Despite repeatedly admitting that he's "not cut out" to be a senator, former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper finally conceded, dropped out of the 2020 presidential race, and announced he'd instead run to unseat Sen. Cory Gardner in the fall. And the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee promptly endorsed him as the "strongest" candidate to get it done.
It was a slap in the face to the seven women who are also vying for the nomination. Six of the candidates, state Sen. Angela Williams, Alice Madden, Diana Bray, Stephany Rose Spaulding, Lorena Garcia and Michelle Ferrigno Warren, released a statement on Tuesday demanding the DSCC rescind its endorsement.
"Now, the DSCC, by its endorsement, is implying that we should defer to a male candidate because you seem to believe he is ‘more electable,’" the women wrote in a letter.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee also wondered what the Democrats were thinking, making reference to the controversy over Hickenlooper's autobiography, which included details about his sex life.
"With all the options in the crowded Colorado primary, it’s shocking Chuck Schumer and Washington Democrats decided to ignore the female candidates in this race and back Hickenlooper – someone who has exhibited blatant disrespect toward women," said NRSC spokesperson Joanna Rodriguez. "Hickenlooper will have to continue to answer for his tone-deaf comments about women, and by endorsing him, the DSCC will to."
The female contenders regret that Democratic leaders are eschewing a chance to make history.
"Colorado has never had a woman United States Senator and one has to wonder if circumstances such as this have contributed to that unfortunate outcome.”