Eid at Greenberg Traurig...for now

While 2009 is less than a month old, it has already been a year of changes for Troy Eid.

EidFTS File Photo

He started the year as U.S. Attorney for Colorado under the Bush administration. But with the changing of the guard at the White House, Eid announced that he would step down from the position and that he would pursue the Republican nomination for Colorado attorney general.

Just days later, however, Eid's plans shifted again when his mentor, current Attorney General John Suthers, announced that he would not seek the GOP nomination for Colorado's 2010 U.S. Senate race and would instead run again for his current post.

Suthers' decision sent shock waves through Colorado politics, and certainly through the Eid household, which also includes Eid's wife, Allison, a former CU law professor who now serves on the Colorado Supreme Court. "John did a huge U-turn," Eid told Face The State after Suthers' announcement. “My wife and I are very surprised by this.”

As of Monday, Eid said Suthers is a great friend, that he would not challenge Suthers, and that he has no plans to pursue a different political office.

He isn't done, however, sending out press releases. In a release sent out from Eid's e-mail address today, it appears that he is content to sit still, at least for the time being.

The release, titled "Greenberg Traurig Welcomes Troy A. Eid," announces that Eid has joined the large Denver law firm and outlines Eid's extensive resume, including his work with Native American tribes.

The question remains about how long will Eid be able to sit tight. As we noted Monday, he is well known for his tireless political ambition, having abandoned a 2006 bid for a University of Colorado at-large regent only after he was appointed to U.S. attorney. He has also followed closely in the career path of Suthers over the course of the last several years. The two men worked together in former Gov. Bill Owens’ administration. Eid also helped Suthers during his unsuccessful 1998 attorney general bid. Owens later appointed Suthers to the position when former Attorney General Ken Salazar resigned to run for the U.S. Senate.

When asked about his plans for 2010, Eid told Face the State it isn't even on his radar at this point. "All I am doing right now is focusing on my law practice," said Eid. "This week was as bizarre as the rest of this political year has been. From Salazar, to Bennet and this happening with John [Suthers]. To be honest, I've given 2010 no thought."

Perhaps Eid will decide to hold out until 2014, when he'd have a clearer shot at the attorney general slot. For the crowded GOP field of potential contenders for 2010's U.S. Senate, gubernatorial, and Congressional races, this would come as welcome news.