Former Rep. Schaffer says he'll run for Allard's seat

Staff And Wire Reports

Published May 14, 2007 at midnight

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BOULDER - Former U.S. Rep. Bob Schaffer said he plans to seek the GOP nomination for the seat held by retiring U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colo.

Schaffer, 45, of Fort Collins, made the announcement Saturday to more than 150 people attending a Boulder County Republican Lincoln dinner.

"After considerable assessment," Schaffer said, "I've decided I'm going to begin putting a campaign together to run for the United States Senate."

Schaffer filed his official statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission on Wednesday, according to the FEC's Web site. He said he expected to kick off his campaign next year.

In late April, he told the Teller County Republicans' annual Lincoln dinner that he would be a candidate, people who attended the event said. Schaffer declined to confirm those reports.

U.S. Rep. Mark Udall, D-Colo., also is seeking the seat.

Other Republicans mentioned as possible candidates include state Attorney General John Suthers, former Lt. Gov. Jane Norton, and retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Bentley Rayburn.

Former Rep. Scott McInnis, R-Grand Junction, said earlier this year that he would not run.

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