Lucero files paperwork to challenge Markey in 2010

University of Colorado Regent Tom Lucero, R-Johnstown, has filed papers with the Federal Election Commission declaring his intent to run for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District in 2010.

LuceroMSNBC

Lucero is fresh off his victory as campaign manager for Amendment 54, one of only two out of 12 proposed statewide ballot initiatives to meet voter approval in this November's election. He is a strong conservative voice in higher education and advocates for intellectual diversity, government transparency and accountability.

“The unsolicited support that I’ve received in the last few weeks demonstrated to me that I needed to seriously consider running for the 4th and be the Republican who will challenge Betsy Markey in 2010.”

Representative-elect Markey, a Democrat, effectively turned the 4th CD blue for the first time in 35 years when she trounced Republican incumbent Marilyn Musgrave on Nov. 4. But the GOP remains confident it can take back the seat in 2010. So confident, in fact, that several high profile Republicans--in addition to Lucero--have seen their name floated as potentials for the party's nomination. They include state Sen. Greg Brophy of Wray, state Rep. Cory Gardner of Yuma, former Senate Majority Leader Mark Hillman and Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck.

This race could get sticky quickly. Gardner and Brophy regularly talk strategy together under the Capitol dome to promote limited government causes, with Brophy now holding Hillman former Senate seat. At a recent dinner party, most of the contenders were in attendance and good naturedly joked about the position.

Some insiders have questioned why Lucero would announce his candidacy a full 23 months before 2010's general election and 19 months before 2010's primary election, saying it will only drive up costs for all involved. If he thinks he can secure enough cash to run such a long race, however, it may just give him the name identification he needs to break out of the pack.