Sen. Sonnenberg (R-Sterling)
He’s been a farmer and rancher, news photographer, funeral home assistant, substitute teacher, and truck driver, but one job that Republican State Senator Jerry Sonnenberg (R-Sterling) isn’t applying for is U.S. Senator. In an email to the Peak, Sonnenberg revealed that he has decided not to run for U.S. Senate against embattled Democratic U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and, instead, will focus his energy on issues impacting the rural communities that he represents. Here is his email to us when we asked about his potential Senate run:
“I have decided not to run…. I have decided there are too many issues affecting rural Colorado and agriculture in the Colorado Senate this year.
“It is important that I make sure those issues and my agriculture operation remain the focus of my time and energy. I believe Sen. Bennet is indeed vulnerable and there is a great opportunity for the Republican party to unite and, again, defeat a Democrat incumbent who has done nothing to help the people of Colorado.”
As recently as yesterday, Sonnenberg’s name was mentioned as a possible contender and he admitted that he had been considering it for “months”. Along with Sonnenberg, Republican state Sen. Ray Scott’s name was mentioned as a possibility, but he has not yet decided. Scott is a strong advocate of Colorado’s energy industry, having worked in the industry most of his career. As we mentioned before, Sheriff Justin Smith, businessman Robert Blaha, and conservative radio voice Dan Caplis also are considering running against Bennet.
Currently, Republicans Darryl Glenn, Sen. Tim Neville, and former Parker mayor Greg Lopez have thrown their hats in the ring for the seat. Republicans have a bumper crop of candidates from which to choose, all of whom would represent Colorado better than Bennet.