Maes treated to silence from GOP after primary win

Colorado Republican leadership Wednesday struggled to accept Dan Maes as the gubernatorial nominee, as any attempts to force him out of the race — at least at this point — were considered futile.

Although GOP state chair Dick Wadhams said he supported Maes as the nominee, the silence from other top Republicans throughout the state, as well as nationally, on his surprise win Tuesday over former GOP Congressman Scott McInnis indicated that full support may not be forthcoming.

Unlike the Democrats, who are holding a unity rally today to heal rifts between their U.S. Senate candidates, the Republicans — who also had a Senate primary in addition to the gubernatorial race — have no coalescing event planned. Also in comparison to the Democrats, not one national or local GOP-backed group or individual sent out a news release congratulating Maes for his win.

Powerful donors are not expected to give Maes much, if any, money, and influential endorsements are unlikely to emerge, according to GOP leaders who were involved in pre-election discussions about finding a new candidate.

Read more: denverpost.com