Brian Carroll to Kick Off Campaign...Again

by: Jeffco Pols

Thu Jan 26, 2012 at 11:36:53 AM MST

Carroll ultimately withdrew before his campaign kickoff, but he's apparently getting a second chance tonight.

***Colorado for Carroll Campaign Kickoff Event to be held Thursday January 26th in Lakewood***

Democratic Candidate Brian Carroll to kickoff campaign for open seat in new House District 28

Lakewood, CO - Army Veteran and Colorado National Guardsman Brian Carroll will officially kickoff his campaign for the open seat in the new House District 28 this Thursday, January 26th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Elephant Bar in Bel Mar (7111 W Alaska Dr, Lakewood CO 80226).

WHAT: Campaign Kickoff - Brian Carroll for State House District 28

WHEN: Thursday January 26th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

WHERE:  Elephant Bar, 7111 West Alaska Drive Lakewood, CO 80226

Light fare and refreshments will be provided. All are welcome and encouraged to attend!

This kickoff will be an important event for the veteran. Carroll needs to show he actually enjoys broad support within the community and that he's made amends with the Democratic establishment that had previously rallied against his candidacy. That's no easy task: Carroll only recently moved to Lakewood and because HD-28 is such a competitive seat, Democrats will want to draft the best possible candidate. Carroll needs to make the case that he is that candidate.

If he doesn't, however - and there are few indicators that activists have warmed to him after his previous challenge to Rep. Andy Kerr - Carroll should expect a heated primary of his own.  

Poll: Who Will Win Jeffco's Republican Presidential Caucus?

by: Jeffco Pols

Tue Jan 24, 2012 at 10:38:33 AM MST

From Fox 31's Eli Stokols:

Until Saturday, it looked like Mitt Romney was barely going to break a sweat -- never mind be forced to go after any of his primary opponents -- on his pleasure cruise to the GOP's presidential nomination.

But after Newt Gingrich's ground-shaking, double-digit beat-down in the Palmetto State, the Republican race is suddenly competitve -- and set to engage well beyond the handful of early-voting states.

It's exactly what Colorado Republicans were hoping for when they voted to move up the party's presidential caucues from March to Feburary.

"When we voted to move up, no one could have predicted the race would be as fluid and dynamic as it's turned out to be," Colorado GOP Chairman Ryan Call told FOX31 Denver Monday. "Not only will Colorado's voice be heard -- it could actually be decisive."

Call understands that Colorado, with its caucuses wedged in, along with a few other states, between the Florida primary and Super Tuesday, is but one of a handful of states that are becoming increasingly important to the four remaining GOP candidates.

As Stokols goes on to observe, Mitt Romney trounced eventual nominee John McCain in 2008: Romney scored a whopping 60% of the vote in Colorado's caucuses that year.

In Jefferson County, it was even more of a one-man race, with Romney garnering nearly 70% of the vote compared to about 15% each for McCain and Mike Huckabee.

But 2012 isn't 2008: Romney now faces the curse of the "moderate" label among Republican primary voters and the well-oiled machine that is the Ron Paul ground game. That's not to mention the continued threats of both Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum if either (or both) keep gaining momentum from other nominating contests.

With about two weeks until Jeffco Republicans head to public school gymnasiums and church basements to help select their party's nominee, we want to know: who do you think will win the Republican caucuses in Jefferson County?

Remember, we want to know what you think will actually happen, not your preference. In other words, if you had to bet the deed to your house on Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, or Rick Santorum, who would you choose? And while we doubt the results in Jefferson County will be radically different than the state as a whole, we only want to know who you think will win Jeffco.

A poll follows.

Lakewood Police Escort All-America Quilt

by: Jeffco Pols

Tue Jan 17, 2012 at 10:24:51 AM MST

From 9News and and the National Civic League:

Lakewood, Colorado rolled out the red carpet for the arrival of the All-America City Quilt this week. In fact, the quilt was given a police escort.

NCL President Gloria Rubio-Cortés was on hand to congratulate Mayor Bob Murphy and a group of community leaders.

