Republican Governors Association Bypasses Colorado in Get-Out-the-Vote Campaign

Strategic Insights -

The Republican Governors Association (RGA) has launched a targeted get-out-the-vote campaign in several key states, including Iowa, Maine, Oregon, Illinois, Arkansas, and Michigan, while largely bypassing Colorado's gubernatorial race. The RGA's decision has led some pundits to speculate that the group has written off GOP hopeful Bob Beauprez. In a letter to supporters, the RGA offered free airfare and lodging to volunteers willing to campaign for Republicans in these states, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming midterm elections.

Key Takeaways:

  • The RGA has launched a targeted get-out-the-vote campaign in six states, offering free airfare and lodging to volunteers.
  • The campaign is focused on several key races for governor, including Iowa, Maine, Oregon, Illinois, Arkansas, and Michigan.
  • Colorado's gubernatorial race, featuring Republican Bob Beauprez and Democrat Bill Ritter, has been largely bypassed by the RGA.
  • Congressman Beauprez is facing a significant polling deficit against Ritter, leading some to speculate that GOP officials have written off the race.
  • The RGA's decision to focus on other states may be due to Colorado's strict campaign finance laws, which restrict "in-kind" contributions.
  • Phil Musser, executive director of the RGA, stated that the group's decision was based on Colorado's campaign finance laws, which limit the RGA's ability to make in-kind contributions.
  • Bob Beauprez has received assistance from several governors, including Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, chairman of the RGA.

Statistics:

  • 30 days remain before the midterm elections.
  • The RGA is focusing on 6 key states: Iowa, Maine, Oregon, Illinois, Arkansas, and Michigan.
  • Congressman Beauprez faces a significant polling deficit against Democrat Bill Ritter.
  • Colorado voters will decide the gubernatorial election on November 2006.
  • John Straayer, a political science professor at Colorado State University, noted that the RGA's decision may be based on the poll numbers, with some suggesting that the party wants to put their money on a winner and not waste it if they're likely to lose.

Sources:

  • [Stuart Steers, Rocky Mountain News, No publication date]
  • [Source not provided]