Senate Minority Leader Andy McElhany, R-Colorado Springs, one of the most prominent voices for Colorado Republicans today, has been involved in politics since he was 8-years-old.
As a young man, the senator came across the book Conscience of a Conservative, by former U.S. Sen. Barry Goldwater, R-Arizona.
“After reading that book I just thought, my God, this man is reading my thoughts,” McEllhany said. “This is what I believe.”
McElhany first got his political feet wet in 1948 by handing out fliers for Republican
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Senator Andy McElhany and his wife Anna Marie |
presidential candidate Thomas Dewey. Four years later at age 12, he found himself favoring Sen. Robert A. Taft over Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower for the Republican presidential nomination.
Despite Eisenhower's popularity, McElhany’s heart ultimately gravitated toward Taft, who was the more conservative candidate.
Goldwater's book solidified McElhany’s conservative beliefs. Also, finding himself in liberal pockets of the country for many years kept him on his toes.
When settling down in Colorado Springs, McElhany found himself at home among his fellow conservatives. There he became a successful real estate broker and owner of the McElhany Company.
Later on, McElhany began coaching football and baseball at the high school level and for local youth leagues. It was then that he became involved with the Colorado Springs Park and Recreation Advisory Board because he didn’t like the way some of the games were being run.
After that, in 1994, McElhany was elected to the Colorado State House, and he later moved on to represent Senate District 12 in 2000.
The senator had to give up coaching because there wasn’t enough time for it while in public office.
“It was such a thrill working with kids who are eager to learn and eager to please. I really do miss it,” McElhany said.
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In August 2005, the senator took the reins as minority leader from former Sen. Mark Hillman, R-Burlington, who resigned to pursue a bid for state treasurer. The senator loves to serve, but suggested that he sometimes gets frustrated being in the minority.
“When you come here with specific goals that will make things better, it’s hard to be in the minority,” he said. “You are always stuck playing defense.”
Known as an occasional prankster among the GOP caucus, as well as a quipster with the media, McElhany is always up for a laugh. He is also a close friend with fellow Sen. Ron May, R-Colorado Springs, and the two men are roommates during session.
Now that springtime has arrived, McElhany can often be seen jogging around “Wash” Park in an effort to get back into shape.
“Believe it or not, I was a lot skinnier when I arrived here over a decade ago,” McElhany joked.