The quilt has been making rounds of cities that were finalists in the 2011 All-America City Awards. Lakewood was named a 2011 All-America City last June at an award ceremony and celebration in Kansas City, Missouri.

The fact that Lakewood won the 2011 All-America City Award - as well as the first ever "diversity" award - from the National Civic League is testament to the work Bob Murphy and his allies on City Council have done in making Lakewood an "inclusive community" as well as revitalizing West Colfax and the city as a whole. Still, there's something delightfully campy about the whole process that just screams "small town America."

A police escort? For a quilt? Well, the All-America quilt is incredibly valuable. Perhaps Murphy was cold and couldn't wait to cozy up his office. Or perhaps Lakewood was worried about Arvada or Sheridan getting their dirty hands on such a coveted tapestry. Better safe than sorry, right?

Not to mention the presentation Lakewood made to win both the All-America and the right to steward the accompanying quilt. If you haven't seen it - and you really should - Murphy, some members of City Council, and other community leaders march up on stage wearing matching white t-shirts and talk about what makes Lakewood great while a light guitar ballad plays in the background. It's a beautiful "kumbaya" moment, with little kids talking about playground inclusiveness and other speakers extolling Lakewood's values in Spanish.

It's almost a cliche - when someone says "presentation to the National Civic League," we can't imagine them meaning anything other than a song and dance number about some town in Colorado.

Still, in the NCL presentation, you can tell that Murphy and his companions really believe everything that they're singing (or chanting). They believe that Lakewood really is a thriving economic destination notable for its diversity, inclusiveness, and responsive government. Perhaps that's exactly why Lakewood deserved the award, and why Murphy has been such a successful mayor. With Lakewood, what you see is what you get. The city's elected officials really do believe in making their home a great place to live. There are no ulterior motives.

So yes, it's ridiculous. A quilt probably shouldn't have a police escort. But Murphy and the rest can be proud of winning the All-America City award. Even if its cliche or campy, they deserve their moment: superfluous police sirens and all.  

Hudak Gets Senate Bill 1

by: Jeffco Pols

Wed Jan 11, 2012 at 15:16:07 PM MST

From the Colorado Senate Majority:

DENVER-Today, Senator Evie Hudak (D-Westminter) introduced Senate Bill 1, the "HIRE Colrorado Act" during the opening day of the Colorado General Assembly's 2012 legislative session. The HIRE Colorado Act is designed to create jobs for Coloradans by giving preference to companies seeking state contracts when those companies agree to employ mostly Colorado workers. This bill is a key component in the Senate Majority's "Colorado Works" Jobs package, a series of bills that will be introduced throughout the session that are focused on continued job creation and economic growth.

Senator Hudak offered the following comment on the HIRE Colorado Act today:

"It's imperative that our first priority be to ensure that our taxpayers' dollars are staying in Colorado, that our resources are benefiting our citizens, and that we are putting Coloradans back to work first.  I'm proud to be carrying this legislation on behalf of my constituents, and people all across the state."

This is the kind of bill that's going to look great on mail pieces for Hudak: it focuses on Colorado's economy, and more specifically, the creation of Colorado jobs. This is exactly the kind of ammunition that Hudak is going to need in her re-election campaign against whichever Republican jumps into her race.

The fact that Hudak was given prime sponsorship of such a prime bill is also testimony to the fact that the Westminster Senator is going to have a tough fight this year. Advisors within the Senate Majority and the Democratic Senate Campaign Fund are clearly positioning Hudak to take advantage of this year's legislative session. Indeed, Democrats are probably aware of how challenging Hudak's re-election bid will be and are bolstering her portfolio to help maintain their majority come next legislative session.  

Poll: Who Will Win in SD-22?

by: Jeffco Pols

Wed Jan 11, 2012 at 14:20:31 PM MST

That said, today's meeting of the legislature marks the first of many critical dates that both impact and lead directly to November 6, 2012. To that end, we want to see who you think will be the next Senator from District 22.

