2010 Colorado U.S. Senate Race: Republican Primer

Primary season is here, and races will soon begin around the country. The 2010 Colorado U.S. Senate race could allow the Republicans to gain a seat on the Democrats. Democrat incumbent, Michael Bennet, has been endorsed by Barack Obama. Governor Bill Ritter appointed Senator Bennet as a replacement for Senator Ken Salazar who accepted a post in President Obama's cabinet as Secretary of the Interior. According to Rasmussen Reports, as of May 3, both Republican candidates would beat Michael Bennet. Ken Buck has come from behind to take the lead in the Republican party against former Lieutenant Governor Jane Norton.

As a voter, I have been disappointed by the Democrat's majority in the Senate, and would like to see greater opposition. The recent actions by Congress give me pause, especially when the economy is still not in good shape. All of the spending concerns me, especially with the current situation in Europe looming on the horizon. I believe the Republican party will get back to its conservative roots, and cut spending. I also believe we need to follow Arizona's lead, and enforce the immigration laws already on the books. On these criteria alone, both candidates look good. I think either would do a fine job. As of this posting, it is pretty much a dead heat for me. If I were forced to choose, I would go with the polls and vote for Ken Buck. I like him as more of a political outsider than his opponent. Jane Norton has been in the trenches of state government, which makes me reluctant to vote for her. This could prove useful for maneuvering in the Senate, however. The following is a primer on each of the Republican candidates for Senate. Click on the links to go to each candidates website for more detailed information.

Ken Buck (R) - Ken Buck is a former prosecutor and businessman from Weld County. Buck believes in bankruptcy rather than bail-outs for failing corporations deemed "too big to fail". He seeks to repeal Obamacare, and take a more free-market approach. Ken believes the federal government is spending too much, and is opposed to cap-and-trade legislation. Buck is pro-life, and wants to secure the border with Mexico.

Jane Norton (R) - Norton was Colorado's 46th Lieutenant Governor, who hails from the Western Slope. She worked with former Governor Owens to reform the state's health care system, and opposes current legislation. Jane seeks to lower taxes and balance the budget. Norton is pro-life, but would allow it in cases of rape, incest or when life threatening to a mother. She opposes cap-and-trade, wants stronger border security and supports the Second Amendment.

Democrats

Michel Bennet (D)

Andrew Romanoff (D)

References:

Jane Norton, http://janenortonforcolorado.com/

Ken Buck, http://buckforcolorado.com/

Rasmussen Reports, http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/colorado/election_2010_colorado_senate