Last weekend, the Libertarian Party of Colorado endorsed the firebrand, conspiracy-spewing Stanley as their candidate for the United States Senate in this November's election. And the sad news is, Stanley has lately generated more news than either of his opponents, Republican incumbent Wayne Allard and Democrat Tom Strickland. The Senate seat has been targeted, along with a half-dozen others across the country, as one that Democrats view as vulnerable and Republicans are fighting hard to keep. Maybe the "experts" in Washington haven't been out to Colorado in awhile.

Stanley, the past organizer of the "Million Gun March," started waving his red cape several months ago by orchestrating his arrest in Denver to protest the city's ordinance banning concealed weapons. Then he challenged Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura to a wrestling match (the media largely ignored both publicity stunts).

Then in recent weeks, Stanley the matador accused the government of planting pipe bombs in mailboxes throughout the Midwest and West, including the one that was found in Salida. When the so-called Smiley-face Bomber was caught, Stanley was remorseless.

The topper, at least for the sedate Rocky Mountain News, was when Stanley accused Sen. Allard, who's seeking a second six-year term, of being a traitor for knowingly voting for unconstitutional laws. As judge, jury and probably-happy-to-do-it executioner, Stanley flatly stated that, as Allard is clearly guilty of treason, he should be hung.

"Wayne Allard and his ilk, traitors all, should pray that Justice will be merciful, because the people against whom they have been waging war are already praying it will be swift," Stanley wrote in one press release.

Last Wednesday, the bull finally charged. In a top-fold editorial, the Rocky, which usually prefers to ignore him, bashed Stanley for his irresponsible statements. Then, the next day the paper devoted a good chunk of its letters-to-the-editor section to Stanley supporters and detractors.

The Libertarian Party comprises a tiny fraction of the state's registered voters, but we'll undoubtedly be hearing more from Stanley. And we can't help but note the similarities between his rantings and those of our own Republican former state Sen. Charlie Duke, who in the mid- to late-'90s accused the government of complicity in the Oklahoma City bombing and insisted that Newt Gingrich had broken into his townhome.

All across Colorado, Republican leaders must be saying a silent prayer: Thank God Stanley's not running under the GOP banner.

-- degette@csindy.com

Stanley Supporters - Please note the link above. Be sure to tell Ms. Degette (sister of Representative Diana DeGette) just what you think of her column. It appears obvious where her motivation extends from. You get the most flak when you are over the target. Thanks for the space Cara!