Face the State

Face the State Staff Report

2010 may be the year of the political newcomer. Little-known Republican challengers lack name ID, but many are pushing forward with campaigns armed with a heavy dose of ambition. The GOP slate for next year's general election is filling with new faces including U.S. Senate candidate Cleve Tidwell, gubernatorial hopeful Dan Maes and 7th congressional candidate Brian Campbell. The latter may may now be joined by former radio host turned humanitarian activist Jimmy Lakey, who is being "drafted" for a challenge against Democrat Congressman Ed Perlmutter.

"Run, Jimmy, Run!" is the name of the Facebook group created to coax Lakey into a run for Colorado's 7th Congressional District. Lakey is a former radio host for Denver stations KNUS and KNRC, and is now active as a concert promoter and nonprofit fundraiser. Like his fellow Republican newcomers, Lakey has no elective political experience.

"I have a small business in Colorado which operates mainly in the world of music & entertainment," Lakey wrote in an e-mail to Face the State. "On the humanitarian front, I founded a non-profit organization almost 15 years ago that is currently heavily engaged in making sure that orphans in Africa have the opportunity and hope for a better future. This focus on orphans is called 'River's Promise,' and is inspired by a promise that we made to our son (River), whom we adopted from Rwanda."

While Lakey says he didn't play a role in the Facebook movement to "draft" him, the group has caught his attention and he is carefully considering the input offered by group members.

"I am bothered when I think of what type of nation my son will inherit if something doesn't change in the way we conduct the business of government," wrote Lakey. "So, as many people in Colorado have encouraged me to run for office...I am listening to all the advice that I can get right now."

Lakey says he is "looking for conservative solutions to solve every day problems." If he decides to enter the 7th CD race, he will face a primary against Brian Campbell, who announced earlier this year.

"I think I'm the best candidate, so I don't think a primary is necessary," said Campbell. "But it's okay to let other people put their voices out there."

Perlmutter was elected to his first term in 2004, and plans to seek re-election.

"Congressman Perlmutter is currently focused on representing the people of the 7th CD," said Perlmutter campaign director Julie DeWoody. "He is ready to face whoever comes out of a potential Republican primary."

The district was created following the 2000 U.S. census and includes western Denver suburbs and much of Aurora. The seat was held by former Republican state chair Bob Beauprez through 2006, when Perlmutter won a 55-42 percent victory over Republican Rick O'Donnell.