So, one of the worst kept Democratic secrets this year was that business owner Sam Granato intended to run for US Senate and take Senator Bennet’s seat. Today Granato made his announcement official on the steps of his Redwood store and I, for one, am pleased to see a Democratic candidate step up this early in the election season – after all, we are a good 15 months away from the election.  I am sure that my constant complaining that we start to late in the game was the genesis for this – sure I have no proof of this, nor did I do anything to prod Granato into running, but let me just have my warm fuzzy feeling!

The big question now is what will Pete Ashdown do? We know that Ashdown has his eye on the Senate as well, but does he feel that this is his year? I have no doubt that Ashdown is going to run for something, and I suspect that he would make quite a splash no matter what section of the ticket he appears on.

One thing is for certain, if Ashdown is going to run for Senate, things will get interesting within the Democratic Party and in the general race.  Ashdown is well known and liked amongst the general Democratic population, while Granato should be able to fundraise well and put together his own solid policy pieces. Both candidates are business owners, making it difficult for the inevitable Republican challenger to point out that they dislike small business; both candidates have political experience, either dealing with the DABC or by previously running for office; and both candidates are Democrats and, therefore, infinitely better than what the Republicans will throw out.

I, for one, feel that a chalange would be good for both candidates (as I feel is the case in any election). Interparty races force candidates to hone their message and the victor will be forced to consider the ideas of the looser – challenges make for a healthy democracy and create stronger candidates; and if there is one thing we need as Democrats, it is a stronger candidate.

So keep your eye on both Granato and Ashdown.  If I were Granato, I would start to put together a solid fundraising plan and platform; if I were Ashdown, I would do the soul searching necessary before running, but to come to a decision in no more than six weeks; if and when he decides to run against Granato.

This summer might be exciting, politically, after all! I, for one, think both would be excellent opponents to Bennett, Shurtleff, and Bridgewater on the right.