With news that State Senator Linda Newell is publicly eying the 6th Congressional District race, there are now three Democratic candidates talking openly of entering the race, with at least three more looking privately. With so many names floating out there now, it’s hard to ignore the candidate fishing expedition that the Democratic establishment seems to be on looking for alternatives to perennial possible candidate Andrew Romanoff.

Our sources tell us that U.S. Senator Michael Bennet’s sphere of influence is still influenced by hard feelings. As most readers likely remember, Romanoff ran a bitter primary against the newly-appointed Bennet in 2010, going so far as to sell his house to pay for last minute attack ads.

If Romanoff thinks he gets a free shot, he better think again.

From our friend, FOX31‘s Eli Stokols:

DENVER — State Sen. Linda Newell, D-Littleton, is now the third Democrat who is considering running against GOP Congressman Mike Coffman in 2014.

“Yes, the rumors are true,” Newell said. “I’m seriously considering a run at Congressional District 6 in 2014. 

“In the last couple of months, citizens and political leaders across the state have come to me with the same inquiry. People in our district want a woman in Congress who has a strong record of bipartisanship and moderate values.”

While Andrew Romanoff may have been first to float his name publicly, voices from across the Democratic Party infrastructure are letting him know the nomination is not his for the taking.

From Colorado Pols:

The fact is, Romanoff had an open shot at running for this seat last year, and chose not to–passing up what turned out to be a prime opportunity against an unexpectedly weak incumbent, and a race where in hindsight, Romanoff’s experience might have made the difference. There have been numerous instances over the years when we have been critical of Romanoff for remaining indecisive past the point of viability–including his star-crossed 2010 Senate bid. 

We’re not going to jump on him the January after the election, but he’d better keep this in mind. 

Poor, poor Andrew Romanoff. All he did was deliver a legislative majority to Democrats for the first time in a long time and all he has to show for it is a lost house and a host of primary candidates looking to keep him out of office.