With John Salazar looking very likely to take a cabinet post in Barack Obama's administration, there is a strong possibility of a 2009 special election in CD-3. What hasn't been reported much in the blogosphere are the rampant rumors from the Western Slope that John Salazar just doesn't like being a Congressman all that much and was considering stepping aside in 2010 anyway.

Here is a quick look at some of the potential candidates on both sides for CD-3.

The Republicans

• Sen. Josh Penry - The nomination is his if he wants it. The only question is if he wants to go to Washington or would rather carve out a stake in state politics.
• Rep. Ellen Roberts - She might be tempted to run on the assumption that CD-3 would respond better to a more moderate Republican candidate.
• ex-Rep. Matt Smith - He ran in the 2004 primary and might want another shot at it, assuming Penry doesn't run.

The Democrats

• ex-Rep. Bernie Buescher - He like, really needs a job, man.
• Rep. Kathleen Curry - She basically started campaigning in today's Denver Post.
• Rep.-elect Sal Pace - Pace could try to grab the nomination the same way he got his state house seat, by having John Salazar gather the competition in a smoke-filled room and scaring them off.