YOUR AD HERE »

Penry explains exit from Colorado governor’s race

Karen E. Crummy
The Denver Post

Right after presenting himself as the best Republican candidate to take on Colorado’s Democratic governor, state Sen. Josh Penry took his first step toward exiting the governor’s race.

Who started the conversation, Penry can’t recall. But immediately following a candidate forum a week ago Tuesday, he and GOP primary opponent Scott McInnis sat down and discussed next year’s election.

That night, Republicans were on their way to seizing the governor’s seat in both Virginia and New Jersey. In New York, a Democrat was winning a GOP congressional stronghold, in large part because of Republican infighting.



“Scott and I knew we needed to talk. There is a lot at stake next year,” Penry said Tuesday. “We – Colorado Republicans – have a real opportunity in 2010.”

The next day, the two candidates exchanged e-mails. Then Penry, 33, cleared his campaign calendar for Thursday and Friday and went home to be with his family in Grand Junction. Over the weekend, he spoke to his advisers.

Support Local Journalism



He weighed the emotional and financial toll on his young family.

For more of this Denver Post story: http://www.denverpost.com/ci_13759041


Support Local Journalism