Fort Collins City Councilman Diggs Brown may be stationed in Africa with the Army National Guard, but that isn't stopping his local supporters from drumming up support for his potential 2010 bid to challenge Congresswoman-elect Betsy Markey, who was sworn in this month to represent Colorado's 4th Congressional District.
Brown currently serves as a major in the Army National Guard and was called for duty in Africa last fall. Although he can't talk with voters or take an active role in his campaign for another 10 months, Brown has the support of local political activists including the Northern Colorado Republicans, political consultant Andrew Boucher, and police officer Brian Ivers. Ivers is chairing the effort for Brown's campaign, which has been dubbed "Draft Diggs".
"We are hoping to drum up interest in his candidacy, financial as well as general interest within the party," said Ivers. "He is exactly what we need for the future. He has been overseas, and at home he is a very effective council member focused on transparency in government."
In an email to the Fort Collins Coloradoan Brown said he has not yet formally decided whether to challenge Markey.
"When I return to Colorado later this year, I will make a final decision on whether to run or not," said Brown. "So much can happen between then and now. However, I continue to receive encouraging e-mails from back home, and while I have been in contact with people, my availability is going to be sporadic and unpredictable."
Boucher is filing paperwork with the Federal Election Commission that will allow the "Draft Diggs" group to function as a candidate committee and to begin fundraising.
As things stand currently, if Brown formally decides to run upon his return in November, he will face a primary against CU Regent Tom Lucero, R-Loveland, who filed his paperwork with the FEC in December. There is still considerable time for other candidates to get into the game, and other Republican names that have been tossed around include state Rep. Cory Gardner of Yuma, state Sen. Greg Brophy of Wray, and former state Sen. Mark Hillman of Burlington. Other than Lucero, however, none have formally filed.
"We respect and honor what Diggs is doing by serving our country," said Lucero spokesperson Andrea Rasey. "Tom is a fiscally responsible businessman who is already talking to people in our district. He has overwhelming support from key business, community, and political leaders. A primary is a good part of the process and it makes the candidates better, stronger, and more focused on the issues."
The seat, previously held by Republican Marilyn Musgrave and once considered a GOP stronghold, still has a 13-point Republican voter registration advantage and is seen nationally as vulnerable to a GOP pickup.