Markey Challenger Mulls Bid from Africa

The candidate who may challenge freshman Rep. Betsy Markey (D-Colo.) will make a final decision later this year — as soon as he returns from an active duty tour on a Special Forces

Fort Collins, Colo. City Councilman Diggs Brown said he is considering a run to challenge the first-term Markey in Colorado’s 4th congressional district.

“When I return to Colorado later this year, I will make a final decision on whether to run or not,” Brown told the Fort Collins Coloradoan. “So much can happen between then and now. However, I continue to receive encouraging e-mails from back home, and while I have been in contact with people, my availability is going to be sporadic and unpredictable in the very near future, as you know.”

Brown has been serving in an undisclosed African location since his national guard unit was called up late last year. He is a certified financial planner in his civilian life, in addition to his work on the city council. While he has been overseas, friends and supporters have engaged in an effort to “Draft Diggs” into the race.

University of Colorado Regent Tom Lucero is the other declared Republican candidate. Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck had also expressed interest, but opted to run for the Attorney General’s position instead.

Markey unseated Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R) this past fall, though the 4th district is seen as advantageous to Republicans.