Who is Dan Maes? Candidate for Governor speaks at Denver GOP “First Thursday” Breakfast
by The Peripatetic Pundit | 8:00 am, July 5, 2009 | Comments Off
Although the majority of Colorado citizens are stilly only vaguely aware of it, the 2010 campaign season is already fully underway, with candidates (announced and otherwise) making the rounds among the political breakfast and lunch club set.
The Denver GOP (yes, “Republicans in Denver” is NOT an oxymoron) most recently hosted gubernatorial candidate Dan Maes at it’s monthly “First Thursday” breakfast in July.
“Who is Dan Maes?“, one might ask. Although lacking the instant name recognition of the other candidates in the race so far – announced (Scott McInnis) and unannounced but expected momentarily (Josh Penry), Dan Maes has been getting his name out by making appearances and speaking before groups around the state -noting that he’s put “15,000 miles” on his car in the last two months alone.
Maes is doing more than just getting his name out – he actually has something to say, and he’s been honing his message. Like many among the political cognoscenti, I’ll admit to being somewhat dismissive of Maes’ chances when he first announced: a political unknown, essentially a neophyte, with an unassuming demeanor and delivery, wouldn’t seem to have any realistic prospect of “firing up” an electorate (especially in Colorado’s rather clique-ish political establishment and caucus crowd). Maes differentiates himself from his rivals for the gubernatorial nomination by stressing his business background and executive experience; while not downplaying the value of political skills and knowledge gained by serving in the legislature, particularly at the state level, Maes says that “the governor’s position is an executive position demanding executive skills” – and adds that his background has developed those skills.
Maes notes that “one of the major roles of the Governor is to make appointments” – selecting who to install on regulatory commissions, as Department heads, and (significantly in light of the potential to Clear The Bench in Colorado in 2010) state Supreme Court justices. He notes that Bill Ritter’s appointments in each of these areas have had a deletrious effect on Colorado’s economy (especially impacting job creation and retention, and depressing collected tax revenue by driving business out of state) and the rights of Colorado citizens. Maes vows to select and appoint individuals to his team who will keep the needs of Colorado citizens as a whole in mind (not pander to special interests), uphold the rule of law, and remember that “you are the customer – you are the voter, you are the boss.”
Maes also differentiates himself from the other announced candidate by clearly stating his principles (individual freedom, personal responsibility, fiscal conservativism, limited government) as the motivating force behind his bid for the governor’s office, not just the next step on a political “journey” to the next higher office.
Maes made one statement very much in accord with his message (“customer”-oriented and responsive government) and something that should be noted by other candidates, grassroots organizations and political party organizations alike. He pointed out that “many of my volunteers are with my campaign because no other campaign would return their calls.” Two of his three volunteers present affirmed that was the case. Political snobbery has no place in this election cycle – our side cannot afford to ignore motivated, energetic individuals looking for a way to get involved.
Maes credits his experience playing football in college – as a 205lb ”practice squad” fullback running against 250+ lb first-string defensive backs – with building character and a “never-quit” attitude. “I’m not afraid of taking on the big guys – and putting them on their back.” This unknown “practice squad” candidate might just surprise and upend a “varsity” player “Big Man on Campus” over the next year. Whichever way it breaks, it promises to be an interesting primary campaign and potential 3-way race for Colorado governor.
The network of citizen journalists at People’s Press Collective covers candidate appearances at events in the interest of a fully-informed (primary and general) electorate. Coverage and commentary does not necessarily connote endorsement of a particular candidate by PPC; any opinions expressed are the personal views of each correspondent.
Tags: bill ritter > Clear The Bench > Colorado Governor > Colorado Supreme Court > Dan Maes > Denver GOP > Josh Penry > Scott McInnis
