GOP contenders for Colorado governor are all over the map
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One said he would hang his political enemies. Some didn't understand TABOR. Another voted for northern counties to secede from the state. And a fourth wanted local law enforcement to participate in President Trump's mass deportation plan.
Why it matters: These are four of the 21 Republican candidates for governor in Colorado.
State of play: The four contenders outlined their platforms at a candidate forum Thursday evening in Fort Lupton. The plans delighted GOP supporters in the audience but may not sit well with independent voters in Colorado, most of whom oppose Trump.
Joe Oltmann, podcaster and 2020 election denier, said he doesn't want to run for governor but believes his voice is needed in the debate.
- He stood by his past comments that top Democrats should be hanged for committing treason and declared support for eliminating mail-in ballots and creating a DOGE-style entity to slash state government.
Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said his priorities are crime and the economy, and he supports eliminating the state's "sanctuary" policies to speed deportations of people living in the country illegally who are criminals.
- Mikesell declined to say whether the federal immigration agent's shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis was justified.
Josh Griffin, an Army veteran from Colorado Springs, said he would fund government functions with a sovereign wealth fund.
- He was the only candidate who said he wouldn't campaign in Colorado with President Trump.
State Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, a former Weld County commissioner who voted for her county to secede from the state in 2013, called herself the most "credible candidate" because of her legislative experience and ability to appeal to women swing voters.
- She said the state needs to cut wasteful spending and curtail spikes in utility costs.
Between the lines: The most moneyed candidate, Marine veteran and nonprofit leader Victor Marx, did not attend, citing a scheduling conflict.
- In the latest campaign finance reports, he listed $348,000 in contributions for his campaign, including $24,000 from his own pocket.
The big picture: All the candidates face a difficult journey. The last time a Republican won an election for governor was 2002, when Gov. Bill Owens was reelected.
- Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, who is term-limited, won the previous two contests by double digits.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to show Jason Mikesell declined to comment on the shooting of Renee Good and Joe Oltmann was the candidate who called the shooting "justified."