Rep. Buck Denies Plot Against Boebert

(Getty)

Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., refuted assertions that his early departure from Congress was a calculated move to thwart Rep. Lauren Boebert’s electoral ambitions in the 4th Congressional District, The Hill reported.

Buck, who previously declared he would not seek reelection, announced his premature retirement, setting the stage for a special election to fill his seat.

Boebert, characterizing Buck’s decision as “weak sauce” and a “gift to the Uniparty,” insinuated a clandestine arrangement orchestrated by the establishment to manipulate the electoral landscape in her favor. “The establishment concocted a swampy backroom deal to try to rig an election I’m winning by 25 points,” she said in a statement.

In response, Buck rebuffed these claims, labeling them as “ridiculous” and emphasizing his neutrality in the electoral process. “I have done my very best to stay out of this primary election,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to impartiality.

Explaining his rationale for the early retirement announcement, Buck emphasized the importance of synchronizing the special election with the primary scheduled for June 25. “I thought that was really important,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Boebert announced her decision not to partake in the special election, opting instead to concentrate on the primary. Criticizing the move, she argued that holding a special election concurrently with the primary would only confuse voters and leave the district without representation for an extended period.

Boebert’s political maneuvering comes amid speculation regarding her motives for switching districts. Some view her relocation to the 4th District as an attempt to evade a potential challenge from Democrat Adam Frisch, who narrowly missed victory in their previous contest.

In the forthcoming special election, each party will nominate a candidate to vie for Buck’s vacated seat for the remainder of the term. The timing of the special election, coinciding with the state primary, presents a strategic advantage for the GOP. However, Boebert faces a dilemma, as participating in the special election would necessitate relinquishing her 3rd District seat, further diminishing the Republican majority in the House.