DENVER -- Colorado Gov. Bill Owens has decided against running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Ben Nighthorse Campbell, and that prompted Democratic Rep. Mark Udall to jump into the contest hours later.

Video

Owens Decides Against Senate Run

The governor (pictured, left) held a Tuesday afternoon news conference to announce his decision. Owens cited family matters as contributing to his decision not to run.

"It comes down to what you know in your heart is the right thing to do," he said. "The time is not right for me, for my family or for Colorado to make the kind of personal and profession commitment I know I must make to ensure victory. My family supported me if I chose to run and they support my decision not to run."

The governor said his decision was also based on the issues facing the state.

"In 1999, the people of Colorado honored me with the best job in America. They elected me their governor and I have been grateful to them for this opportunity and this challenge every day since. For more than five years, our team has worked to build a better Colorado and it is a record of which I am very proud. The progress we've made for Colorado must be continued and that will require me to give my full attention to the issues and the agenda before the General Assembly."

First lady Francis Owens issued a statement that said the Owens family had supported a Senate campaign.

"In the last few days, our family has talked about the opportunity for Bill to run for the United States Senate. We're all proud of him, and we obviously thought he would make a great Senator, just as he's been a great governor for Colorado," she said. "Monica, Mark, Brett and I were unanimous in encouraging him to run."

GOP officials had urged Owens to run, saying recent polling showed him the best candidate against five relatively unknown Democrats currently in the race. He also won re-election in 2002 with 65 percent of the vote.

"The Colorado Republican party has many outstanding potential candidates for the U.S. Senate," said Sen. Wayne Allard in a statement. "Gov. Owens' decision will allow those highly qualified and talented individuals in our party to re-evaluate their plans."

All Of Colorado Is Running

Owens said he had encouraged Republican Rep. Bob Beauprez to enter the race. Beauprez had said earlier that he "might" consider running, depending on what Owens decided.

"If the governor decides not to ... you've got several people in our party -- myself included -- that might be interested in taking a look at that," he told 7NEWS last week.

Bob Schaffer, a former congressman from Colorado's 4th District, also indicated he might run if Owens didn't. Other Republicans who might run include State Treasurer Mike Coffman and U.S. Reps. Tom Tancredo, Marilyn Musgrave, and Scott McInnis.

“Let me just say that for over 12 years Ben Campbell amassed an impressive record of achievement for the people of Colorado," said McInnis. "Those are pretty big shoes to fill and I am still discussing my own future with my family and supporters.”

Colorado Democratic Party chair Chris Gates said he was disappointed by Owens' announcement.

"I think it would have been good for Colorado’s voters to have A-list candidates from both parties. But now it looks like it will be our A-list against their B-list," Gates said.

Udall announced his decision to run Tuesday evening.

"I'm in the race. I'm packing my ropes and I'm getting ready to climb the mountain," Udall told The Associated Press. He scheduled a Wednesday news conference to discuss his candidacy.

As for the Democrats still deciding, Attorney General Ken Salazar told 7NEWS last week that he is also contemplating a campaign.

There are five Democrats already in the race: Boulder businesswoman Liz Baker, Rutt Bridges from the Bighorn Center, Denver lawyer Brad Freedberg, Boulder lawyer Larry Johnson, and Mike Miles from the Fountain School District.

Rep. Dianna DeGette said she would not run for Campbell's seat, following the announcement by Owens.

"I have spent the last week discussing a potential Senate campaign with my family and close advisors. After serious consideration I have concluded that because of the needs of my young family the time is not right for me to run a statewide race," said DeGette.