3rd GOP candidate announces run for governor

DENVER - On Saturday State Senator Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, announced he will be aiming for Governor Bill Ritter's job.

He joins former U.S. Representative Scott McInnis and businessman Dan Maes in the Republican candidate camp.

Norman Provizer, a political science professor at Metropolitan State College at Denver, says while most of the candidates will try to run a platform of fiscal responsibility and economic reform, the race itself may hinge on something other than their own actions.

"This is all about context and we have to put it in a national context. The Democrats have control of both houses in Washington D.C. and in Colorado. If they're perceived to be shaky on the economy or they can't turn things around by the time the gubernatorial race comes, then theoretically the Republicans can win on the failures of the Dems," said Provizer.

For the time being, Colorado's economy is faring better than other parts of the country, and its unemployment is lower than the national rate. Provizer says Governor Ritter should be able to take some credit. Since assuming the role of governor in 2006 Ritter has emphasized and invested in what he calls the "New Energy Economy" and it has brought a good amount of national attention to the state.

"He's starting off in a fine position, is he a runaway candidate or most popular? No," said Provizer.

The pressure may be on the Democrats to turn around the economy but Provizer says if they do manage to accomplish that by 2010 then Ritter will be very difficult to defeat. During the primary election, Provizer says Republicans must avoid what he calls a "bloodbath" of attacks that would provide ammunition for the Democrats.

Provizer says the Republicans have an opportunity to take the governor's mansion, but it will likely come in the wake of a referendum on the Democrats handling of the economy.

Penry is the leader of minority Republicans in the state Senate.

Penry will answer your questions live in studio on Sunday for YOUR SHOW. If you have a question or comment, e-mail or text to yourshow@9news.com.