Polis, Facing Criticism, Says CU President Should Be "Qualified Progressive"

CD-2 Democratic candidate Jared Polis said Wednesday that there were problems with the University of Colorado's presidential selection process, and stated he favored "a qualified progressive" as CU president.

But Polis continued his refusal to openly oppose the nomination of millionaire GOP activist Bruce Benson, saying in a statement that he didn't want to "poison the well" for future relationships, funding, and policy initiatives at CU.

The CU Board of Regents will vote Wednesday night on whether or not to appoint Benson, the only presidential finalist.

Polis is a former board member of Progress Now, which has actively opposed Benson's candidacy. But he has faced some criticism from Benson opponents for not personally taking a stance against the millionaire GOP activist's candidacy.

"Whether the next President of CU is Bruce Benson or someone else, it is critical that the next congressperson representing Boulder, the site of CU's flagship campus, has a solid relationship with the University of Colorado and its leadership," Polis explained in a statement Wednesday.

But in the next paragraph of the statement, Polis said he hoped the next CU president would be "a qualified progressive" who "represents the philosophies of the University of Colorado and the academic community."

Polis added he was "proud to be supported by Regent Mike Carrigan and Regent Steve Ludwig who have formed the cornerstone of opposition to the Benson nomination."

"I wish them well in their efforts," he concluded.

Polis also criticized the presidential selection process itself, saying that "putting forth a single finalist for the position is neither fair nor the most effective way to find the best candidate."

Joan Fitz-Gerald, who's running against Polis for the CD-2 Democratic nomination, opposes Benson's candidacy. Will Shafroth, the third Democrat in the race, has taken no public position.