Ben Higgins, who formerly appeared on ABC’s “The Bachelor,” and decided to drop out of a House District 4 race.
Mickey Mouse leans left.
That’s the gist of a statement from the Colorado Republican Party about the entertainment behemoth’s role in the short-lived campaign for a state House seat in North Denver.
Less than a week after Ben Higgins of the reality show “The Bachelor” filed to run against incumbent Democrat Rep. Dan Pabon, he dropped out. Higgins had had a campaign consultant, Dustin Olson, since at least May, and more recently had brought on a campaign spokesman, even before officially joining the race. He also is working on a “The Bachelor” spin-off show with fiancée Lauren Bushnell, “Ben and Lauren: Happily Ever.”
Friday Higgins withdrew from the race, but did not blame Disney, which owns ABC and airs “The Bachelor,” instead referring only to “unforeseen circumstances.” Colorado GOP Chairman Steve House said in a statement that Disney and ABC threatened Higgins to drop out and called the action “downright despicable” and “incredibly” suspicious.
“Disney and ABC’s decision to reportedly threaten Ben Higgins’ future with the network and even his wedding if he did not drop out of the (House District) 4 race is downright despicable.
“Their stunning about-face the week of our national convention after months of being aware of Ben’s political pursuits is incredibly suspect.
“The reality is Ben would have entered this race as the front-runner. ABC’s thuggish tactics send a message they care far more about suppressing the voice of conservatives and protecting a left-wing politician who displayed grossly unethical behavior during a recent DUI arrest than Ben’s selfless interest in serving his community.”
“It is hard to imagine ABC would have delivered a similar ultimatum to Ben if he were a Democrat, and that is shameful.”
Higgins’ spin-off will air on the Freeform channel, formerly called ABC Family.
“These assertions are categorically and patently untrue. Freeform simply shared with Mr. Higgins its concern that broadcasting and promoting a show featuring a campaign for Colorado state office could raise significant compliance issues under Colorado election laws.” Freeform said in a statement Monday afternoon.
The Colorado Secretary of State’s Office, which oversees elections, said the statute makes an exemption for media that would likely have allowed a reality show.
“Disney should stick to princesses and finding lost fish,” said Suzanne.Staiert, Colorado’s deputy secretary of state.
Freeform countered, “There is a media exemption in Colorado law, but it is far from clear whether a court would consider it to apply to an entertainment program featuring a political campaign. ”
Higgins also is set to be a contestant on “Celebrity Family Feud,” which is expected to air on July 31.
A Republican vacancy committee from House District 4 can name a replacement for the November ballot. The committee picked Higgins to replace Willie Pinkston to make room for Higgins, a 28-year-old who had no political experience.
In a May 31 statement, Pinkston said he had met with Higgins and understood his popularity.
“Ben’s very sincere and well-spoken,” Pinkston said. “His interest in making a difference for our community is a great opportunity for Republicans in Colorado. As of now, I’m planning on running. But Ben is the only Republican in the district I would step aside for. He’s a great guy and likely the only other Republican who can win. This is a big decision that has yet to be made. Once it is reached, we will let the press know.”
Pinkston made no public announcement before officially dropping out.
