U.S. Senate primary: Glenn ready to answer ‘tough questions’

DENVER – Darryl Glenn shocked observers in April at the Republican state convention when he blew past a crowded field to emerge as the only candidate to caucus onto the U.S. Senate primary ballot.

From inside the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs, Glenn delivered a fiery speech that brought observers to their feet.

When the results were tallied, he had garnered 70 percent of the delegate vote, widely surpassing state Sen. Tim Neville of Littleton, thought to be the favorite at the convention, who earned just 18 percent.

In the media box, several scratched their heads. How could this 50-year-old relatively unknown, divorced El Paso County commissioner have won the hearts and minds of grass-roots Republicans over long-established candidates?

“We’ve been going to almost every county and talking to people and building that personal connection with people and giving them the ability to look me in the eye and ask tough questions,” Glenn said.

He made the June 28 primary, while other challengers struggled to find their way onto the ballot.

Three of his five opponents were plagued by court challenges and unflattering headlines, while Glenn was quietly traveling the state reaching voters.

“We’re exceeding our strategy. … Ever since our assembly we have received a lot of support financially,” said Glenn, who has received $45,462 in contributions, though an upcoming filing with the Federal Election Commission is likely to reveal a higher number.

In that time, Glenn has received endorsements from the powerful Senate Conservatives Fund, which challenges moderate Republicans, and former Alaska governor and conservative icon Sarah Palin.

Still, he is up against some wealthy candidates who have contributed as much as $1.5 million to their own campaigns.

And Glenn recently walked into some unflattering headlines himself, when he questioned whether opponent Jon Keyser, a decorated combat veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, received a Bronze Star for service.

“Darryl Glenn’s bizarre decision to criticize the Bronze Star medal I received for serving our country in combat … is an embarrassment to conservatives everywhere,” Keyser said.

Glenn said he was just raising an issue that had been brought to his attention.

“It was giving him an opportunity to set the record straight,” Glenn said. “It wasn’t an attack. It was a very softball question that he just needed to address.”

Political observers question whether Glenn has the credentials needed to defeat incumbent Democrat Michael Bennet in November, if he wins the primary. Republicans have had to steer more to the middle in U.S. Senate races, and Glenn vows never to do so.

Acquaintances say Glenn has what it takes by drawing upon his strength as a powerlifting champion at the Air Force Academy. A retired Air Force officer who served more than 20 years, Glenn also holds a law degree and a master’s degree in business administration. Glenn has run a law firm and several small businesses.

“He’s an inspiring leader who will defend the Constitution and stand up to the liberals in both parties,” said Ken Cuccinelli, president of the Senate Conservatives Fund.

Dave Brandt, who has known Glenn since their days in middle school in Colorado Springs, said Glenn has always been a bit of an over-achiever, leading athletics teams and serving as president of student government.

“He’s always been a strong leader,” Brandt said.

“I think he’s going to do a great job.”

Glenn believes his strong faith will propel him over the finish line.

“I’m always reading the Bible,” he said.

“You have to have a platform and a vision that people can rally behind. … I can win.”

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