Johnson's name floated for 4th CD GOP Primary

Face the State Staff Report

The political rumor mill is running at full speed with potential Republican candidates to challenge Betsy Markey in 2010, and the latest name to enter the picture is state Senator-turned Larimer County Commissioner Steve Johnson.

Johnson's potential candidacy was first reported on the Loveland Politics blog Wednesday. Johnson told Face the State he is still focused on serving as commissioner, but says he has seen strong public support for a potential bid.

"I love my job as commissioner and doing the best job I can for the people of Larimer County is my top priority right now," Johnson wrote in an email to Face the State. "But I can understand why I might be considered, as I received the most votes of any Republican running county-wide in Larimer last year."

If Johnson were to officially file for a 2010 bid, he would face a primary against CU Regent Tom Lucero, who filed in December. Other rumored candidates include Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, who told Face the State he is "strongly considering" a run, Fort Collins City Councilman Diggs Brown, and Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck. Mark Hillman, a previously speculated candidate, recently announced he will not be part of the contest.

State GOP Chair Dick Wadhams says that mounting interest in a primary is reflective of rising political stars in the party.

"I've always thought that we would have several great candidates competing for nomination against incumbent Betsy Markey," said Wadhams. "It will stir up interest in our party and it's great that we have so many solid candidates considering the race."

Johnson was elected to serve as a Larimer County Commissioner in November, leaving the state Senate mid-term. If he were elected to Congress in 2010, he would be only midway through his four year term as commissioner.