Charcie Russell

With state Sen. Tom Wiens (R-Castle Rock) announcing last week that he wouldn't seek re-election this fall, a lot of would-be successors have popped out of the woodwork.

"I think there's about 45,000 registered Republicans in the (4th Senate) district, and I think 40,000 are thinking about running for the seat," said state Sen. Ted Harvey (R-Highlands Ranch).

Five Republicans have confirmed to PolitickerCO that they will run for the seat: Precinct 131 Committeeman Ed Brewer of Castle Rock, Precinct 58 Committeeman Roger Partridge of Castle Rock, SD-4 GOP Chair John Peterson of Castle Rock, former Douglas County Republican Party Chair Mark Scheffel of Parker, and computer consultant Mark Vanderbilt of Castle Rock.

Other talked-about potential SD-4 Republican candidates, including state Rep. Amy Stephens (R-Monument), GOP activist Bill Henry, District 2 Captain David Gill, U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Littleton) outreach coordinator Charcie Russell, and Douglas County Commissioner Steve Boand, have all said they will not seek the position.

Could state Sen. Tom Wiens (R-Castle Rock) decision not to run for re-election this year be a prelude to a 2010 gubernatorial bid?

Maybe, says Wiens.

Wiens told PolitickerCO.com on Thursday that he hasn't decided whether to run for governor in two years - but he added that leaving the senate now would help his chances if he does decide to run.

Wiens also said "a bunch of people" have already indicated interest in replacing him as the SD-4 nominee, including Castle Rock Mayor Randy Reed; SD-4 District GOP Chair John Pederson, Colorado State Shooting Association Vice President Dave Gill, and Douglas County Planning Commission member Roger Partridge.

Charcie Russell, outreach coordinator for U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Littleton), was also talked about as a potential candidate, but she told PolitickerCO Friday she would not enter the race.