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Holtzman out, backs Beauprez

State high court ruling ends wild run for governor

Stuart Steers, Rocky Mountain News

Published June 23, 2006 at midnight

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Marc Holtzman's drive to be governor was quashed Thursday by the Colorado Supreme Court, ending a campaign that infuriated much of the state's Republican establishment and highlighted divisions in the party.

Holtzman's last hope of getting a spot on the Aug. 8 Republican primary ballot died when the high court refused to consider an appeal of a lower court decision that effectively ended his bid.

Putting aside an often bitter rivalry, Holtzman immediately endorsed Congressman Bob Beauprez and said he would campaign for him against Democrat Bill Ritter.

"There's so much more that unites us than divides us," said Holtzman. "He'll be a great governor."

Thursday was an emotional day for many of Holtzman's staff and supporters. He and his fiancée, Kristen Hubbell, appeared at a private meeting at the campaign headquarters to bid farewell to two dozen staffers.

Dressed in a plaid blazer and turquoise tie, Holtzman's voice broke and he struggled to control his emotions as he thanked his workers.

"Kristen told me on the way over, 'No tears,' " said Holtzman. " 'No tears, only memories of great experiences together.' "

Holtzman encouraged the staff to stay involved in politics.

"Don't lose your passion or commitment," he said.

Many in the crowd dabbed their eyes and then gave Holtzman a standing ovation.

Holtzman and Hubbell will marry July 8 in California, and he joked that instead of being a candidate he would now become a full-time wedding consultant.

Much of the staff is in its 20s and had little previous political experience. Many said they felt the campaign had succeeded in highlighting such issues as illegal immigration and opposition to Referendum C, which freed up money normally returned to Coloradans under the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights to help the state recover from budget problems.

"All the prominent issues this fall will be issues we were the first to get out there," said Tom Keller, who went to work for Holtzman in January.

Holtzman said he will soon make a joint appearance with Beauprez calling for party unity.

"I'll ask all of my supporters and contributors to close ranks behind Bob Beauprez," he said.

Holtzman called Beauprez to tell him he was ending his campaign. When asked if they had discussed whether he might join the ticket as a candidate for lieutenant governor, Holtzman smiled.

"That subject did not come up and I have a feeling it probably won't," he said to laughter.

Beauprez's campaign manager said they are looking forward to uniting the party behind his candidacy.

"We are excited to continue our campaign with renewed momentum and focus, and we appreciate the contribution of Marc and his team to this race," said John Marshall. "We look forward to working together towards victory in November."

Holtzman's effort to win a place in the primary was frustrated earlier this month when Colorado Secretary of State Gigi Dennis ruled that he had not collected enough valid petition signatures in the 1st and 7th congressional districts.

Holtzman challenged that ruling in court, arguing that under Colorado's provisional ballot law he should be allowed to count signatures from all parts of the state. A Denver district court judge dismissed that argument last week, and the high court voted unanimously not to hear his appeal.

Holtzman had to petition his way onto the ballot after failing to win 30 percent of the vote at the state Republican assembly in May.

Many of Colorado's most prominent Republicans were angered by Holtzman's campaign. Beauprez has the endorsement of almost all the party's top elected officials.

Holtzman accused the party establishment of betraying conservative values, and he called Beauprez "Both Ways Bob," characterizing him as a politician with no firm beliefs.

Holtzman aimed his political message directly at the most conservative wing of the party, constantly referring to his high profile opposition to Referendum C last fall and denouncing the impact of illegal immigrants on the state.

"I like to think my campaign has focused this party on its core values," said Holtzman. "We need to stand for something people can get excited about and rally around."