In November, when Buck announced he would not seek re-election to Colorado's 4th congressional district, he initially planned to serve out his remaining term. But last week, the member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus announced that his last day will be March 22.
Dr. Gordon Klingenschmitt, an Air Force Academy graduate who served in the Colorado House of Representatives from 2015 to 2017 and now runs the Pray in Jesus Name project, thinks Buck's motives are personal.
"There is speculation that he has a different job lined up, maybe as a news anchor at CNN or a contributor," Klingenschmitt relays. "Since he has personal disagreements with Donald Trump, it seems like he is ripe for opportunity to cash in, since this is a presidential election year, with his opinions, especially to a leftist network like CNN. Or maybe MSNBC would hire him. All they're looking for is the anti-Trump voice."
As for Buck's replacement, who will be picked in a special election on June 25, Klingenschmitt predicts, "It's likely to go to Ted Harvey."
"He is a good, solid conservative, and he has made friendships for many years with all of the members of the vacancy committee who might be choosing the nominee," the former state rep. explains.
Whoever wins that special election will also have to win the Republican primary on the same day, if they want to do more than serve out the remainder of Buck's term.
