Dick Wadhams decides against a third term as Colorado Republican Party Chair

Dick Wadhams, who's served two term as chair of the Colorado Republican Party, has decided not to run for a third term next month. His departure from the race leaves state senator Ted Harvey; John Wagner, who ran the Senate campaign of Clive Tidwell, in 2010; and Bart Barton, who...

By Patricia Calhoun

February 7, 2011

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Dick Wadhams, who's served two term as chair of the Colorado Republican Party, has decided not to run for a third term next month. His departure from the race leaves state senator Ted Harvey; John Wagner, who ran the Senate campaign of Clive Tidwell, in 2010; and Bart Barton, who recently moved to Colorado from Michigan and must wonder just what kind of place and party he landed in, vying for the spot.

While he isn't supporting any of the three remaining candidates, Wadhams says he's confident one or two more will join the lineup.

As for his own candidacy, "The deeper I got into this, the more I thought there were other thing to do," says Wadhams. "I've had a fun four years. It's been one of the most exciting things I've ever done -- but on the other hand, maybe it's enough."

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Patricia Calhoun is editor-in-chief of Westword, the alt-weekly she co-founded in September 1977. She’s been inducted into the Colorado Press Association Hall of Fame, the Association of Alternative Newsmedia Hall of Fame and the Colorado Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. She’s also received dozens of local, state and national awards for writing, including first place for feature writing and first place for column writing with the Society of Professional Journalists. Patricia is a weekly commentator on Colorado Inside Out, PBS 12's public affairs roundtable, which has won two Emmys.

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