Dems already eyeing competitive Colorado House seat

Democrats are already eyeing Rep. Mike Coffman’s (R-Colo.) House seat in Colorado, even though Coffman was just reelected to a fourth term by a nine point margin.

{mosads}The Denver Post first flagged a tweet from former state Rep. Edward Casso (D-Colo.), who said he’s formed an exploratory committee for a potential run for  Colorado’s 6th district in 2016. 

Casso said his decision on whether to run would be influenced by whether Democrat Andrew Romanoff, who just lost to Coffman in 2014, decides to run again.

Roll Call reported last week that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is recruiting Romanoff for a rematch in 2016.

Romanoff served as Speaker of the Colorado House, and is viewed by many as one of the Democrats brightest stars in the state. However, he’s been the victim of bad timing and strong opposition candidates, and has lost both his bids for national office. 

In addition to losing to Coffman this year, Romanoff lost in the Democratic primary to Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) in 2010.

The suburban Denver district is supposed to be among the most competitive in the state, but Democrats have been unable to unseat Coffman after the 2010 redistricting. He’s burnished a reputation as a strong campaigner and political survivor.

Republicans slammed the potential of a Romanoff comeback or any other challenger to Coffman 

“After a devastating 9-point loss, perennial loser Andrew Romanoff should hang it up and find a new career outside of politics. Colorado voters overwhelmingly re-elected Marine Corps combat veteran Mike Coffman, and he will have no problem dispatching Ed Casso or any other professional politician Washington Democrats decide to recruit,” said Tyler Q. Houlton, a spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee. 

The best hope Democrats have of finally unseating Coffman might be if he decides to run for Senate in 2016. Political strategists reached by The Hill say Coffman is likely the best candidate Republicans can put forward to challenge Bennet in 2016.

This post was updated Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 12:12 p.m.