Ken Buck has proven to be an accessible candidate, consenting to appearances on talk shows and television. Many of these appearances could best be described as entering a lion’s den.  Buck has certainly acquired the scars of a candidate willing to run the gauntlet of a lengthy campaign that has garnered national attention.

As a result of his most recent foray into the lion’s den he is being excoriated by the liberal blogosphere and the main stream media. His appearance on Meet the Press with David Gregory was a well scripted partisan attack.  Gregory unashamedly set aside journalistic ethics to pursue an agenda designed to benefit Buck’s opponent in the Colorado senate race.

Ken Buck will most assuredly continue to be amenable to requests from media regardless of the pitfalls.  That is a good thing as voters have a predilection toward a candidate who avails themselves to close scrutiny.  So how has Buck’s opponent responded to requests for access and scrutiny?

Michael Bennet, the appointed junior senator from Colorado, refuses to appear on popular conservative radio talk shows in Colorado such as Mike Rosen, Caplis and Silverman, and Peter Boyle.  Senator Bennet understands the danger of entering the lion’s den and does not possess the courage or confidence to take on the lions.  Bennet’s weakness stands in stark contrast to Buck who enters all arenas undaunted by the challenges.     

Bennet understands the cost benefit ratio of such transparency.  He has determined nothing is to be gained by subjecting himself to pointed questions on his controversial voting record.  Case in point; Bennet previously stated he would be willing to lose his job for his vote for Health Care legislation.  His actions during the campaign belie his previous statement.   Bennet has chosen to run from his record in an attempt to hold on to the very job he boastfully offered to sacrifice.

 While in Washington Bennet is proud of his loyalty to President Obama and Harry Reid. In Colorado he presents a different persona.  Like an unfaithful husband who returns home to his wife, indiscretions are hidden to avoid the discovery of one’s infidelity.  Since the primary Bennet has forestalled a visit by the person who is responsible for his betrayal to his constituents, President Obama.   

Bennet recognizes that his infidelity and violation of a trust bestowed upon him by the people of Colorado would result in certain dissolution.  As in any affair, actions not only hint at the unfaithfulness they allow for a proper conclusion that overwhelms the ubiquitous lies and deception accompanying such unfaithfulness. 

Bennet’s actions appear to be symptoms of a much larger problem.  His cynical belief that he knows what is best for the citizens of Colorado mirrors the flawed thought process of one of history’s infamous characters:

“Love to my country actuates my present conduct, however it may appear inconsistent to the world, who very seldom judge right of any man’s actions.”  Benedict Arnold  c. 1780

While Bennet is certainly no traitor his actions suggest that he serves an ideal rather than the people of Colorado.  There can be no other explanation for his duplicitous actions.  

Bennet’s entire campaign has been defined by his need to conceal what the Denver Post called a “spineless” record in Washington DC.  His recent “endorsement” by the Denver Post was more of a reprimand than a validation of his fitness to serve as a senator.

Ken Buck undoubtedly will continue to be accessible and transparent while we continue to be reminded by Michael Bennet that… What happens in Washington stays in Washington.