Coors Takes Aim at Heir's Candidacy

Peter Coors, the heir to Coors Brewing Co. who is running for Colorado's open U.S. Senate seat, is under fire from his own corporation, the Washington Post reported July 25.

Coors, who was chairman of Coors Brewing up until three months ago, is running against former U.S. House of Representatives member Bob Schaffer in the Aug. 10 primary. Although the contest has been heated, it pales to the challenge Coors is facing from Coors Brewing.

"It's clear I've become a lightning rod," Coors said. "If people don't agree with where I am, they'll take it out on the company. And if they don't like what the company is doing, they go after me."

Coors Brewing has attacked Coors' positions on numerous issues, including supporting a Constitutional amendment to ban gay marriages. The company, which fears boycotts would reduce sales, issued a statement saying, "We do not support discrimination against the gay-lesbian-bisexual-transgender community, via legislation or otherwise."

Coors has also appeared shaky on other major issues. Although he has name recognition, extensive business connections and millions of dollars to spend on his campaign, Coors has come across as misinformed and unprepared on national issues, balancing the federal budget, and the war in Iraq.