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Colorado Governor Bill Owens and Wife Reconcile

By Jeralyn, Section Other Politics
Posted on Sat May 07, 2005 at 10:27:48 AM EST
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Colorado Governor Bill Owens, a faith-based Republican, was considered a party superstar until two years ago when he and his wife of 28 years split up amid undisclosed reasons. Owens promptly became a liability to the values crowd. When Sen. Nighthorse Campbell decided not to run for re-election, many expected Owens to put his hat in the ring. He didn't, saying the time wasn't right for him or his family. Friday, the couple announced their reconciliation. Tongues are now wagging as to what's behind the sudden rapprochement.

Denver's increasingly influential monthly magazine, 5280, (a finalist this year for the National Magazine Awards in two categories), just released its May issue with its annual list of the 25 most influential Coloradans. (Sorry, it's not available on line.) Number one on the list is Colorado first lady Frances Owen. With a little humor and amidst great film-noir graphics, the magazine details Frances' ascent and the Governor's political decline. Owens' hand-picked Senate candidate, Pete Coors, lost to Ken Salazar in November. While the state went red for Bush, the state legislature went blue for the first time in 44 years. It seems Gov. Owens is mostly in the news these days for using his veto power (More here.)

Also this week, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, whose popularity seems boundless right now, just won big with getting Denverites to agree to build a $378 million justice center downtown, consisting of a new jail and courtrooms. This follows his big win last November when he got the public to approve an expensive public transit measure.

In fact, he's so hot, he couldn't lose if he were pitching for the Rockies.

Many think Hickenlooper will run for Governor in 2006 (Owens is term-limited) - or the Senate in 2008. Time Magazine named Hickenlooper one of the best five mayors in the country a few weeks ago. Hickenlooper says he's having fun being Mayor, but he doesn't rule either out.

So, what's behind the sudden reconciliation? In today's Rocky Mountain News, Frances Owen says this is the first time the Governor's asked to get back together. Regular TalkLeft readers know I blog daily for 5280 about local issues, so head on over there and read my answer. I attribute it both to the 5280 power list and the Runaway Bride.

[All of the 5280 political coverage of Owens, Salazar, Hickenlooper, the Denver 3, the Air Force investigations and more is accessible here.] Did you know, for example, that the CIA is planning to move its civil division to from Langly to Denver?

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    Colorado Governor Bill Owens and Wife Reconcile | 2 comments (2 topical)
    Re: Colorado Governor Bill Owens and Wife Reconcil (none / 0) (#1)
    by DawesFred60 on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:58:49 PM EST
    The split up was over bill's sex party ideals, come on TalkLeft tell the real world truth about our faith-Based government, many will come down with HIV,In the coming years. and Big Bill want to take the bush job in 2008, so his wife hopeing for more sex parties needs the job of first lady, its a win, win for both. Big Bill the guy with the tools to do the jobs the right way, will make a great EL.PRESIDENT For the party and its good times. Yes Bill, a guy of faith you need for the coming third world life under the gods of fun and the gods of really big prisons.

    Re: Colorado Governor Bill Owens and Wife Reconcil (none / 0) (#2)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:58:51 PM EST
    Good job TL - seemed balanced (not being a Coloradian its hard to know, but it felt right)

    Colorado Governor Bill Owens and Wife Reconcile | 2 comments (2 topical)