As always, we want to know what you think will happen, not your preference. If you had to bet the deed to your house or the keys to your car, who would you pick to win between Ken Summers and Andy Kerr?

A poll follows.

Did Newly Minted Candidate Rick Enstrom Lie to the Legislature?

by: JeffcoWgirl

Mon Jan 09, 2012 at 20:30:37 PM MST

When Rick Enstrom testified in 2010 against Bill Ritter's "candy tax" proposal (not a tax, in actuality, but the suspension of a tax exemption), a revenue-generating measure proposed to shore up Colorado's fragile budget while encouraging healthier choices, here's what he had to say:

The last thing we need or can afford in these difficult times is to negatively impact the price of our product to the consumer resulting in fewer sales and further reductions in earnings.

We paid over $3,300,000 to 340 different Colorado vendors last year that will be indirectly affected by this tax, and spent over $1,660,000 with FedEx, a huge Colorado employer that delivers our products and moves product between our stores.

(Enstrom's full remarks may be found at the Westword)

But as you'll see after the jump, the real impact on Enstrom Candies wasn't quite so sour...

Rick Enstrom to Challenge Max Tyler

by: Jeffco Pols

Mon Jan 09, 2012 at 19:35:54 PM MST

Today, candy consigliere Rick Enstrom revealed his plans to take on Tyler. From KDVR:

On Monday, local businessman Rick Enstrom (R-Lakewood) announced his candidacy for Colorado's state House of Representatives, District 23.

"We've seen what happens when there is no check on the radical tax-and-spend agenda pushed by Democratic legislators. People lose their jobs and working families suffer," said Rick Enstrom, candymaker and newly announced candidate for HD 23.  "We must strike a new direction that clears the way for employers to create jobs. We must pursue legislative priorities that fund our schools and foster economic security for families fighting so hard to make ends meet."

Enstrom is an executive with Enstrom Candies and has previously served as a volunteer member of Colorado's Wildlife Commission and Great Outdoors Colorado as well as an EMT and member of the Highland Rescue Team.  He also served one term on the Mesa County Commission from 1978-1982.

"Rick is the right guy to serve in the state legislature," said Shelly Liley, district resident and mother of three children who grew up in Lakewood.  "He's always the first to offer his help and to lend a hand in the neighborhood, whether it's shoveling snow or grilling the burgers at our bbq's, Rick's there doing the work with us."

Enstrom is challenging Democratic incumbent Max Tyler (D-Lakewood).

Enstrom will likely enjoy a better-than-average name ID resulting from the boxes of toffee bearing his name. Still, there's just no way to sugar coat the numbers: Democrats retain a 4% registration advantage and former State Treasurer Cary Kennedy won the district with 54% of the vote in 2010.

In short, no matter how much voters like his company's gourmet chocolate, Enstrom's not going to win the numbers game.

That said, Tyler's never had a real opponent before, and the reapportionment process has given him plenty of new doors to knock - only about 25% of the old HD-23 is included within the district's 2012 lines. For all intents and purposes, then, Enstrom and Tyler will be facing off for what is a left-leaning and functionally open seat.

No word on which candidate will earn the coveted endorsement of Willy Wonka.  

A Candidate Once More: Brian Carroll Files for HD-28

by: Jeffco Pols

Mon Jan 02, 2012 at 10:15:00 AM MST

The Lakewood Democrat staged a primary campaign against Representative Andy Kerr in a bid for HD-28, although Carroll made a rather spurious claim that he originally intended to run against Ken Summers and wasn't aware he was drawn into the same seat as Kerr.

Carroll dropped out of that race in early November, following pressure from high-profile Democratic players and LGBT activists. With no primary for Kerr, the stage was set for a general election skirmish with Ken Summers in HD-28.

The Colorado Reapportionment Commission, however, had another thought in the matter altogether: Kerr, Summers, and Rep. Max Tyler were all drawn into House District 23, paving the way for an eventual campaign between Summers and Kerr for Senate District 22. SD-22 was ultimately left vacant by the Colorado Reapportionment Commission because appointed incumbent Senator Tim Neville was completely drawn out of the seat.

