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Feb 29, 2008 6:22 am US/Mountain
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Republican Strategist Eager For DNC Invasion
DENVER (CBS4) ―
Democrats will descend on Colorado in August and in advance of the Democratic National Convention, CBS4 has talked with prominent Democrats about preparations. But how do Colorado Republicans feel about the Democrats coming to Denver?
CBS4'S Brooke Wagner asked Colorado Republican Party Chairman, Dick Wadhams, about the convention. He's a well-known, often controversial political consultant. This year, he's not strategizing for a campaign, but for the party. And, he believes the idea of a Democrat-filled Denver shouldn't worry Republicans.
"I think it's wonderful for our state and I commend my Democratic friends for bringing the convention here," said Wadhams. "But, it is also an opportunity for Colorado Republicans, because whoever they nominate, whether it's Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama, will be in stark contrast with Senator McCain."
Wadhams said the packed caucuses on February 5th show just how interested Democrats and Republicans are in this year's presidential race.
"Last fall, when we made the decision to move the caucuses, I supported that move by the party, because I felt like on February 5th, it would be basically a national primary," he said. "The presidential campaign would be at a fever pitch. and that people would be so excited and interested, and indeed, that's what happened. We had 70,000 people turn out and we've never had anything like that before," Wadhams said.
But, Colorado Republicans overwhelmingly chose Mitt Romney, who dropped out of the race in the weeks following Super Tuesday. Now, Wadhams says they will rally around John McCain.
"One of the nice things about having our nomination essentially decided at this point is that it gives Sen. McCain the ability to get the party totally united behind him," Wadhams said.
He added that McCain's comeback campaign is the biggest GOP surprise in recent times.
"I, along with every other observer and political activist, declared him dead last summer. You know why? Because he was dead. This is the ultimate Lazarus, emerging from the dead. It's a credit to Senator McCain that he got his campaign back on track, totally restructured it," Wadhams said.
Whomever McCain faces on the ballot, Wadhams expects "a clash of charisma" in this election year for the history books.
"We will look back on 2008 and say, wow, what a year," he said.
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