Tancredo: “And so it begins.”

There's no question former Congressman and Presidential hopeful Tom Tancredo has been fed up with the Republican Party (I know how he feels; I'm no fan of the leadership at all levels right now myself).  The most recent example of his discontent lies with the Republican primary in the race for Governor of his home state of Colorado, where he regards the two candidates in the running as not being able to defeat the Democrat contender, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper.

So, Mr. Tancredo has now taken the first step: throwing his hat into the ring, as a minor party candidate.  In a statement published yesterday, Mr. Tancredo announced he will be seeking the nomination of the Constitution Party in his bid to become the next Governor of Colorado.

Needless to say, this will be a hard battle for the former Congressman.  Traditionally, in races like this, the minor party nominees usually succeed in ensuring one of the major party nominees get elected (at best).  And with Tom Tancredo's possible entrance into the race, the likelihood will be that votes are going to be siphoned off the Republican nominee, whoever that will be.

However, with the two candidates in the running for the Republican nod, Scott McInnis and Dan Maes, already in hot water over separate scandals, I wouldn't expect their chances against Hickenlooper to not be negatively affected as a result.  Also, there's the support Mr. Tancredo has in his home state to consider, especially in comparison to Messrs. McInnis & Maes (and not only the Republican Party; another candidate for the Constitution Party's nomination has withdrawn from contention after Mr. Tancredo's entry).  What does it all add up to?  Frankly, I'm not sure; this is still quite speculative, as the primary elections aren't taking place until August 10th, and the general election is a little over three months away.

In addition, Mr. Tancredo has only announced he is seeking the Constitution Party's nomination.  It's still up to the Party to decide who they will nominate.

As for myself, although I don't live in Colorado, I support Tom Tancredo's bid for Governor.  He's giving the people of Colorado a better choice in 2010.  I hope he wins.