Buck Opens Door for New Blood in Colorado’s 4th
Five term Colorado Rep. Ken Buck will not be seeking re-election at the end of his term. Buck, known for his strong conservative views, cited his party's refusal to address election denialism and failure to condemn the Jan. 6th attack on the Capitol as reasons for his decision to step down.
In an interview and video news release, Buck stated, “We lost our way. We have an identity crisis in the Republican Party. If we can’t address the election denier issue and we continue down that path, we won’t have credibility with the American people that we are going to solve problems.”
This announcement comes after other high-profile Republicans, including Representative Kay Granger of Texas, also announced they will not run for re-election next year.
With the seat now open for the 2022 election, many are speculating on who will take Buck's place. A leading candidate is Colorado House Minority Leader, Army veteran, and West Point graduate Rep. Mike Lynch. Lynch, a strong conservative has been vocal about his support for law enforcement, our military, border security, improved education, and putting an end to the fentanyl crisis.
Rep. Lynch, an Army veteran, and West Point graduate, has been serving in the Colorado House of Representatives since 2019. He has established himself as a strong and vocal leader in the state, fighting for conservative values and fiscal responsibility.
Not only does Rep. Lynch have a proven track record of leadership and successful legislation, but he also has strong lasting ties to Colorado.
Rep. Lynch's military background also sets him apart as a candidate. As a decorated Army veteran, he has a deep understanding of the sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform. This makes him uniquely equipped to address issues related to national security and veterans' affairs.
Others who have announced their retirement from Congress, including Representative Earl Blumenauer, have also cited the chaos in Washington as a factor in their decision to step down. And Buck's decision again highlights the divide within the GOP, with some members still loyal to former President Donald J. Trump while others seek a more traditional conservative approach.
In his announcement, Buck slammed his party for failing to address key issues such as Social Security and Medicare, as well as their unwillingness to acknowledge the events of Jan. 6th. He also criticized them for their foreign policy, saying many have strayed from the principles of Ronald Reagan.
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Despite backlash and potential primary challenges, Buck expressed confidence in his decision and his belief that there are better ways to promote traditional conservative values outside of Congress. He plans to finish his term and explore other opportunities to continue fighting for his beliefs.
As the Republican Party continues to grapple with its identity and leadership, Buck's departure highlights the need for unity and a return to conservative values.