Wolf race turns to U.S. House

DELTA — Having announced his candidacy for U.S. Senate last fall, Delta County Commissioner Wayne Wolf has turned his sights to the seat of Congressman John Salazar, D-Manassa.

Wolf, a 56-year-old Republican of Cedaredge, filed with the Federal Election Commission last week his decision to run for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District. He said fellow Republicans have encouraged him to run for the House seat and that since this decision the reception has been much more positive.

Although two-term incumbent Salazar has not yet made a formal announcement, he intends to seek re-election, said Salazar press secretary Eric Wortman.

Colorado Republican Chairman Dick Wadhams said Wolf could bring a distinct perspective to the race.

“Well, incumbency is a powerful tool in the 3rd District, so I don’t diminish the difficulty of challenging an incumbent,” Wadhams said. “I also know stranger things have happened and I think Commissioner Wolf brings a unique approach to the race — as a local official he understands the burdens and mandates the federal government puts on local governments.”

Wolf has expressed his desire to reduce federal mandates upon local governments since he began campaigning in September 2006. He said Wednesday the Help America Vote Act to implement electronic voting nationwide has placed unnecessary burdens upon local governments.

“That’s something that has made a lot of news in Montrose County and locals have been taking abuse,” Wolf said.

He said he’s working to organize his campaign and that the next step will be fundraising. Currently the campaign has “a few thousand dollars,” he said.

The Federal Election Commission’s Web site lists Wolf as not having reported financial activity. Salazar’s receipts totaled $561,889 as of Sept. 30, 2007.

Wadhams said he doesn’t know of any other Republican candidates running for Salazar’s seat.

In the run for U.S. Senate, Wolf contended against another Republican — former Congressman Bob Schaeffer. Schaeffer’s campaign had garnered $1.5 million by Sept. 30, 2007, according to the FEC.

Wolf said he was recently well-received in Pueblo, where he has spoken before Republican groups and local media.

“That was one of the places where folks there weren’t interested in me running for Senate,” he said. “It’s been like night and day — the reception.”

Wolf said he intends to research Salazar’s activity in Congress to “show a contrast.”

“One of the things I need to do is look at the incumbent’s record on some bills and kind of draw some distinctions for how I might have voted differently,” he said.

With regard to immigration, an issue affecting many communities in the Western Slope, Wolf said he would emphasize finding a viable, less cumbersome way “that they can get here legally,” as well as work to curtail the health benefits illegal residents receive.

“As long as there’s an incentive I think there continues to be a problem,” he said.

Wolf has served as Delta County Commissioner for seven years. His occupations include ranch-hand work, irrigation and teaching.

Contact Robert Allen via e-mail at roberta@montrosepress.com