Denver, CO – Sen. Kevin Priola (?-Henderson) can’t seem to get it together, and many in the Republican party base are getting fed up with his liberal voting record. So angry that a “Recall Priola” Facebook Group popped up recently.
Of course, a recall would be a tad crazy when they could pop up a primary challenger for a fraction of the cost. Given Priola’s voting record, it wouldn’t be challenging to convince the delegates to vote the challenger onto the ballot.
Priola supported several green energy mandates, voted for tax increases, and voiced support for government-funded heroin injection centers, to name few positions counter to the Republican platform. It’s easy to see why Republicans might be sick and tired of voting for a candidate who damages the brand with his left of center voting record.
Yet, the Party faithful has “put up” with Priola for years because of his strong work ethic on the campaign trail, knocking on tens of thousands of doors and winning in tough swing-districts. Not that support is becoming lesser every day.
With his voting record all over the board, Republicans are starting to get fed up. For example, Priola came out in support of creating government-funded heroin injection centers last year. This year, he is working to ban several types of tobacco products.
We aren’t sure what his play is, but banning nicotine products while legalizing the public use of heroin looks hypocritical.
Several insiders have told us Priola is continually threatening to switch parties if party leadership leans on him too hard. If true, Priola and Democrat leadership have Senate Republicans in a corner. Republicans only need to flip two-seats to regain the majority, and they can’t afford to lose Priola’s seat.
Democrats, on the other hand, have a great ally with Priola. He votes their way enough, which paints the Democrats’ leftist agenda in a bi-partisan light (at least on paper), and Republican leadership must be too afraid to do anything about it.
More interesting is the fact Priola’s Democrat opponents fundraising numbers lag by tens of thousands of dollars compared to the Democrat candidates running in swing districts in 2018.
Some believe Priolas Democrat challengers have raised little to no money because it is beneficial to keep Priola around. After all, why would the Democrat party want to take out a lefty-Republican who makes them look more “moderate” when Democrats don’t need his seat to keep the majority?
This begs the question, will those angry activists standup a credible primary opponent before the filing deadline?
Please share!
Remember to check back with the Colorado Citizen Press. We’re always looking for good stories to write. Please use our “Citizen Tip Line” early and often. Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@USACitizenPress)!