Meanwhile, Brian Carroll's residence remained in HD-28, where the vet no longer had Kerr (or any other incumbent) to contend with. It stands to reason, then, that Carroll would jump back into a race for the State House: his campaign committee was reactivated on December 29th.

Carroll might be the most high profile Democrat living within HD-28, although attorney Chris Radeff and educator Camille Ryckman - who ran against Summers in 2010 and 2008, respectively - both reside within the district. Given that the South Lakewood seat leans slightly to the left - Democrats maintain a 3% registration advantage there and former State Treasurer Cary Kennedy won the district by 8% in 2010 - Carroll should prepare for a primary in the Democratic nominating process. That's not to say that Carroll doesn't make a compelling case for his candidacy: the Colorado native served two tours of duty in Afghanistan with the United States Army, after all. He only moved into Lakewood recently, however, so it's hard not to question if his roots are deep enough to represent the area at the Capitol.

Carroll (or the eventual Democratic nominee) will ostensibly have to face Republican Amy Attwood in November. Attwood previously served as an aide to Rep. Summers and made an unsuccessful bid for the Lakewood city council in 2009. The fact that Attwood lost her first campaign for a smaller seat might be indicative of a lack of political prowess, but we wouldn't count her out this early on. Attwood has to win this campaign to maintain any semblance of a political career; she just couldn't sustain a second loss. With that in mind, we suspect Attwood will stage the fight of her life in HD-28 and majority-minded Republicans will be all-too-happy to funnel money into the race if it looks like the former legislative staffer can win.

A race between Attwood and Carroll should make for great political theatre. Attwood is the picture perfect image of a country club conservative: she has two young kids and manages a small business. What better foil for one of the nation's first post Don't Ask Don't Tell servicemen running for public office?

Jeffco's Own "Top Ethical Failure" of 2011

by: Jeffco Pols

Wed Dec 28, 2011 at 14:23:20 PM MST

Colorado Ethics Watch filed a complaint with the Ethics Commission alleging that McCasky lobbied for an increase in county funding to the Jefferson Economic Council while at the same time applying for his current position as president there.

As it turns out, that was (or at least looks like) an incredibly corrupt - not to mention asinine - thing to do. While it may have earned McCasky the job and a pretty pay check, he's now facing the kind of scorn that will almost certainly smother any future political aspirations. In fact, his actions have earned the rare qualification of "top ethical failure."

From Colorado Ethics Watch:

Ethics Watch, a nonpartisan, nonprofit legal watchdog group, today released Ethics Roundup: Top Ethical Failures of 2011, the organization's fourth annual report highlighting Colorado's public officials, agencies and municipalities who have either committed ethics violations or shown significant lack of judgment that places their behavior in the top tier of ethical failures in the state in the past year.

"Only by paying attention to the actions of our government agencies and officials, identifying ethical lapses, and shining a light on them will we be assured to have what Colorado voters have demanded - transparent and accountable public leaders," said Luis Toro, director of Colorado Ethics Watch.

...

Golden Parachute:  After submitting his resume for a highly paid position at the Jefferson Economic Council, Jefferson County Commissioner Kevin McCasky voted to approve a $400,000 grant, an increase of $20,000 over the previous year, from Jefferson County to that organization.

Pior to his tenure at the Jefferson Economics Council, McCasky's name was often brought up as a potential Republican candidate for CD-7. The commissioner was twice elected countywide despite being by and large perceived as culpable in most of Jeffco's famed ethical troubles. With this recent investigation, however, McCasky's name is forever tarnished - he'll never be able to live down the potential mailers or television ads labeling him as corrupt and making mention of his "golden parachute."

Unless, of course, he figures out a way to buy a seat in Congress using public funds. It sounds impossible, but it's par for the course in Jefferson County, where elected officials are the most innovative when determining ways to waste taxpayer dollars.  

