September 26, 2007
Paccione Passes in CO-04
Another Dem top-tier challenger has a clearer field this afternoon, as CO-04 ’06 nominee Angie Paccione (D) has dropped out of the race, according to the Rocky Mountain News. That leaves Dem favorite Betsy Markey, a former aide to Sen. Salazar (D) and ’06 Reform nominee Eric Eidsness (D) as the two Dems remaining in the race against Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R).
Paccione announced this a.m. that she’s joining Pathways to Leadership, a business consulting firm. Paccione: “I thought that I might be able to work with Pathways to Leadership and campaign for Congress at the same time. However, the opportunities with Pathways have grown and I must say 'yes' to those opportunities."
Paccione came within 6K votes of knocking off Musgrave in ’06. But, this year, key CO Dems had started to coalesce around Markey, putting pressure on Paccione to exit. Paccione had raised just $90K for her repeat bid.
Her exit from the race continues a positive trend for Democrats. Against targeted GOPers, weaker Dems are dropping out of primaries, helping to clear the field for stronger and more viable Dem candidates. Markey now becomes the prohibitive favorite in this race, and should have more resources with which to combat the very vulnerable Musgrave in a general election. [TIM SAHD]
Posted at 05:11 PM
Comments
Congratulations Angie,
It is exciting when someone as capable as Angie is recognized by a major corporation for the assets she can bring Pathways to Leadership on a full-time basis. Congratulations Angie.
It is now time for those of us who have supported Angie in the past to go forward and support Betsy Markey. We are fortunate to have such a remarkable candidate who can represent the Democratic principles so well in the 4th district and be able to beat Ms. Musgrave.
I've heard her speak once and was impressed by the depth of her knowledge of the issues that face all Americans and especially those who live in the 4th. She is an independent thinker who will work for all the citizens of Colorado, especially the 4th.
I went to Betsy's website to see what was written today about Angie's departure from the web. It was a very gracious statement - as I fully expected. I urge all readers to do so - www.betsymarkey.com.
Ann
Ann | 09.26.07 06:12 PM
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Actually, I think the conventional wisdom in CO was that Paccione was the front-runner for the Democratic nod. She had the support of many past candidates from around the state and her network from 2006 has remained intact. Paccione also out raised Markey in the Q2. And Paccione had already began hiring a list of Colorado pol. operatives while Markey had hired only a few out-of-staters...
I must say, I love Angie, but MM has never been opposed by a middle-aged, white woman in her mostly rural district. Maybe the Ds will ahve a shot, doubt it though....
heartbreaker | 09.26.07 10:32 PM
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And a good thing this is! Unfortunately Angie was damaged goods and had even less of a chance to beat Musgrave.
Betsy has greater appeal across the district. I'm so glad that the field has cleared for her!
C | 09.27.07 12:54 AM
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Heartbreaker -
It would have been an interesting race if Angie had stayed in. But - now we have to focus on helping Betsy win.
We know she is a through and through Democrat.
She has wonderful connections which she developed over the past three years in the 4th district. She is known by every Mayor in virtually every town. And, she can win if we can come together and work for this goal.
Ann | 09.27.07 11:33 AM
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