George Brauchler Is Running For Governor

Araphoe County District Attorney George Brauchler, the prosecutor of the Aurora theater shooter, announced Wednesday that he is running for governor. He's considered the early front runner for the Republican nomination to replace Governor John Hickenlooper who is being forced out by term limits.

Brauchler, who had been urged to run against Senator Michael Bennett last year, is an Army reservist - he's a colonel - who spent time in Iraq.

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In a video announcing his run, Brauchler says he is running for his four children.

"I want them to inherit the Colorado I did," he said. "I want them to have the best public education available. That's the key to the future."

Brauchler, 47, won his first race for district attorney in 2012 and quickly had the national spotlight on him when James Holmes killed 12 and wounded 70 at the Century 16 movie theater.

He received some criticism when he rejected a plea offer and decided to seek the death penalty. At trial, the jury sentenced Holmes to life in prison, which was the plea Brauchler had rejected.

Brauchler listed opportunity and prosperity at the top of his list of priorities.

"I will protect Colorado’s businesses from excessive regulation and government overreach," he said. "As a state, we must foster an economic environment that does not stifle innovation and excellence, but rather one that encourages businesses to develop and grow.

"A better Colorado means more than just running with the herd. It means leading the pack and that is why I am running for governor."

He was born in New York but grew up in Lakewood and went to the University of Colorado Law School.

State Treasurer Warren Stapleton and State Attorney General Cynthia Coffman are both said to be considering joining the Republican race. On the Democratic side, former state senator Mike Johnston has already announced.

Photo courtesy George Brauchler for Governor