It's Official: Kerr vs. Summers for SD-22

by: Jeffco Pols

Tue Dec 27, 2011 at 16:03:25 PM MST

As covered this morning by Lynn Bartels of the Denver newspaper, State Representative Ken Summers fully intends to take on State Representative Andy Kerr in the race to fill the almost vacant SD-22.

Summers entrance into the Senate race comes as no surprise. He would've had to take on a sitting state representative for either the Senate seat or Max Tyler's HD-23, and the numbers are that much more favorable for him in SD-22.

As it stands, the race between Summers and Kerr pits two influential Jeffco lawmakers against one another. Both are serving their third term in the House, and both have created far-reaching relationships through their respective leadership positions. Kerr was widely anticipated to become speaker, following his tenure as assistant majority leader, had Democrats kept the House, and Summers currently chairs the House Health and Environment Committee. In short, unlike the race between Robert Ramirez and Evie Hudak in SD-19, Kerr and Summers stand just about equal in stature as public servants: they have the same connections and breadth of experience.

Their similar resumes - and the fact that SD-22 is one of Colorado's most competitive State Senate races in 2012 - should make for an enthralling campaign this cycle. Endorsements and money will likely pour into the race from both sides - Summers, for example, today announced an endorsement from Representative Jim Kerr, who once stood as a candidate for the SD-22 vacancy.

It's going to be a tough fight. Andy Kerr, by all accounts, is widely recognized as both incredibly charismatic and a talented campaigner, as evidenced by his tenure as the number three member of the House and 2010 stewardship of the House Majority Project. In fact, Kerr's become such a force in Jefferson County politics that his name is often tossed around as a likely candidate for Ed Perlmutter's CD-7 seat, should it ever become vacant.

Summers, on the other hand, isn't often recognized for any inherent charm. Although he's certainly comfortable on the dais - he's been a local pastor for years - he's not as captivating as Kerr, a former school teacher. He's a little too pastoral, in every sense of the word. Still, Summers will be retaining a good number of familiar precincts in the Senate district, and he'll be much more at home in Ken Caryl than Kerr.

In short, the race between two incumbents for an incredibly competitive Senate seat should prove to be one of Jeffco's most engaging in 2012. Further, the fact that the same seat will be up again in 2014 will ensure that whoever wins in 2012 is going to have to hit the ground running to retain their title but two years later.  

CCU Enters Obamacare Fray

by: Jeffco Pols

Sun Dec 25, 2011 at 15:23:23 PM MST

From The Washington Post:

DENVER - Colorado Christian University has a filed a lawsuit challenging the Barack Obama administration's health care legislation requirement that the morning-after pill be provided by health insurance plans.

The emergency contraception pill that can prevent pregnancy and can be taken the day after having unprotected sex is considered tantamount to abortion by the suburban Denver, multidenominational school, which has 3,900 students.

The Washington, D.C.-based Becket Fund for Religious Liberty says it filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court Thursday on the Lakewood school's behalf. The suit challenges the requirement that all federal-government-approved contraception be provided under the Affordable Care Act, including the morning-after pill.

The group also is representing North Carolina's Belmont Abbey College, a Catholic college, which says the law's exemption for religious employers doesn't cover the school.

Now, when right wing out-of-staters hear about Lakewood, they'll remember that brave college fighting so valiantly to make sure it doesn't have to pay for contraception.  

And we thought Belmar was the city's crowning achievement.

Breaking: Ramirez Files for Hudak's SD-19

by: Jeffco Pols

Thu Dec 22, 2011 at 16:50:19 PM MST

From Eli Stokols:

DENVER -- State Rep. Robert Ramirez filed papers Thursday to run for the re-drawn Senate District 19, now held by Democratic Sen. Evie Hudak, FOX31 Denver was first to report.

Ramirez, who's in his first term as a state representative, decided to run for the senate because the new map of legislative districts took a big chunk of GOP voters out of his House district.

