BOULDER — Former Sen. Mike Kopp and Secretary of State Scott Gessler made the ballot for governor during the Republican state assembly Saturday, knocking off three rivals who also wanted a chance to compete.
Kopp received the most votes, at 34 percent, while Gessler received 33 percent.
It was a stunning outcome considering that many bets prior to the convention had Gessler being the only candidate receiving the required 30 percent and knocking everyone else out.
Sen. Greg Brophy received 19 percent, Adams County businessman Steve House 13 percent and LaSalle-area rancher Roni Bell Sylvester 2 percent. They are out of the race.
“I thought I’d do better, but now I get to ride my bike,” said Brophy, an avid cyclist.
In their pitch to delegates, the candidates hammered Colorado’s top executive, saying Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper is wrong on the Second Amendment, wrong on the economy and wrong on the death penalty.
The Affordable Care Act and Common Core education standards also took hits from Republican party faithful.
“John Hickenlooper has demonstrated he does not know how to lead,” Kopp said.
Also running for governor are former Congressmen Tom Tancredo and Bob Beauprez, who petitioned onto the ballot. The secretary of state’s office, which already has determined that Tancredo made the ballot, is still counting Beauprez’s signatures.
In Denver, Hickenlooper on Saturday received his party’s nomination for a second term, a formality as he is running unopposed.
“By almost any measure — economically, environmentally, agriculturally, you name it — Colorado is experiencing astounding growth,” he said.
The Republican assembly, held at the Coors Events Center, featured three contested statewide races — for governor, U.S. Senate and attorney general — resulting in an event that didn’t end until around 4:30 p.m.
Gessler touted his performance as secretary of state and embraced his nickname of “Honey Badger,” a reference to the ferocious animal.
“I am tired of weak-kneed Republicans who believe every Democratic attack means disaster. They roll over instead of standing up,” he said.
Gessler was nominated by state Sen. George Rivera, R-Pueblo, who was elected to office in September when voters in his district recalled a state senator over her support for gun-control measures. Gessler made sure the election was conducted “fair and square,” Rivera said.
Former U.S. Sen. Bill Armstrong nominated Kopp, saying he’s the kind of leader people follow “in war or peace.”
“He’s not only Mr. Conservative, he’s Mr. Integrity,” Armstrong said.
Kopp went after Hickenlooper, saying governing is about actions, not words.
Brophy said when he becomes governor, Colorado will expand its highways instead of limiting ammunition magazines and will frack its way to prosperity.
Republicans cheered when House said that he would hire a constitutional officer and that Common Core would end Jan. 13, the same day “John Hickenlooper becomes a bartender” again — a reference to the governor’s day as a brewpub pioneer.
Sylvester acknowledged her underdog status but said Colorado needs a governor who understands water and property rights.
Lynn Bartels: 303-954-5327, lbartels@ denverpost.com or twitter.com/lynn_bartels