The image of Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen and his role in
the team's campaign for a new stadium is examined by Rick
Morrissey of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS. Bowlen is asking
taxpayers in a six-county area to extend the Coors Field tax
to pay for a stadium to replace Mile High and although he
"doesn't think he should be the issue" when a stadium vote
comes in November, "he's smart enough to know that to some
extent he will be." Analysts say that as much as Bowlen
"might want to remove himself from the equation, he can't."
Political consultant Eric Sondermann: "It's wishful
thinking, but naive, to think that the owner of the
franchise who also stands to be a significant financial
beneficiary is not an issue. ... Bowlen is seen as a hands-
on owner. I think he's seen as an owner who's led the
Broncos to some measure of success. I think he's seen as an
owner who's created somewhat of a leadership role for
himself in the NFL. On the downside, I don't think there is
the affinity for him that I detect for a [Rockies Owner]
Jerry McMorris. I do not think he is beloved. On a bad
day, he's tolerated. On a good day, he's respected." But
political analyst Floyd Ciruli said "sidelining Bowlen is
less important" than coming up with a stadium package (ROCKY
MOUNTAIN NEWS, 1/26).
