asshole switched parties when he saw the great shift in '94. Maybe he sees the Dems taking over again and can't bear the thought of being in the Minority Party, and is too fucking lazy to switch parties again.

[Goldom]

3. not good..

this means Owens gets to appoint a more extreme (R) Senator to run as incumbent in 2004 practically unopposed, as N-C waited this long to tell...

[NewJerseyDem]

5. Campbell isn't resigning

He is just retiring at the end of his term, as far as I know.

[NewJerseyDem]

4. Hopefully, Udall will run

I hope that Mark Udall will reconsider and run again now that Campbell isn't running. Or, maybe some other top democrat like Ken Salazar. If not, then I guess Rutt Bridges will be the nominee. But, he doesn't have elected experience so I don't think he would be a strong as other top democrats.

[Doomsayer13]

6. if Owens gets in

I think all Dems chances are done. But maybe Owens wants to keep the statehouse... we know for sure that Rove will try to pressure him into running.

[mgarretson]

10. What about Mike Miles?

Hey NewJerseyDem,
What about Mike Miles? He seems to have an awesome resume/background for a Democratic candidate... I wish he'd get more play...

He kind of reminds me of a slightly more liberal Wes Clark. <ahh, the memories :) >

-Mike

[NewJerseyDem]

11. He is an interesting choice, but I doubt he can win

Miles seems to be interested in running a nontraditional, grassroots campaign. While that's a nice idea, it rarely actually works in getting members of congress, except for a few cases, perhaps Russ Feingold and Paul Wellstone would be those exceptions. Miles will have a hard time raising money most likely and he lacks the experience that will probably be needed to win.

But, Udall has experience, is a solid liberal, and has a great name.

No matter what happens, I still think the republicans have the advantage. Colorado has become a pretty conservative state and a liberal like Udall or Miles is going to have a tough time winning a statewide election in the state.

[Doomsayer13]

12. What of Salazar

rumor has it he wants to be governor. But if Owens doesn't jump in the race, I think he'd be a sure favorite for the seat. And does strickland want to give it a third try?

[NewJerseyDem]

13. I think Strickland has said no

I believe after the 2002 elections he said he wouldn't run for anything again but he could always change his mind.

If Salazar runs and Owens doesn't, I think we will win this seat. But, so far Salazar doesn't seem very interested.