Denver, Colorado - The Associated Press reported today that Republican governors across America are publicly expressing concern that President Bush's failed leadership and declining credibility will drag them down at the polls come November. In addition to criticizing the President's weakening of the National Guard and the disastrous Medicare prescription drug plan, the AP quoted at least half a dozen Republican governors expressing concerns about President Bush's broader credibility problems. [AP, 2/28/06] Recent poll numbers suggest they have good reason to worry.

In the latest CBS poll, President Bush's national approval rating has fallen to an "all-time low of 34 percent." [CBS, 2/27/06] This follows the most recent Survey USA poll, which shows that, here in Colorado, President Bush's approval rating has sunk to 39 percent. [Survey USA, 2/16/06]

Colorado Democratic Party Chair Pat Waak today issued the following statement asking whether Republican gubernatorial candidates Bob Beauprez and Mark Holtzman will join Republican governors or gubernatorial candidates in running from President Bush this November:

"Apparently, Republican governors across America are running away from President Bush. Who can blame them? After all, this is a Republican President who has presided over the most corrupt Administration since Nixon, has assembled an incompetent government that can't keep Americans safe-as demonstrated by the conduct of the Iraq War and the inadequate response to Hurricane Katrina-and has consistently failed to stand up for the values and priorities of Colorado's working families. Colorado voters want to know: will Beauprez or Holtzman join their colleagues in running away from President Bush this fall?

"Either way, Republicans are in trouble. The people of Colorado deserve better. Instead of joining Democrats in standing up for Colorado's working families, Republicans have joined President Bush in putting our government to work for the special interests. It is time to support Democrats who will work to provide the people of Colorado with jobs that stay in Colorado, a strong public education system, access to affordable health care, a strong national defense based on telling the truth, and the honest leadership and open government they deserve."