GOP’s Choice of Stopgap Candidate Helps Rep. Boebert

Republican sources in Colorado’s 4th District who spoke to Newsmax agreed that the surprise choice on Saturday of former Parker, Colorado, mayor and past gubernatorial candidate Greg Lopez as their nominee in the June 25 special election is beneficial for the candidate many are hesitant to support for the full two-year term: 3rd District Rep. Lauren Boebert. Boebert, who sparked controversy, announced her intention to seek reelection in the 4th District but opted out of the special election to replace soon-to-be resigned GOP Rep. Ken Buck.

If party leaders had chosen any of the major candidates competing for nomination in the special election — radio talk show host Deborah Flora, former state Senate President Jerry Sonnenberg, or former state Sen. Ted Harvey, chair of the anti-Biden Super PAC Committee to Defeat the President — it likely would have given them an advantage in the primary for the full term (also scheduled for June 25).

“Boebert actively advocated for the selection of a ‘placeholder,’ which aligned with Lopez’s campaign platform,” explained former state Party Chair Dick Wadhams to Newsmax. “I believe that some supporters of the other candidates were hesitant to choose a different nominee, making it easier to vote for a placeholder.”

Lopez, who is well-regarded within party circles, not only campaigned on completing Buck’s term but also signed a pledge committing to do so.

Boebert, a MAGA Republican, has faced criticism for her public conduct (like vaping during a performance of “Beetlejuice” with her then-boyfriend last year) and has been labeled a “carpetbagger” in the media. Nevertheless, she maintains a strong following and a campaign account with $1.3 million as of the end of last year. She is one of 11 candidates vying for the nomination in what is considered Colorado’s safest Republican district.

Democrats will choose a nominee for the special election later this month.

John Gizzi serves as chief political columnist and White House correspondent for Newsmax. For more of his reports, Go Here Now.