State Rep. Tipton reportedly taking on Salazar in Third Congressional District

The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel today is reporting that U.S. Rep. John Salazar, D-Colo., will have a slightly more serious challenger next year for his Third Congressional District seat representing much of the state’s Western Slope.

Scott Tipton
Scott Tipton

State Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, reportedly will seek the Republican nomination to take on Salazar after being beaten by Salazar in 2006. The paper reports Tipton is expected to announce later today in Fruita, after the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee already called Tipton’s number.

Tipton should give Salazar a better run than Ninth Judicial District Attorney Martin Beeson, who announced his campaign earlier this year but was running way behind Salazar in fundraising and name recognition. And it likely puts to rest speculation state Sen. Minority Leader Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, will seek Salazar’s seat after dropping out of the governor’s race.

Got a tip? Freelance story pitch? Send us an e-mail. Follow The Colorado Independent on Twitter.

Comments are closed.