In the four days since unnamed sources went on the attack against Colorado Republican Party Chairman Dick Wadhams in The Sunday Denver Post, bloggers have been buzzing about potential candidates to replace him.
Smith, at leftFTS File Photo
One of the names thrown into the mix has been Sean Duffy, a lobbyist with Denver's Kenney Group, who previously served as spokesman for former Gov. Bill Owens. But when contacted by Face The State, Duffy says this is the first he's heard of the rumor. "I've been so busy doing the job I have," he said.
Duffy has been painted as a political moderate, but says that is a false label and maintains he is a "solid conservative." Duffy's strong libertarian leanings and "live and let live" attitude, which includes support for gay civil unions, has drawn the ire of social conservatives. In 2008, however, Duffy's tactical skills and small government approach could help unite a party that must put aside its differences on social issues if it wants any hope of regaining control at the state level.
Duffy suggested that if Republicans are looking for new leadership, they should consider someone young and energetic for the post, and someone who can unite the social and fiscal conservatives. His pick: Denver County Republican Chairwoman Mary Smith.
Multiple sources say Smith has been approached by various party leaders lobbying her to take the job. Smith's spunk and style are surpassed only by her brains and political savvy, so whether or not she takes over for Wadhams, there is no question the Grand Old Party can benefit from having her around. She's Sarah Palin with a good sense of international geography.
Smith has also gained national attention for her ability to raise six-figure sums for top Republican candidates. According to the McCain-Palin Web site, Smith raked in more than $100,000 for McCain before this year's primary season had even ended. While Smith's abilities to raise for the state party will be limited under campaign finance rules, she will certainly have the ability to share her acumen with candidate campaigns.
Also part of the equation: Smith's husband, top Denver attorney Joe Smith, who ran his own valiant primary campaign for Colorado Attorney General a decade ago. Over the last several years, both Smiths have cultivated their kitchen table, quite literally, as a key spot for insider strategy meetings and fundraisers.
Our vote for the GOP leadership of tomorrow: Mary Smith as chairman with Duffy as executive director. What remains to be seen is whether either - or hopefully both - would be willing to take on the challenge of rebuilding the party from the ground up.
The GOP central committee will vote on the party's leadership next March.
Misspelling
On November 16th, 2008 davebarnes says:
You misspelled someone's name.
It is DickWad hams and you had the space incorrectly placed in his name.