A Return to Value
A Conservative Looks At His Party
by Rep. Bob Beauprez


(Click for Amazon book review)

OnTheIssues.org BOOK REVIEW:

Bob Beauprez is running for Governor of Colorado; this book is his autobiography. The book was written in 2009 -- after Beauprez' first gubernatorial loss in 2006, and perhaps in anticipation of entering the 2010 race, which Beauprez did not enter. The book focuses on Beauprez' conservative credentials, outlining a return to core conservative beliefs.

Beauprez served in Congress from Colorado for three terms (elected 2002, 2004, and 2006) and then ran for Governor in 2006, losing to Bill Ritter. Beauprez beat Tom Tancredo in the Republican primary in 2014, and now faces incumbent John Hickenlooper (D) in the general election in November.

Beauprez utilizes numerous bullet lists in his "Agenda for America" in this book (see p. 70 for an example in foreign policy. That listis one of many citations on foreign affairs, which is not too relevant for a gubernatorial race, so perhaps Beauprez is considering a Senate run in the future. Beauprez did consider a Senate run in 2008 when Wayne Allard retired (Allard had endorsed Beauprez previously). An "Agenda for America" is more appropriate for a presidential candidate, but Beauprez has to win the governor's seat or a Senate seat before he can attempt that.

Beauprez also served as chair of the Colorado Republican Party beginning in 1999. Colorado is perhaps the most "purple" of states, a battleground for red-state Republicans and blue-state Democrats. Since 1999, Colorado has become more "blue": currently, the governor and both Senators are Democrats, while of Colorado's House seats, 4 are held by Republicans and 3 by Democrats. Still purple, but only just hanging on. Colorado is considered the bellweather Mountain State -- the fight to turn Colorado blue is an indicator for New Mexico, Arizona, Montana, and maybe some other mountain states.

The 2014 election marks a turning point for whether Colorado will remain purple or turn blue: there is a Senate race also, with House of Representatives member Cory Gardner (R) giving up his seat to take on incumbent Senator Mark Udall (D). The Senate race is up for grabs, as is the DCCC-targeted House seat in district 6: incumbent Rep. Mike Coffman (R) vs. former State House Speaker Andrew Romanoff (D). Cory Gardner's seat is a sure thing for Republicans to hold, via U.S. Attorney Ken Buck. The post-2014 situation could thus range from:

-- Jesse Gordon, editor-in-chief, OnTheIssues.org, Aug. 2014

OnTheIssues.org excerpts:  (click on issues for details)

Abortion     Defend the most defenseless and innocent.

Civil Rights     Support & strengthen traditional marriage.

Foreign Policy     New democracy alliance: win war against radical Islam.     Radical Islam is this generation's incarnation of evil.

Health Care     Democrats build base by providing "equality" to victims.     Without freedom of choice, healthcare isn't American.     Create a tort environment that supports medical R&D.

Homeland Security     Freedom is a sacred right: be willing to defend it.

Principles & Values     1969: Graduated, married, and took over father's farm.

War & Peace     We cannot be silent in the face of injustice in Iraq.

Click for quotations from other sources by: Bob Beauprez