Face the State Staff Report
While recent media attention has focused on statewide and congressional campaigns, the University of Colorado Board of Regents is also in play, with a third of its nine seats up for grabs next year. One Republican has announced plans to run for the open 4th congressional district, while two incumbents plan to defend their seats.
The CU Board of Regents is a statewide elected body governing the system and its three campuses, established in the Colorado Constitution. It consists of nine people limited to two six-year terms; seven are elected from each of Colorado's congressional districts, plus two statewide at-large seats. In addition to Loveland Republican Tom Lucero's open seat, those of Michael Carrigan, representing Denver's 1st congressional district and at-large Regent Steve Bosley, R-Louisville, are in play. GOP regents currently hold a 5-4 majority on the board.
Both Carrigan and Bosley are in their first terms and intend to seek re-election.
"In the first congressional district, I think my biggest concern would be a primary," said Carrigan. "But I have not heard of anyone planning to primary me." The district has a solid Democratic voter registration advantage.
Like Carrigan, Bosley feels his statewide seat is safe, despite winning by only 10,648 votes over Democrat Jennifer Mello in 2004.
"I have not heard of anyone planning to challenge me," said Bosley. "I don't think it would happen on the Republican side, but I have no doubts that the Democrats will put somebody up at some point."
While the 1st CD is a safe seat for Democrats, Republicans in the past have found the 4th CD a dependable foothold on the Board. Lucero is term limited at the end of his current term, creating an open seat in 2010 regardless of his current run for Congress. Sterling city attorney Kelly Barlean is so far the only official candidate and isn't overlooking the recent Democratic streak in the 4th.
"I think the district is clearly trending more towards the Democrats, so I think it will be a competitive race, especially in the general election," said Barlean. "I've got the experience, I've got the background and I'm concerned about my alma mater. I think I can be a very effective regent."
Barlean, a Colorado native, Air Force Academy alumnus and CU law school grad, returned to Sterling in 2003 after serving two terms in the Washington state House of Representatives. He says his experience running for office in Washington, plus a passion for CU, will serve him well if he faces a Republican primary.
As of now, there are no other challengers for Lucero's seat, although he did tell Face the State that "three or four people" have called him to express interest and ask questions.
"With [Barlean's] background in politics you would think he has good insight into how higher education operates," said Lucero. "If you're going to work hard, the seat will stay in Republican hands."