Boebert outperformed by four GOP rivals in district straw poll
Rep. Lauren Boebert Places 5th in Straw Poll Following Republican Primary Debate
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) finished in 5th place out of 10 candidates in a straw poll following Thursday night’s Republican congressional primary debate for the state’s 4th District.
Boebert received 12 of 117 votes cast after the 90-minute debate, placing behind Logan County Commissioner Jerry Sonnenberg, who received 22 votes; former Colorado House Minority Leader Mike Lynch, with 20 votes; Douglas County filmmaker Deborah Flora, with 18 votes; and House Minority Whip Richard Holtorf, with 17 votes.
“I won that debate,” says Holtorf
“Pure votes, pure objective votes. I won this raffle, hands down. I am a prominent candidate, I am a serious candidate, and I am the most qualified candidate. I think the field saw that.”
The state representative explained the voting process involved what he called “stack[ing] the ballot,” in which certain candidates brought family, friends, and staff to the ticketed event to cast their votes for the one who invited them.
“Watch out, Colorado!” warns Holtorf
“So watch out, Colorado, because here I come, Holtorf for Congress. Hang on to your hat because this cowboy is riding in hard and fast,” he told the Washington Examiner.
Boebert’s campaign manager, Drew Sexton, dismissed the straw poll, stating, “A straw poll of 10 candidates and their supporters that took place in the 8th District where ticket sales closed days after she announced is of no concern and doesn’t provide a realistic snapshot of the district.”
Sexton downplayed the reliability of straw polls and shared analysis posted on X from Colorado Sun reporter Jesse Aaron Paul, who attended the debate and called the sample “very unscientific.”
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) responded to the straw poll, claiming Boebert “should be very concerned” about the results. “I think she’s got to earn those people’s support,” Greene said.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) mocked Boebert on X after the tally came in, posting, “I thought it would only be fitting to send ‘thoughts & prayers’ to my colleague, Lauren Boebert. It’s my understanding that she placed 5th in her first straw poll of the election cycle.”
Only two-thirds of eligible debate attendees chose to cast a vote in the poll, to the dismay of debate organizer Tammy Klein, who told Colorado Politics, “It’s very concerning that even when you place a ballot in their hand, they still walk away and leave it on the table.”
Boebert is running in Colorado’s 4th District despite representing the state’s 3rd District. She has represented Colorado’s 3rd District since 2021.
The Republican congresswoman was embroiled in controversy in 2023 preceding her decision to switch districts, including the announcement of her teenage son expecting a baby, an ugly public divorce, being kicked out of a musical for indecent behavior, and several feuds with Greene.
Her team told the Independent that the drama with her now ex-husband “that keeps escalating” is “another reason I’m moving” from Colorado’s 3rd District.
The Washington Examiner reached out to Sonnenberg, Lynch, and Flora for comment.
In light of the straw poll results, what challenges does Rep. Lauren Boebert face in regaining momentum in the campaign
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) faced disappointment in the recent straw poll held after the Republican primary debate for Colorado’s 4th District. With only 12 out of 117 votes, Boebert landed in 5th place among 10 candidates competing. The top four candidates who outperformed Boebert were Logan County Commissioner Jerry Sonnenberg (22 votes), former Colorado House Minority Leader Mike Lynch (20 votes), Douglas County filmmaker Deborah Flora (18 votes), and House Minority Whip Richard Holtorf (17 votes).
Although Boebert might not have been satisfied with her ranking, a sense of triumphate permeated the atmosphere for Holtorf. Expressing confidence in his performance, Holtorf claimed, “I won that debate” and emphasized that the votes were purely objective and indicative of his qualifications. Holtorf presented himself as a prominent candidate who should be taken seriously in the race.
Boebert’s disappointment was further amplified by Holtorf’s assertion regarding the voting process. According to Holtorf, certain candidates engaged in a practice he called “stacking the ballot.” This method involved inviting family, friends, and staff to the ticketed event, urging them to vote for the hosting candidate. Holtorf believes this tactic skewed the results and gave certain candidates an advantage.
Embracing his victorious stance, Holtorf warned the people of Colorado to brace themselves for his campaign. He declared his intention to pursue the congressional seat with determination, stating, “Watch out, Colorado! Here I come, Holtorf for Congress. Hang on to your hat because this cowboy is riding in hard and fast.” His statement to the Washington Examiner aims to generate excitement and anticipation for his forthcoming campaign efforts.
As the primary race for Colorado’s 4th District continues, Rep. Lauren Boebert faces the challenge of regaining momentum in the campaign. Meanwhile, Richard Holtorf capitalizes on his victorious ranking and presents himself as a formidable candidate to be reckoned with. With the straw poll results shedding light on the performance of each candidate, it remains to be seen how these rankings will influence the upcoming stages of the election.
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