Democrat Bridges a candidate for governor (Of CO- but he won't say why)

Democratic entrepreneur Rutt Bridges launched his campaign for governor Wednesday during a private, semi-formal soiree at his Cherry Hills Village home.

"I'm basically telling a bunch of my close friends and family that I'm in the race," said the 53-year-old political neophyte, who would not say why he is running nor reveal his campaign message.

"That's not a conversation I'm willing to have yet," he said. Bridges made millions developing a software program that analyzes sound reflections from the earth to identify likely oil and gas deposits.

After dabbling in venture capital, he founded Denver's centrist Bighorn Center for Public Policy - a $4 million experiment in finding nonpartisan solutions to the issues facing Colorado.

The think tank recently removed from its website a statement about Bighorn's backing of school vouchers - a political hot button, especially among Democrats.

Bridges said the language was "misleading" and didn't clarify that the center doesn't support universal vouchers. Rather, he said, it supports "pilot programs for vouchers for failing schools." The statements removal, he said, is temporary and has nothing to do with his campaign. Last year, Bridges spent 10 days seeking the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, then bowed out to make way for state Attorney General Ken Salazar, who won the seat.

Bridges became the public face behind the effort to reform the state's spending limits. He initially vowed to take the issue to last November's ballot, then backed off. He also - along with three other Democratic millionaires - spent big money last year winning back the statehouse for his party.

Bridges will begin fundraising for his gubernatorial run today and plans, at least initially, not to use his own money.

He described his campaign strategy Wednesday as follows: "To get more than 50 percent of the vote."

"I'm basically telling a bunch of my close friends and family that I'm in the race," said the 53-year-old political neophyte, who would not say why he is running nor reveal his campaign message.

"That's not a conversation I'm willing to have yet," he said.

Shades or Teddy in 1980.

Hat tip to Hugh Hewitt for finding this. Hugh says this lightweight is the frontrunner for the Democrats.

The Colorado bench of Democratic candidates is not very strong, and Bridges is a player. He's smoother than many Democrats in talking with the media, in conversation and in explaining his positions. But, like many Democrats, he tries to be all things to all people, and often alienates voters. Colorado has a history of wealthy candidates thinking they can buy elections, and end up losing much of their wealth as well as the election. Bridges is typical of being another "holier than thou" Democrat who thinks he's the savior of his party.

Democrats did win both state houses in Colorado last year. It took Four Democrats personally spending Four Million Dollars to do it. These people blind sided the Republicans in Colorado. Spending this amount of money may have helped them win last year, but it isn't sustainable in the long run unless they figure out ways to attract more donations. They abused both federal and state election spending guideline intentions, and many voters are turned off by it.

Republicans, in the mean time, were complacent last year and failed to band together. The adage of "lead, follow or get out of the way" contributed to Republican losses. Not leading and refusing to follow, the voters voted Republicans out.

Thanks for your explanation of the election last year. I grew up/lived in Denver for quite a while. I was a bit surprised and disappointed in the election there last year and wasn't sure why the sudden turn to the Dims. I'm a bit familiar w the Cherry Hills area - he must have some $$$s to live there.

I don't remember - is there a term limit for the Gov? Can Owen run again and/or do you think he wants to? I know he was looking towards the Presidency but I've read that, due to his divorce issues, he probably won't/shouldn't run.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.