Well that was awkward. While House Democrats are still holding out hope that Rep. Jenise May (D-Aurora) might retain her seat, Gov. John Hickenlooper basically conceded for her during yesterday’s hearing of the Joint Budget Committee.
H/t to Colorado Public Radio reporter Megan Verlee for recounting this painfully uncomfortable moment via Twitter:
Gov. thanks Rep @Jenise_May for her service, wishes her luck. As of y’day Ds hadn’t given up hope for her seat. Guess that’s changed. #coleg
— Megan Verlee (@CPRverlee) November 12, 2014
Rep @crisantaduran emphasizes that @Jenise_May‘s seat is NOT decided. Okay then. #coleg
— Megan Verlee (@CPRverlee) November 12, 2014
May lost her seat to Republican JoAnn Windolz 50.29 to 49.71 in what was a celebrated victory for the House Republicans. Ironically, Democrats thought May was so safe they made her the chair of the House Majority Project, the caucus’s main candidate campaign arm. Instead of focusing on her own race, May was busy helping others get elected.
We can understand why she is in a bit of denial, but eventually you have to grow up. It’s been a week. May and House Dems need to stop embarrassing themselves and accept reality now.