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Colorado Democrats' Controversial Strategy: Boosting a Republican Election Denier

In a surprising political maneuver, Colorado Democrats have allocated a substantial $500,000 toward supporting a Republican candidate, Ron Hanks, in the state's 3rd Congressional District primary race. This district spans across western and southern Colorado, traditionally a Republican stronghold. The strategy aims to elevate Hanks over his GOP contenders, viewing him as more beatable in the general election compared to other Republican candidates.

Adam Frisch, a Democratic congressional hopeful, alongside the Rocky Mountain Values super PAC, spearheads this effort. Their campaign tactics involve running ads that not only boost Hanks but also undermine Jeff Hurd, another Republican contender in the primary race. These ads criticize Hurd's ambiguous stances on critical issues such as abortion, the Second Amendment, and immigration, while also highlighting his reliance on out-of-state corporate funding.

The rationale behind this controversial strategy lies in the belief that Hanks, known for his controversial viewpoints and labeled as an "election denier," would be less appealing to a broader electorate in the general election. This sentiment is echoed not only by Democrats but also by some within the Republican camp, who have initiated counter-campaigns against Hanks, painting him as a California liberal and decrying Democratic interference in their primary process.

Political analysts Dick Wadhams, representing the Republican viewpoint, and Mike Dino, speaking from a Democratic perspective, discussed the implications of this strategy. They agree that while such tactics have been employed by both parties before, it remains a risky gamble. The outcome hinges on whether Hanks or another Republican emerges victorious in the primary, determining the district's political landscape for the upcoming congressional term.

Political Landscape and Fundraising Dynamics

Frisch's campaign has been notably well-funded, surpassing $13 million in contributions, with a significant portion already expended on advertising and campaign infrastructure. His primary opponents, including Anna Marie Stout and Debby Burnett, initially posed minor fundraising challenges, with Stout exiting the race early in the year. On the Republican side, the primary field remains crowded, with candidates like Jeff Hurd, Russ Andrews, and Stephen Varela competing for the nomination, each raising varying amounts of campaign funds.

The dynamics of the fundraising efforts reflect broader strategic plays within both party lines. Frisch's substantial war chest underscores his determination to unseat a Republican incumbent, driven by his narrow defeat in the previous general election against Lauren Boebert. Boebert, now contesting in another district, has left a competitive vacuum in CD3 that Frisch aims to fill, contingent on the outcome of the upcoming primary.

The Role of Primary Dynamics in General Election Prospects

The pivotal question remains: Can Adam Frisch secure victory this time around? Both Wadhams and Dino emphasize that much hinges on the GOP primary outcome. Should Hanks prevail, Democrats may find themselves in the ironic position of having boosted a candidate with polarizing views into a viable general election contender. Conversely, a more moderate Republican nominee like Jeff Hurd could potentially pose a more challenging electoral hurdle for Frisch and the Democratic Party's aspirations in CD3.

Wadhams, drawing on his experience within the Colorado Republican Party, expresses strong reservations about Ron Hanks, criticizing his political rhetoric and positioning him as an outlier within traditional Republican norms in the district. Conversely, he views Hurd as a candidate in the mold of previous successful Republicans from the area, suggesting that his nomination could effectively secure the seat for the GOP.