State Democratic Chairwoman Pat Waak told The Coloradoan newspaper on Friday that she has spoken to five potential challengers to three-term Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R), who Democrats see as one of the most vulnerable House incumbents in the country.

Already former Reagan administration official Eric Eidsness is seeking the Democratic nomination. He was the Reform Party nominee for the seat in 2006, taking 11 percent of the vote. (Musgrave took 46 percent, and Democratic state Rep. Angie Paccione, whom Waak identified as another potential 2008 candidate, took 43 percent.)

Waak said the other potential Democratic candidates were Bent County Commissioner Bill Long, state Sen. Brandon Shaffer and Betsy Markey, an aide to Sen. Ken Salazar (D).

“Obviously this is a race that’s going to cost a lot of money,” Waak told the newspaper. “The ability to learn how to fund raise is going to be a very important piece for a candidate.”
— Josh Kurtz