Colorado Republicans, sidelined for years, have an unusual opportunity this November to turn the tables on the Democrats running state government. 

The potential for change stems from the Democratic Party’s noisy, radical fringe as it marches ever closer to the cliff’s edge and seems determined to take the rest of the state with it.  Its job-killing, business-busting, tax-grabbing, criminal-coddling policies are falling out of step with the mainstream concerns and sensibilities of Colorado’s largest voting bloc, the unaffiliated. 

Unaffiliateds make up a majority of the entire Colorado electorate, and neither Democrats nor Republicans can win statewide races without them.

Granted, the GOP isn’t likely to take control of the legislature given the lopsided majority of the party in charge. But Republicans could win a statewide office — attorney general or even governor — if they can keep their eyes on the prize. That means targeting ruling Democrats’ vulnerabilities — their reckless policies — and making them vividly clear to the state’s vast political middle.

But first, Republicans have to pick the right standard bearer in the June 30 primary. They must choose a gubernatorial candidate who can restore stature, dignity and respect to a state party that has been in turmoil in recent years. Republicans need a nominee who shows policy prowess and instills confidence.

It is why The Gazette’s editorial board has unequivocally endorsed Republican Barb Kirkmeyer for governor — in the GOP primary as well as the general election next fall. Kirkmeyer checks all those boxes and yet one more: She can keep the voting public’s eyes trained on the glaring failures of Democrats at the helm — rather than on the foibles of a couple of her Republican rivals for the nomination.

Those foibles inevitably have continued to make news in recent weeks, as noted in a report this week by our news affiliate Colorado Politics. At a recent debate featuring Kirkmeyer and her two main adversaries, it was no small feat for her to keep the political conversation on topic. As noted in Colorado Politics’ report, Kirkmeyer said the debate focused heavily on clarifying — or debunking — elements of her opponents’ backgrounds, claims and side issues, making it difficult to fully dig into policy.

But in advance of the primary, that may be just as well for Kirkmeyer. It exposes how unfit for higher office the other contenders are, given their loopy and outlandish rhetoric. And it shows how, by contrast, Kirkmeyer — a state senator and veteran policymaker — is the one Republican gubernatorial hopeful who is ready for the battle of ideas in November.

The good news is a Kirkmeyer victory June 30 will clear the path of such sideshows and open the way for her to dominate the policy debate — forcing either of two well-funded Democratic contenders to defend their party’s record in state government.

After thoroughly reviewing the candidates for governor on the Republican primary ballot — particularly in light of recent news coverage — reasonable voters who cast ballots in the GOP primary will conclude Kirkmeyer alone is up to the job. Unaffiliated voters, who receive both parties’ ballots in the mail and may vote one of those, will reach that same conclusion.

It’s a safe assumption most Colorado voters are eager to move beyond the rhetoric and theater of party primaries. They await the main event, where they’ll expect candidates to respect their intelligence and address their real concerns. They’re waiting for a candidate like Barb Kirkmeyer. Given the chance, she can win their confidence.