Poll shows Beauprez leading Colo. Senate primary

The first poll on the GOP Senate primary in Colorado shows former Rep. Bob Beauprez leading a field of three candidates with 41 percent of the vote. He is followed in the Public Policy Polling survey by Aurora City Councilman Ryan Frazier, at 23 percent, and Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck, at 15 percent.

The numbers aren’t too surprising. Beauprez is known to about two-thirds of primary voters thanks to his 2006 gubernatorial campaign, while Frazier and Weld are both unknown to a solid majority of voters.

What’s interesting is that while Weld is known to more voters than Frazier, 35 percent versus 24 percent, he still trails Frazier by 8 percent.

Of course, this is all very early, and Beauprez hasn’t even decided whether to get into the race. But it’s still a good sign for Frazier that his support is very high among those who know about him.

The poll didn’t test former Lt. Gov. Jane Norton, who has recently begun making overtures about the race.

The winner will likely face appointed Sen. Michael Bennet (D).

In the gubernatorial GOP primary to face Gov. Bill Ritter (D), former Rep. Scott McInnis leads state Sen. Josh Penry 36-15.