Columnist Eric Sondermann makes the case for Democrats to broaden their constitutional horizons by permitting just a smidgen of two-party rule back into Colorado, chiefly by dumping Secretary of State Jena Griswold.
Now who can argue with that?
We’ve said for years that Griswold is a shameless political hack, an embarrassment to the office she holds that has historically kept to its administrative duties and non-partisan role.
From Sondermann’s column published in Colorado Politics:
Democratic incumbent Jena Griswold’s ambition is raw and consuming. There is no doubt that she sees her position as a springboard to higher office. Her press releases are non-stop. She has a nose for divisive, polarizing issues and eagerly seizes upon them.
Put simply, Jena Griswold is an intensely political secretary of State in an overly politicized time. Even when she makes the right call, her motives are suspect and her credibility is weak.
Sondermann gives a nod to former Jefferson County Clerk Pam Anderson, a Republican contender to challenge Griswold and a competent professional who is respected by her county clerk peers statewide.
While Griswold’s hyper-partisan rhetoric has become a liability for the state election office’s credibility, Anderson’s calm competence and “lack of noice and controversy” is the polar opposite of Griswold, and would be a welcome relief, Sondermann writes.
If Griswold is an activist’s activist, Anderson is a professional’s professional.
In an ideal world, secretary of State would not be a partisan position. But given that day is not upon us and that Democratic dominance of Colorado state government looks to be in little jeopardy, Democrats of courage and even a tiny measure of balance might opt for a bit of cleansing and a wee, bitty, incremental nod to bipartisanship.
Griswold’s offenses during her term in office are many. Former employees say she was a nightmare to work for and turnover was rampant.
It’s not so far-fetched that Democrats would toss her aside for a competent Republican like Anderson.
PeakNation™ will remember last year when former Denver City Councilwoman Susan Barnes-Gelt had some choice words for Griswold for injecting left-wing politics into the Secretary of State’s office.
Addressing claims from Griswold’s supporters that criticism of her job performance amounts to sexism, Barnes-Gelt had a blunt response.
“That’s bullshit,” Barnes-Gelt said of the allegations.
As the election season heats up and the Republican primary plays out between Anderson and Mike O’Donnell, Griswold’s partisan reputation is certain to make headlines again.