Also, changes to Hudak's Senate district have made it more favorable to a Republican challenger.

se I want to continue to represent my neighbors, the people who were in my House district," Ramirez told FOX31 Denver at the Capitol on Thursday.

"It's not going to be easy, but here we go."

Ramirez narrowly defeated Democratic Rep. Debbie Benefield to win House District 29 in 2010 and helped secure the GOP's one-seat House Majority.

Although Senate Republicans have recently targeted Senator Evie Hudak on television and in mailers, Rep. Ramirez's challenge to the incumbent Democrat still comes as a slight surprise. Of course, Ramirez never formally filed papers for re-election to the House, so it's likely he was waiting to hear how reapportionment would change both his House and Senate districts before jumping into the race that he could win more easily.

Ramirez was being challenged for his House seat by Democrat Tracy Kraft-Tharpe. His entrance into the Senate race certainly gives Kraft-Tharpe an advantage: she's been campaigning for months for what is now an open seat that's favorable for Democrats.

As for Hudak? Former State Treasurer Cary Kennedy won what is now Senate District 19 by a grand total of 5 votes in her 2010 re-election bid. Republicans also hold a slight registration advantage in the district. SD-19 would've seen a competitive race between Hudak and any Republican challenger, really, but Ramirez's entrance as a sitting state representative makes it all the more likely to be a messy fight.

Ramirez's win over Debbie Benefield in 2010 was instrumental in giving Frank McNulty the gavel. With Ramirez switching instead to a Senate race, Speaker McNulty might be coming to terms with the fact that he probably won't keep the big office next year.  

Tim Allport to Take on Libby Szabo

by: Jeffco Pols

Thu Dec 22, 2011 at 16:09:00 PM MST

Of course, Primavera likely decided to run after 2010 winner Don Beezely announced he wouldn't be seeking a second term. But Szabo is running for re-election, and her incumbency is probably enough to ward off a battle weary Gagliardi.

Gagliardi probably had a better chance than most to win her seat back for the Democratic caucus, but HD-27 has always been a tough nut to crack. Even after reapportionment, the Arvada seat is fairly favorable to Republicans. Treasurer Cary Kennedy lost the district with 47% of the vote in her 2010 campaign, and Republicans hold an 8% lead in registration numbers. Though it was a critical 2010 win for Frank McNulty, it's less likely that Mark Ferrandino will pour resources into the seat in 2012 - there are easier ways to gain back the majority.

Still, Democrats need a candidate capable enough to bolster races up-ballot despite a daunting fight to win the seat. Who, then, is going to run against Szabo?

Cue Democratic activist Tim Allport:

Having served the people of Colorado as a public employee and as an active member of the community, I have a unique background and a strong passion to serve. As a long-time advocate for working families, I have seen Coloradans struggle during this long Recession. I am passionate about finding ways to get them back to work in good-paying jobs and providing a quality education for their children so that they grow up to have a real chance at finding success in America.

My family was always engaged in the political process and while my views have evolved, be assured that my commitment to civic responsibly is stronger than ever. I will work hard to improve our district, our community and the state of Colorado. Like most people who run for office, I have core beliefs, but am committed to getting things done. I will achieve results, respond to everybody and do a great job for the people of House District 27 and the City of Arvada, Colorado.

Thank you for your support.

Allport is a familiar face to many Democrats both in Arvada and the Denver Metro Area. He's the current chair of the Colorado Democratic Party's Labor Initiative and a staple of Democratic fundraisers across the county.

But can he win? Allport's certainly connected enough to the activist core of the Colorado Democratic Party, and we suspect that every notable Dem in Jeffco will at least go canvass for the labor leader. Whether or not he poses a serious threat to Szabo, however, all comes down to his fundraising. If Allport's numbers are competitive, HD-27 might be useful in the Democratic attempt to regain the House.

If Allport doesn't pull in the amount of money he needs to, however, it gives good reason for Democrats to ignore HD-27 and focus on easier ways to recapture the speaker's office. The next few weeks, then, will be critical to the overall viability of Allport's campaign as he both picks off low-hanging fruit and reaches out to new donors.  

