Republicans will have primary election race for sheriff

By JoAn Bjarko
North Forty News

Larimer County Republicans will have a primary election race with two candidates seeking the nomination for county sheriff.

At the Republican Assembly on April 3, candidate Justin Smith received 65 percent of delegate votes while candidate Carl Bruning received 35 percent of 696 cards cast.

Smith has worked with the sheriff's office for 18 years, rising to the rank of major. Bruning is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and served as a U.S. Air Force pilot and aircraft commander.

The current sheriff, Republican Jim Alderden, is term-limited after holding the office for 12 years.

The winner of the Aug. 10 primary election will face one of two Democrats seeking the nomination. They are Jay Harrison and Alan Ohms. Both men have experience with the sheriff's department.

The sheriff's race also has an unaffiliated contender. Dell Bean started his law enforcement career with the Fort Collins Police Department in 1968. He worked for the county sheriff's office from 1979 to 1987. He will have to petition onto the ballot.

In addition, the following Republican candidates for county offices have no opposition within their party.

Assessor: Steve Miller served as county assessor from 1989 to 2002, when he was term-limited. He was elected again in 2006.

Clerk and recorder: Scott Doyle is seeking a third and final term. Prior to his election in 2002, he served as chief deputy clerk and recorder.

Commissioner, District 1: Lew Gaiter III, who was appointed in January to fill the unexpired term of Kathay Rennels, will run in his first election. He will be opposed by Democrat Adam Bowen in the general election.

Coroner: Dr. Patrick C. Allen is completing his eighth term in office and seeking re-election. He is exempted from term limits.

Surveyor: Chad Washburn was appointed to his post in 2009 to replace Republican Tom Donnelly, who was elected county commissioner. Washburn has 15 years of experience in land surveying.

Treasurer: Myrna Rodenberger also is running for a third and final term. Prior to becoming county treasurer, she served as clerk and recorder for 16 years.

For state office, Republican Kevin Lundberg is running for the Senate District 15 seat and B.J. Nikkel is seeking the House District 49 seat. Both will have Democratic opposition.

Colorado Republicans have two candidates seeking the governor's seat: Dan Maes and Scott McInnis. Three candidates are still in the running for U.S. representative from the 4th Congressional District: Cory Gardner, Tom Lucero and Dean Madere. Four Republicans are in the running for a U.S. Senate seat: Ken Buck, Jane Norton, Cleve Tidwell and Tom Wiens.