Suthers says no to Colorado Senate bid

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers (R), in a
surprising move, has decided not to run for the state’s open Senate seat. 

Suthers was widely expected to seek the seat, to the point
where others were beginning to enter the race for his current job.

{mosads}But Suthers said Monday that he would run for reelection,
also bypassing the governor’s race.

“I realize the decision I’ve made will be disappointing
to many Republicans and friends and acquaintances of mine that wanted me to run
for governor or for the U.S. Senate in 2010, and that it may be disappointing to
many Democrats who thought I’d be easy prey if I did,” he told the Denver Post. “But I hope everyone will
understand that such decisions have to be made on the basis of very personal
values and beliefs. I must ultimately be directed by my inner compass.”

In a related development, former Rep. Scott McInnis
(R-Colo.) told the Post that he is
not interested in running for Senate, and is instead eyeing the governor’s
race.

With Suthers out, attention will now turn to former Rep.
Bob Beauprez (R-Colo.), former state Treasurer Mark Hillman and Aurora City
Councilman Ryan Frazier.

In an e-mail, Hillman said he’s giving the race some
thought.

“It’s obviously a
great opportunity, and Colorado needs someone with deeper roots and more broad
understanding of our state than Mr. Bennet,” he said. “However, the first issue
for me to resolve is whether it’s the right time personally for me and my
family.”

Whoever wins the Republican nomination will match up with
newly appointed Sen. Michael Bennet (D), who replaced incoming Interior
Secretary Ken Salazar in the Senate.