The Denver Post reported this morning that Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper refuses to primary Gov. Bill Ritter in 2010. But sources tell Face The State Hizzoner Hick isn't the only Democrat who has been courted for a primary challenge.
The news comes as no surprise to political insiders, who have heard grumblings about Ritter from all corners of the Democrat coalition in recent months. Multiple sources tell Face The State former House Speaker Andrew Romanoff and state Sen. Chris Romer, both Denver Democrats, have also been approached.
But the question is, who’s doing the asking? All signs point to union power-brokers who are reeling after the successive vetoes of House Bill 1170 and Senate Bill 180, measures that would have strengthened union power in both private and public sectors. There are no doubt veteran Democrats who daydream of life in the Governor's mansion, but a primary challenge bankrolled by organized labor comes with major strings attached. Ritter knows better than anyone how unions feel about cashing in on their "investment" in candidates, and their displeasure when there's no return. The expectation to deliver would be a major burden on any successful challenger, and it's not an obligation even pro-union Democrats would take lightly.
Unions cash has always been a key for Democratic politicians. Losing their support would seriously threaten Ritter’s chance at re-election, but a primary challenge from the union hall is looking unlikely with every passing day. Far more likely is a campaign season where unions sit out the Governor's race and focus their cash on other races. Firefighters' union president Randy Atkinson said last week his union would only support "friends" of the labor cause. Clearly Ritter can no longer count on their support, but neither can his eventual Republican opponent. And if the capitol rumor mill rings true, the IOU's aren't worth the risk to a Democrat challenger either.