Colorado: Ken Buck

The political rumor mill is running at full speed with potential Republican candidates to challenge Betsy Markey in 2010, and the latest name to enter the picture is state Senator-turned Larimer County Commissioner Steve Johnson.

Johnson's potential candidacy was first reported on the Loveland Politics blog Wednesday. Johnson told Face the State he is still focused on serving as commissioner, but says he has seen strong public support for a potential bid.

"I love my job as commissioner and doing the best job I can for the people of Larimer County is my top priority right now," Johnson wrote in an email to Face the State.

Former PolitickerCO.com reporter Jeremy Pelzer — whose daily postings on the now-defunct site were must-reads for Colorado’s politically attuned — lands this week at Elevated Voices, 5280’s everything-to-know-about-Denver blog. Monday’s posting examines potential challengers to Rep. Betsy Markey, who unseated three-term Republican Marilyn Musgrave and became the first Democrat to represent the sprawling 4th Congressional District in more than three decades.

Pelzer, who regularly broke Statehouse stories during the year he reported from the Capitol, brings his savvy to bear on the half dozen Republicans considering a run against Markey in 2010. Topping the roster:

University of Colorado Regent Tom Lucero of Loveland

Odds he’ll run: Already announced.

Ransom. Bribery. Extortion.

All three are fighting words - and all three were used Tuesday during a spirited debate on a bill that would make it a misdemeanor to withdraw a ballot measure in exchange for money or anything of value.

Two Republican lawmakers introduced the bill in response to the 2008 campaign, in which proponents of union-backed measures agreed to withdraw their proposals in exchange for $3 million from business interests.

"I think the public recognizes bribery when they see it," said Rep. Kent Lambert, R-Colorado Springs.

HB 1069, by Rep. Amy Stephens of Colorado Springs and Sen. Mike Kopp, died 6-5 on a mostly party-line vote in the State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee.

University of Colorado Regent and Amendment 54 manager Tom Lucero (R-Johnstown) became the first Republican to enter the 2010 4th Congressional District race, filing paperwork last week.

"The unsolicited support that I've received in the last few weeks demonstrated to me that I needed to seriously consider running for the 4th and be the Republican who will challenge (U.S.