The Republican Senate primary is signaling the growing impact of the grassroots freedom movement. Jane Norton has the backing of the party, big name endorsements, and has run her campaign by the book.
Still, she does not have the primary sowed up. As NPR's Jeff Brady notes, this "is not any other year." Her opponent, Ken Buck, has been drawing the support of the Tea Party and small government groups such as Freedom Works.
Buck's mark on the race comes from his appeal to the common sense principles of freedom, namely, a respect for constitutionally-limited government. And he openly rejects establishment party politics as usual: "The very people we send to drain the swamp are wallowing in it."
He is seeking the support of citizens, not the party, and his strategy has worked. This means his approach resonates with enough everyday people in Colorado to make the race newsworthy. This is a good thing. Indeed, this "is not any other year."
So long as Buck avoids further footwear gaffes, his campaign will keep the freedom movement afoot. (I couldn't resist.)
Here is a sample of Buck speaking off the cuff:
