Republicans Tipton and McConnell face CD 3 primary

By Leslie Jorgensen
THE COLORADO STATESMAN

LOVELAND — Armed with a mountain of powerful endorsements and respectable campaign funds, Republican state Rep. Scott Tipton has been perceived as the frontrunner in the 3rd Congressional District race. Tipton maintained that status (somewhat) and captured 55 percent of the delegate vote — too little to shut out newcomer Bob McConnell, who won 45 percent — at the party assembly on May 21 at the Embassy Suites Hotel.

It’s official — Republican “Tea Party” activist Bob McConnell fills out his 3rd CD candidacy paperwork with guidance from GOP legal counsel Ryan Call. McConnell will challenge state Rep. Scott Tipton, who snared top line on the primary ballot.

Photo by Leslie Jorgensen/The Colorado Statesman

“This is one family, now we move our campaign to the broader family,” said Tipton about switching his efforts from party assembly delegates to primary voters.

“The voting results are somewhat surprising,” said the legislator, who had hoped to keep McConnell off the primary ballot. But, Tipton admitted that he’s had very little time to campaign during the legislative session that ended eight days earlier.

“I’m thrilled! We got 30-plus percent of the vote!” exclaimed McConnell, who was grinning and pumping his fist.

“We had no party machine, just boots on the ground. Look at what we built and did in eight months and coming from out of nowhere,” he said.

McConnell hopes the primary contest will contrast each candidate’s brand of conservative values. The voters will certainly see differences in their styles. Tipton has a calm, statesmanlike demeanor. McConnell is more emotional, declaring, “I’m mad as hell!”

Both Republican candidates pitched conservative planks and raged against liberals in Congress. Tipton stressed his Colorado roots and experience as a small businessman and legislator. McConnell emphasized his military experience as a combat pilot in Vietnam, attorney and small businessman.

Supporters rally around state Rep. Scott Tipton after hearing results of the GOP 3rd Congressional District assembly —Tipton won 55 percent of the delegate vote, but couldn’t shut out “Tea Party” activist Bob McConnell who got 45 percent.

Photo by Leslie Jorgensen/The Colorado Statesman

Tipton vowed to cut spending and the size of federal government by 50 percent. McConnell called for repealing “the morass of federal legislation that bogs down small businesses,” and redefining “endangered species (as) farmers, ranchers, truckers, and drillers.”

“I think the speeches changed some of the delegates’ minds,” said McConnell, who had telephoned about half of the delegates. “A lot of them said they were undecided.”

On either side of the assembly hall were the candidate’s banners — Tipton’s “Common sense for Colorado;” McConnell’s “We the people, by the people, for the people.”

The candidates courted Republicans and “Tea Partiers” — the latter made up an estimated 40 percent of the 617 congressional assembly delegates. Tipton was endorsed by the board of directors of the Western Slope Conservative Alliance. McConnell captured nods from Grand Junction Results, Bear’s Ears Patriots and the Southern Colorado Tea Party groups.

“I think that it’s terrific to see so many new people, here. As Americans, it’s in our best interest to be part of the political process,” said Tipton.

The delegates cast their ballots — but results were delayed because one county delegation had to vote again. During the down time, delegates were entertained by Danny Agajanian, of Mesa County, who sang a little ditty he’d written. “Pull the Plug!” elicited loud laughter drifting from the assembly into the hotel hall.

“Have you heard about the medical bill? Obama’s gonna make me well… but I might end in hell. Pull the plug. Pull the plug,” sang Agajanian.

“…Checked into the ICU ‘cause I thought I had the swine flu, I’m not a member of the ACLU. Pull the plug. Pull the plug. They say I’m a terrorist and they got my name on the A List. I’m pro-life and a Baptist! Pull the plug. Pull the plug…”

Of the ballots cast, 336 were for Tipton, 280 for McConnell and one was blank.

A couple of days later, McConnell seized on Tipton’s agreement to participate in debates — the newcomer candidate issued a press release seeking debate sponsors and media coverage.

— Leslie@coloradostatesman.com