I think Bob Beauprez is a good man and has backing of party insiders because of his ability to win friends and influence money. Unfortunately, he's going to be badly handicapped by the terrible campaign he ran against Ritter, and the reputation that comes from such a loss. The leftist news media won't let him forget it.
Hick has been in full campaign mode since the recalls. His pals in the media have portrayed him as a centrist. I predict that Beauprez' loss to Hickenlooper will be worse than his race against Ritter.