OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
A Republican congresswoman delivered a biting stand-up comedy routine directed at her House GOP colleague, Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert.
Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI) directly addressed a clear source of pain for the Colorado Republican during her monologue at the Washington Press Club Foundation dinner on Wednesday night.
“If everyone could please keep their hands above the table,” McClain said. “And I know it’s date night for some of you, but no inappropriate touching. That includes you Lauren Boebert. No vaping either.”
McClain’s biting remark was a reference to an incident that was captured on camera at a theater in Colorado back in September, during which Boebert and a date made explicit sexual advances toward one another. Due to the incident, Boebert received a lot of flak and criticism.
Boebert recently declared that she will be running in the much more conservative-friendly 4th district in the 2024 election instead of the 3rd district, which she has been representing for the past few years. She prevailed in a very tight contest against Democratic opponent Adam Frisch in 2022.
However, Boebert’s gambit to change congressional districts might not work out that well for her, according to a new straw poll.
Boebert, who is currently serving her second term, came in fifth place in a candidate poll for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District seat, currently held by retiring Rep. Ken Buck (R).
Many people believed that her decision to enter the crowded primary race in the predominately conservative district was an attempt to avoid the risk of losing in the more competitive 3rd District, where she had only won by a margin of 546 votes in 2022. In that district, she was already facing a primary challenge, and there were expectations of a rematch with Democrat Adam Frisch, who had raised more funds than her, Newsweek reported.
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During a debate in Fort Lupton last week, Boebert openly acknowledged that she recognized the need to garner the support of voters in the 4th District. “I am here to earn your support and your vote,” she said. “This is not a coronation.”
A straw poll conducted among 100 Republicans at the debate suggested that she is confronted with a challenging task in winning the nomination against her rivals, some of whom have spent their entire lives in the district and currently hold positions in Colorado’s legislature representing parts of it.
Newsweek added: “She got 12 votes in the poll, according to The Denver Post. With 22 votes, Logan County Commissioner Jerry Sonnenberg won the poll. State Representative Mike Lynch came in second with 20, conservative radio host Deborah Florida came in third with 18, and State Representative Richard Holtorf came in third with 17.”
Boebert announced her decision to switch districts in December, calling it a “fresh start” after her divorce.
“It’s the right move for me, and it’s the right decision for those who support our conservative movement. This is the right move for Colorado for us,” said Boebert. “2024 is going to be tough, we cannot lose the third, and Colorado’s fourth district is hungry for an unapologetic defender of freedom with a proven track record of standing strong for conservative principles. We have to protect our majority in the House, win the Senate, and win the presidency.”
Boebert accused “Hollywood elites and progressive money groups” of trying to “buy” her current district after Frisch brought in a large amount of campaign money this year, the Daily Caller reported. According to Federal Election Commission filings, Frisch has raised a total of $7.8 million this year and has $4.3 million cash on hand.
According to FiveThirtyEight’s survey compilation, a recent poll had Frisch beating Boebert by 2 points, while a poll from earlier this year had the two running neck-and-neck.
In her Facebook video, Boebert said she plans to move to the 4th district soon, which is on the opposite side of Colorado. The Daily Caller noted that Buck’s district leans heavily Republican, so she will not have as difficult a time of winning his seat.
The Cook Political Report characterizes the 4th Congressional District as “Solid Republican,” whereas Boebert’s seat is currently in the “Toss Up” category.
“Personally, this announcement is a fresh start following a pretty difficult year for me and my family. I’ve never been in politics before, and I’ve never been through a divorce, something I never intended to go through. I’ve made my own personal mistakes, and I’ve owned up and apologized for them,” said Boebert. “It’s tested my faith, my strength, and my abilities both as a mom and a congresswoman. It’s been humbling and challenging, but it’s also given me perspective and helped me grow.”
