There’s another clown for the car. Podcaster and election conspiracy theorist Joe Oltmann has joined the growing list of Republican candidates for governor. Like other unserious candidates, his presence further diminishes the state GOP at a time when the party is most needed.
In his rambling, hour-long online announcement, Oltmann railed against mail-in ballots, taxes, tolls, gun laws, and medical companies concealing a cure for cancer. He promised to free former county clerk and convicted felon Tina Peters, close off primaries to unaffiliated voters, and represent the state’s “have-nots.” Oltmann is the only candidate thus far to address chem trails.
Among election delusion peddlers, Oltmann has distinguished himself by calling for violence and defaming innocent people. Recently, he called Gov. Jared Polis, Attorney General Phil Weiser, District Attorney Dan Rubinstein, Secretary of State Jena Griswold, and Judge Matthew Barrett a “synagogue of Satan Jews” who robbed Tina Peters of her life and dignity while hiding a “company of demons” in plain sight. These “traitors” should hang, said he.
I know I’m being pedantic but “Satan synagogue” should be “satanic synagogue,” since the noun should be modified by an adjective, not another noun. At least in the aforementioned social media post, Oltmann used the correct conjugation of the verb “to hang.” In the past, he has insisted “they be hung” which isn’t the same thing, not by a long shot.
Oltmann’s Twitter bio claims he lives in San Antonio, Texas. Surely there’s a newly gerrymandered district there calling his name. A homeowner’s association board would be the best fit. Nothing takes care of weeds and yard kitsch like the threat of execution.
Oltmann joins a crowded field of 20 candidates. Of the few candidates with actual legislative experience, only State Rep. Scott Bottoms, is a fellow election denier. In addition to pleading for Peters, Bottoms has accused the Federal Bureau of Investigation of instigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Conspiracy theory credentials might give Bottoms and Oltmann an edge among precinct caucus attendees, but debunked theories are unlikely to sway primary voters. Mainstream Republicans and right-leaning unaffiliated voters will gravitate to candidates with experience and scruples.
Among the dozen also-ran candidates who decided to skip serving in local office for a chance to be on camera, Oltmann stands out as the only one currently being sued for defamation. Oltmann’s specious claims against Eric Coomer, a former employee of Dominion Voting Systems, cost Coomer more than Oltmann can ever repay — his reputation, health, and safety.
The court has already ordered Oltmann to pay more than $90,000 in fees and sanctions for failing to cooperate. Judging by the losses incurred by fellow defamers Mike Lindell, Randy Corporon, and Eric Metaxas, it won’t go well for Oltmann when the court rules later this spring. Oltmann can’t pay damages with campaign donations.
Too bad bankruptcy can’t come sooner and dissuade him from running altogether. Candidates like Oltmann, Bottoms, and the other MAGA conspiracy theorists tarnish the once proud Republican brand. That’s not just bad for the party but bad for the state which was more affordable and better run when there were two healthy, competitive political parties.
Today, Colorado faces high health and home insurance rates, poor road conditions, business-stifling overregulation, state budget shortfalls, and rising electricity and heating costs. We need a well-known, experienced Republican gubernatorial candidate who can compete against a well-known, experienced Democratic opponent. Those who lack experience and name recognition should leave the race. Those who peddle conspiracy theories, defame innocent Americans, and wish death upon their political rivals should leave the state. Do us a solid; go tackle those lawn gnomes in Texas.
Krista Kafer is a Sunday Denver Post columnist.
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