A grassroots signal worth watching
It has been a peculiar winter in the Colorado high country. Even at elevation, we are seeing dry ground, mild evenings, and far less snow than expected. When long-standing patterns begin to shift, people take notice.
A similar sense of change was evident Friday evening at the Gilpin County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner held at the Ameristar Casino Summit Banquet facility. It is estimated that nearly 200 people attended to hear gubernatorial candidate Victor Marx. Just a year ago, the same event at the historic Elks Lodge drew about 60 participants. The growth alone tells a story.
My wife Gerri and I were present, and what we observed was not a highly choreographed political production. Marx does not present himself as a polished, consultant-crafted candidate. He speaks directly and comfortably, without pretense. His wife introduced him warmly, and, in an unassuming touch that seemed entirely natural, his dog accompanied him throughout the evening.
The tone was relaxed. The audience response was not.
There was genuine energy in the room, including a noticeable presence of younger voters. In grassroots politics, enthusiasm often precedes organization, and organization precedes results. The marked increase in attendance suggests Marx is tapping into a current that may be broader than many observers initially assumed.
A Marine Corp. veteran and founder of a ministry focused on combating human trafficking and strengthening families, Marx is based in Colorado Springs and has worked with Focus on the Family, the organization founded by Dr. James Dobson. That background informs both his message and his support network. His emphasis on faith, public safety, lower taxes and government accountability clearly resonates with many Republican voters seeking authenticity over polish.
Financial support appears to be following interest. With more than $600,000 raised to date, Marx currently leads other Republican contenders in fundraising — a noteworthy achievement for a first-time statewide candidate.
Colorado remains a challenging environment for Republican candidates in statewide contests. The eventual GOP nominee will likely face either Attorney General Phil Weiser or U.S. Senator Michael Bennet in the general election. Both are experienced and well-funded.
Still, what occurred in Gilpin County Feb. 27 should not be dismissed as a routine dinner party. The enthusiasm felt organic. The growth was measurable. The candidate was comfortable in his own skin.
In a season when weather patterns appear unsettled, the political climate may also be shifting. Time will tell whether this momentum carries through the primary season, but one thing is clear: Victor Marx is generating attention — and in politics, attention is the first signal of change.