DENVER -- The chair of the Colorado Republican party told 7NEWS he is behind Dan Maes for governor 100 percent.

"I mean a year-and-a-half ago, nobody knew who he was. And here he stands as the Republican nominee for governor. So, he's worked hard. He's tenacious," said Dick Wadhams, Colorado's Republican party chair.

Dan Maes defeated Scott McInnis in the Republican primary Tuesday.

Maes said Tom Tancredo, who is running as a third party candidate for the American Constitution Party, needs to get out of the way. Tancredo said he's not the third party candidate, Maes is.

And so, one day after the primary the Republican party appears just as splintered as it was before. And some sources told 7NEWS as long as Tancredo stays in, there's no way they can beat John Hickenlooper this fall. Therefore, no GOP money will be spent trying to win the gubernatorial race, but rather other key races like the U.S. Senate race, according to sources.

Wadhams admits Maes has a tough road ahead.

"'Are you frustrated or mad at Tancredo?' asked 7NEWS reporter Russell Haythorn.

"I am frustrated. I've known Tom for many years and I am frustrated. But I also know there's nothing I can do about it," said Wadhams.

Maes said there's no doubt the McInnis plagiarism scandal helped him win the primary. And he said Tancredo's criticism of him as a viable candidate is unfounded.

"This is him acting as if he's the final judge on everyone's character and intentions. And I think that's a little bit on the arrogant side that he is the ultimate judge on who is pure enough and right enough to do this," said Maes.

Tancredo said Wednesday he is in it for the long haul.

"This race is different. And as far as voters are concerned, Dan Maes is the third party candidate. And, you know what? He should probably consider getting out," said Tancredo.

"Are you guys asking Dan Maes to withdraw?" Haythorn asked the head of the Republican party.

"No, I am not asking Dan Maes to withdraw. Dan Maes won the election fair and square last night. He's the Republican nominee for governor," Wadhams said.

"So there is no active recruitment of a heavy-hitter?" Haythorn asked.

"No. No. Not out of this office," said Wadhams.

It is shaping up to be a fight to the finish.

"Principle over party is now, I think, the guiding light," said Tancredo. "What background does he have? Where can you look? What votes has he cast?"

"There is a resistance to supporting Hickenlooper for governor. And the fact is, if we had a clean shot at him, with one candidate, we could beat Hickenlooper," said Wadhams.

Tancredo also argues he doesn't have to buy a million dollars worth of name recognition just to run against Hickenlooper.

Even though the governor's race appears problematic at the time for Republicans, there was a bright spot for the GOP Tuesday. Republican voters outnumbered Democratic voters by about 68,000 ballots.

"I was very forceful about this issue a few weeks ago. My position hasn't changed. I think Tancredo needs to get out, but he's going to have to come to his own conclusion," said Wadhams.

"Tancredo is doing something that can be very destructive. I believe that if we can earn his respect and trust and prove that we can beat Hickenlooper -- we can convince him stepping out is the right thing to do," said Maes.

"I believe with all my heart that I have a better chance of winning in a three-person race than Mr. Maes does in a two-person race," said Tancredo.