Two more names for governor dropped in the hat

November 26, 2008

Coming off a brutal November election, GOP circles are buzzing with names of possible contenders who may seek to challenge Gov. Bill Ritter in 2010.

Retiring state Sen. Tom Wiens, R-Castle Rock, has been floating his name for governor since 2005 (at least). Last Spring, Wiens hinted to Face The State that just because he wasn't running for re-election in the Senate didn't mean he was leaving politics for good. “Who knows what will evolve for me in 2010 and beyond,” he said last April.

Seven months later, he admits that running for governor in 2010 against Democrat Gov. Bill Ritter is something he is definitely thinking about. "I've received a lot of encouragement," he said. "I'm waiting to see how things play out this legislative session and how the governor does with the economic crisis. Organizing one's life to take that on is a big task, and that's what I'm working on right now."

While Wiens is busy mentally preparing himself for the state's highest executive office, other potential candidates are taking their chances of getting the Republican nomination less seriously. Like Wiens, Rep. Don Marostica, R-Loveland, is seeing his name mentioned by insiders as a potential contender for 2010. When asked about his intentions to run, however, Marostica's reponse was lighthearted. "I'm 60 years old," Marostica said. "I have a bucket list and running for governor is not on there."

Regardless of what Marostica decides about a potential run, he will be one to watch during the 2009 legislative session. As a new addition to the Joint Budget Committee, he has already begun to capture headlines, and while he may be considered a long shot right now, a good session could very well propel him to the short list.

Comments

Marostica or Penry for Governor...

Submitted by almostgraduated on Mon, 03/30/2009 - 9:18pm.

Cleve Tidwell for US Senate.

Tough choice between Marostica and Penry...

for Senate, the clear choice is Tidwell.

Heard of Another candidate-could be a winner

Submitted by lucylu on Mon, 01/19/2009 - 12:42am.

I attended a party at Japanese Consulant Generals home last week and over heard a conversation that I found interested. Just wondered what you might know. I probably shouldn't even be mentioning it, but curious mines want to know I suppose. If so we might have a strong candidate for the GOP Governor run. A gentlman named Cleve Tidwell who I understand has been and maybe still is an international business executive, I heard was considering the run for Governor. I understand he has been encouraged by some strong republicans in the state. I meet him and he is beyond sharp and would probably bring some serious leadership to Colorado. So, please keep us informed if you learn more. This guy brings a new face to us which we greatly need. Plus I think we need a business man at the top not a lawyer. So, hope you can find more and report...thanks and like your site

LL

Marostica Running for Governor

Submitted by Jim World on Thu, 12/04/2008 - 6:37am.

Your story is a not completely accurate. Marostica has shared his ambition to run for Governor with many of his colleagues and some say the bumper stickers are already printed.

Anyway, go to LovelandPolitics.com which is a political webinfo site in his hometown. It isn't a secret there he is already running for Governor in 2010. He has formed an "exploratory committee" already but is waiting for them to first make some noise next year so he can say he was "drafted" to run.

I thought you guys had a better nose for politics. He really threw you off the scented trail.

Jim