I just read Bill Blomberg’s column (In the July 22 News-Press)
and wanted to express my disagreement with his opinion of Bob
Schaffer.
I don’t think his premise that Schaffer has a short man’s
“Napoleon complex” is valid. I was standing next to Schaffer a
while back, and he is at least as tall as my husband, almost six
feet in height! Yes, Coors is taller, but I think Bob is better
looking. He is not “pudgy,” he just has a baby face, which will
serve him well as he gets older.
At any rate, it is unfortunate that money and looks should have
any bearing on a race at all, but it does. It seems silly we would
even be talking about that!
I do agree with Blomberg that Schaffer is definitely the
“perceived” underdog, only because the media and a few prominent
Republicans have painted him in that light. In politics, perception
unfortunately does become reality. But among the rank-and-file
grassroots like myself, he has a great deal of support. I was at
the state convention and it was definitely one-sided for Schaffer.
I was not, however, one of the people booing Coors and Owens. I
agree with Rep. McInnis and Ted Halaby that that kind of stuff is
what could bring us a Democrat senator!
I wish Blomberg could have expanded on his statement that Bob
“comes across as humorless and somehow seething with anger.” I
don’t agree with this at all. The times I have been around him or
heard him speak, he struck me as a funny, easygoing guy, passionate
about his views, yes, but definitely not angry. Schaffer does sound
like a politician at times, but it is important we have someone who
can debate the issues articulately against the Democrat opponent
this fall. I don’t think Coors will be able to hold up as well in a
debate against Salazar (or Miles).
I also agree the lack of respect for Schaffer is puzzling. I
predict that if he beats Coors, he will go on to win in November. I
don’t think he is one who should ever be written off. Just my
humble opinion.
Keri Brehm
Castle Rock