It seems that according to a Colorado paper, Ken Salazar is considering running for governor:

U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar is holding open the possibility that he will run for governor in 2006.

"I love what I'm doing as a U.S. senator. I expect that I will continue on as a U.S. senator. But I also don't want to say never to the possibility that I will change my mind between now and 2006," Salazar said by phone from Tblisi, Georgia, where he is staying on a tour of the Middle East with other senators.

Salazar won election to the Senate last November. He faces re-election in 2010. Gov. Bill Owens is barred by term limits from running again in 2006.

This comes as a shock, even after the shocking votes he made for the credit card welfare bill and the confirmation of torture-apologist Alberto Gonzales. Maybe he would do better to just retire. Short of that, limiting his power to one state might be a good play for the Democrats.

As it is, the Colorado governorship is up for grabs next year.

Rep. Mark Udall, D-Boulder, has said he will not run for governor, and instead will seek Republican Wayne Allard's Senate seat in 2008.

Other potential Democratic candidates include former Lt. Gov. Gail Schoettler, millionaire activist Rutt Bridges and former Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter.

On the Republican side, former U.S. Rep. Scott McInnis, U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez, state Treasurer Mike Coffman and Denver University President Marc Holtzman are seen as the major candidates.

Salazar certainly has the name recognition now. But how much credibility would he have, running for Governor just a year after being sworn in as Senator? Not much.

But then again, Colorado is the proud home of Focus on the Family and Rep. Musgrave. Maybe Colorado is perfect for Senator Salazar's brand of Democratic values.

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