McInnis won't run for Senate

M.E. Sprengelmeyer, Rocky Mountain News

Published March 21, 2007 at midnight

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WASHINGTON — Former Congressman Scott McInnis announced today that he will take a pass on the 2008 U.S. Senate race, clearing the way for what could be a wide-open contest for the Republican nomination.

McInnis, who was widely regarded as a front-runner for the GOP nomination, said he will remain involved in politics, but that the contest was not right for his family.

Earlier this year, Republican Sen. Wayne Allard announced he will stand by his term-limits pledge and retire in 2008.

"My decision is based on doing what is right for Colorado, and ultimately what is right for my family," McInnis said in a release. "I appreciate the warm reception and encouragement that I received from many Coloradans," he said.

"I thank them for the privilege of service they afforded and bestowed upon me for many years. I will look forward to continuing to work with the next generation of leaders to uphold the ideals and values that make Colorado great."

With the contest still more than a year away, Rep. Mark Udall, D-Eldorado Springs, is positioning himself to run on the Democratic side. McInnis' decision is sure to fuel speculation among Republicans about who might run. Several names have surfaced, including former Rep. Bob Schaffer, retired Air Force Gen. Bentley Rayburn, Attorney General John Suthers.

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