There are two certainties in contemporary Colorado: The Sun will rise to Denver’s east, and the Republican Party will wind up in another phase of its endless factional feud.
Last cycle, the Rocky Mountains played backdrop for some of the ugliest GOP proxy fights in the nation. After several years of firebrand insurgents calling the shots, the state’s establishment struck back with force. Business groups and traditional conservatives aligned to defeat several hard-right allies of state party chair Dave Williams, saving Republicans from possible losses in the 3rd and 8th districts that would have threatened their House majority.
But the state’s right-wing contingent isn’t going down quietly. Williams, who garnered national attention last year after calling for LGBTQ+ pride flags to be burned, has used his influence to reshape the party in his image and crush its moderate wing. Though Williams is not seeking another term as chair, two of the frontrunners to replace him — former state Rep. Lori Saine and party official Darcy Schoening — are regarded by insiders as similarly pugnacious. Several sources believe they would make
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The Cook Political Report is an independent, non-partisan newsletter that analyzes elections and campaigns for the US House of Representatives, US Senate, Governors and President as well as American political trends.
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