Former Republican congressman Bob Beauprez told POLITICO that he is "leaning towards running" against Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) because he doesn't think any of the party's current crop of candidates can win.
"There's a general sense that our field isn't really set on our side, and Bennet is quite vulnerable," said Beauprez. "We're looking at it -- with an increased sense of urgency."
Beauprez said the administration's policies on health care and energy have been driving him to jump in the race. But he remains concerned whether he will be able to raise enough money in a tough environment for fundraising.
He said he will have to make his decision soon, but didn't set a timetable.
I don't doubt that Bennet is vulnerable to a challenge, but is Bob Beauprez the man to beat him? Beauprez, as you may remember, was last seen losing the 2006 gubernatorial race in Colorado to Democrat Bill Ritter in a humiliating fashion (17 points worth of humiliation, to be precise). Beauprez won't be facing that kind of headwind again next year if he chooses to run, but he may have to work hard to earn back some credibility with the GOP base -- and everyone else.
UPDATE: ColoradoPols hears through the grapevine that Beauprez is telling his friends that he's gonna run.