Chris Zenisek Appointed Jeffco District Judge

by: Jeffco Pols

Wed Dec 21, 2011 at 12:51:01 PM MST

From the office of Governor Hickenlooper:

DENVER ­- Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011 - Gov. John Hickenlooper announced today the appointment of Christopher Clayton Zenisek to serve as a district court judge in the 1st Judicial District (Jefferson and Gilpin counties).

Zenisek will fill a vacancy created by the recent appointment of the Honorable Brian Boatright to the Colorado Supreme Court.

Zenisek, of Golden, currently serves as an Assistant District Attorney for the 20th Judicial District. He has held that position since 2009. Before becoming an Assistant District Attorney, Zenisek was an associate at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, P.C., and he served as a law clerk for U.S. District Judge Lewis Babcock. Zenisek earned a bachelor's from University of Colorado and a J.D. from the University of Denver.

Zenisek's appointment is effective immediately.

Zenisek had widely been considered the "frontrunner" for this appointment since he was named as a finalist a few weeks ago. He's been a talented and popular fixture as Assistant District Attorney under Boulder DA Stan Garnett and his relative youth ensures that he'll remain on the bench in Jeffco for as long as he likes - or until he's plucked away for some other prime appointment.  

Kerr Sets Sights On Senate; Where's Ken?

by: Jeffco Pols

Tue Dec 20, 2011 at 15:12:33 PM MST

From Fox 31's Eli Stokols:

DENVER -- Like their Republican counterparts, Democratic state lawmakers are now scrambling to adapt to reapportionment and the new map of state House and Senate districts.

On Monday, state Rep. Andy Kerr, D-Lakewood, who's been drawn into a House district that is now home to three sitting lawmakers, announced that he will be running for the new Senate District 22 in 2012.

Kerr, who'd have been term-limited out of the House in 2014, made the announcement Monday at the Belmar Shopping Center in Lakewood.

"The new map surprised all of us in Lakewood as much as people anywhere in the state," Kerr told FOX31 Denver. "Republicans complained about how they've been affected, but it's happened to some of us Democrats as well."

Republican Tim Neville was chosen by a vacancy committee to replace Senate Minority Leader Mike Kopp in S.D. 22, but because of changes to the district under the map, he's likely to lose his grip on the seat.

Kerr's decision will avoid a primary for his House District, which is now also home to Rep. Max Tyler, D-Golden.

Republican Rep. Ken Summers has yet to decide whether he'll challenge Tyler for the House seat or take on Kerr for the right to move to the Senate.

Kerr and Representative Max Tyler clearly worked things out behind the scenes regarding their mutual residency - term-limits made Kerr the logical choice to leave the House in favor of the Senate.

But what's Ken Summers running for? Like Kerr, Summers has just one term left in the House before being termed out. To win that term, he'd have to take down Tyler in a district that former State Treasurer Cary Kennedy won in 2010 with nearly 55% of the vote. That'd be an incredibly tough race, particularly because it would be Summers' last: even if he wins in 2012, the seat will be open in 2014.

It's that much more likely, then, that Summers will challenge Kerr in SD-22. Kennedy won that district by less than one percentage point in 2010, so it's that much more favorable for Ken or any other Republican.

Still, Summers hasn't indicated which incumbent Democrat he'd rather challenge. He told the Colorado Statesman that he was planning on making a decision as of last Friday, but that deadline (and Kerr's announcement) came and went without a peep from the south Jeffco Republican. We think that's part of his strategy: by waiting to declare his candidacy until just before session, Summers can prevent both Tyler and Kerr from gaining any ground in campaign fundraising. Democrats will pour money into whichever race Summers jumps into, but until he makes that call, he'll be able to keep donors guessing.

It's a smart strategy, especially considering that not one of the three Jeffco representatives are able to fundraise from lobbyists once the legislature convenes next month. By staying quiet, Summers helps to ensure that the real campaign against him can't effectively start until May.