Often times sitting around at happy hour we find ourselves wondering with friends what old candidates are up to, as the daily stream of news that comes out during the campaign quickly dries up after the election. 

To help fulfill our own curiosity and give our readers a glimpse into what their favorite candidates are up to, we'll be posting a regular series called "Checking In." Consider it our version of VH1's "Where Are They Now," except in all likelihood our subjects won't have been through multiple stints of rehab and bad sequels of reality TV shows. 

First up in this series is former Republican nominee for the 7th Congressional District, Ryan Frazier.

CPP: Almost everyone thought you ran a brilliant race, but the 7th CD was too tough a nut to crack. What have you been up to since November?

Frazier: I am so humbled by the support and confidence that so many continue to place in me. Since November, I’ve been getting my life back to a normal state, a new normal in many ways. Recently, I have taken on the charge of leading the Western Skies Forum (WSF) (www.westernskiesforum.com), an organization focused on using technology to engage with citizens on public policy issues. Be on the lookout for some exciting news from WSF.

CPP: If the 2010 election were 6 months from today, how would you approach the race and Perlmutter differently?

Frazier: There are always things one would do differently or better, but I’m proud of not only the campaign we ran but the people who joined our cause. One thing that I think we might look at doing differently is answering the numerous distortions of my record that arose during the campaign. Using rebuttals as a positive was a lesson learned.

CPP: How are the Republicans in Congress doing in your mind?

Frazier: It’s too early to make any conclusions. Yet, I think the Republicans in Congress realized they are on a “probation” of sorts. The people expect Republicans to help govern, finding solutions to things like economic growth, and to uphold their commitments to reign in out of control government spending.

CPP: The debt ceiling vote will, in many ways, be the real test for Republicans. How would you handle that one?

Frazier: It seems to me that the debt ceiling vote is a real opportunity for Congress to demand real, meaningful reforms.

CPP: Mark Udall announced a couple weeks back he'd support a balanced budget amendment. How did you view that: a stunt or leadership?

Frazier: In recent months, Senator Udall has made extraordinary attempts to be perceived as a fiscal hawk and bipartisan. I believe he is reading the writing on the wall as to what the people want and expect from their  public servants, especially statewide. It’s no secret that Udall has been identified, at least in the past, with the more liberal wing of the Democrat party. His rhetoric on the balanced budget amendment is encouraging, (but) actions will speak louder than words.

CPP: Based on what you know now, who's the best candidate to run against Udall in 4 years?

Frazier: To be determined, I suspect the voting electorate will have several viable alternatives.
 

CPP: How do you think John Hickenlooper is doing?

Frazier: So far so good. In many ways, if the Governor’s actions follow through on his words, I think Colorado will be better off for it. I commend him for showing signs of being serious about spending restraint, revisiting oil and gas rules & regulations, and early efforts to make Colorado  more business friendly.

CPP: Who's the best candidate to run against him in 2014?

Frazier: Again, to be determined, many things will be driven by his job performance and the mood of the electorate in 2014.

CPP: Do you have an early favorite for the Presidential?

Frazier: No.

CPP: Can our nominee beat Obama?

Frazier: Yes. The question remains will they. Too early to tell.

CPP: What  about you: a lot of speculation you may jump back into the arena and  run for Aurora Mayor. That's a great gig, and a potential spring board. Any truth to that rumor?

Frazier: I’ve recently started the process of deciding how best I can serve going forward. The number of calls, emails, and texts I get daily on the question of “What’s next?” continues to be significant. On the one hand, I don’t need to be in “politics” to make a difference, on the other, the “fire in the belly” to serve the people grows everyday. I appreciate the interest and will be making a decision soon.

CPP: CD7 needs to add approximately 40,000 more residents during redistricting. Since you know the district so well, where do you think the 7th CD  should pick up the additional 40k?

Frazier: What an  honor it was to get to know the 7th CD and the people that call it home. The 7th needs to keep as many communities in-tact as possible. My sense is that the district will likely pick-up more Jefferson county as the 6th CD is too heavy by nearly 80K. However, I would not be surprised should the redistricting efforts look at more of Arapahoe and Adams counties.