This is interesting. Nativist Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo, one of the leading proponents of the radicalized immigration debate and likely presidential contender, is rumored to be interested in running for Wayne Allard’s senate seat in 2008. Allard had promised to serve only two terms when he ran in 1996, but Tancredo thinks he should break that promise.

One Republican who has been the subject of considerable speculation is Sen. Wayne Allard of Colorado, who is 63. He promised to serve only two terms when he was elected in 1996.

Colorado just elected a Democratic governor, and the state is considered fertile ground for the Democrats’ Western expansion efforts.

Republicans are worried enough about their hold on the Allard seat that even some GOP politicians with ambitions to succeed him are hoping he breaks his term-limit pledge.

“Run, Senator, run,” said Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., who is rumored to covet the Senate seat. “An open seat fight we just don’t need.”

Allard keeping his word and not running for reelection would put Tancredo in a bind. Does he enter into what would likely be a quixotic presidential run with the hopes of pulling the debate on immigration in the Republican caucus rightward? Or does he parlay his newfound celebrity on immigration into a likely nomination for Allard’s seat? I hadn’t heard about Tancredo wanting Allard’s seat before, but I’m sure he’d be happy to have Allard remove any doubt, keep the seat, and channel Tancredo towards a presidential run.
Democratic Rep. Mike Udall is the likely nominee to run for Allard’s seat in 2008 and will be a tough contender against Allard, Tancredo, or any other GOP hopeful.

Posted by Matt Browner Hamlin
Monday, December 25, 2006 at 1:40 pm

6 Responses to “Tancredo for Senate”

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