The Democratic Party plans to narrow the list today of candidates vying to fill state Sen. Jim Dyer’s seat — one of whom is Cortez Mayor Joe Keck.

"We really can’t say anything about the process except there are a number of candidates and we’ll look to narrow the list to three or four," explained Earl Rohrbaugh, the chairman of the Montezuma County Democratic Party.

The Senate District 6 vacancy committee is considering eight applicants to replace Dyer and then fight a tough battle to retain the seat in the 2002 election.

The Democratic party needs the seat if Senate Democrats are to hold on to their slim 18-17 majority. But keeping a Democrat in office could be difficult in a district with 9,000 more registered Republicans than Democrats.

"The position really is for both items now, filling the vacancy for the next session, and then campaigning for the following term," explained Rohrbaugh.

Keck submitted his résumé a day before the committee’s April 14 deadline, after the state Democratic Party asked him to consider the position.

"It was a tough decision. I wanted to check it out thoroughly," Keck explained.

If chosen, Keck said he would bring a "unique perspective" to the legislature. Currently the co-owner of Susie’s Hallmark in Cortez, Keck formerly worked for both the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute tribes.

"My experience in small business over the past eight years has given me a totally different perspective on business," he said.

Keck has served on the Cortez City Council since 1996, and was picked by the council to serve as mayor in 1998. His term as mayor ends in 2002, and his seat on the council is up for re-election in 2004.

In his application, Keck cited three main issues he would pursue if chosen.

First, Keck would like to see the legislature advocate a local approach to planning and growth-management within Colorado. "I really do think that cities and counties have got to begin to work closer together," he explained. "There has to be more participation between cities, special districts, and counties in coming up with comprehensive plans and coordinated planning activities."

Keck’s second priority would be to promote "quality economic development," which includes attracting businesses that could pay a livable wage and offer employee benefits. It also includes supporting area agriculture and value-added processing of agricultural products.

"I would try to be extremely supportive of agriculture because I think it accomplishes not only a good economic base but also provides open space," he said.

Acquiring funding for the district’s post-secondary education is Keck’s third priority. "I would really be supportive of the idea of expanding our community college into a more comprehensive full-blown community college, and we need to make sure that there is adequate funding to keep Fort Lewis College going."

Although he considers himself an environmentalist, Keck said he "might have a more moderate approach than some environmental organizations."

Keck concedes he would run on a moderate platform in 2002 to appeal to the district’s unaffiliated and Republican voters. "I don’t see business as the enemy."

• Outside of Keck, the eight candidates are:

• Doug Lashley, a Durango City Council member.

• Jim Isgar, rancher and former members of the State Board of Agriculture.

• Irma Hofmann, Durango Democratic activist.

• John Eustis, a Pagosa Springs veterinarian.

• David Eppich, a Fort Lewis College administrator.

• Bill Patterson, the mayor of Montrose.

• Mike McLachlan, former Colorado solicitor general.

Rohrbaugh said the committee is not looking for a candidate to fit a "cookie-cutter mold" because "the legislature is made up of people from all walks of life."

"I think we have to look to the person’s ability to appeal to a wide diversity of interests," he explained.

The vacancy committee is made up of the chairs and vice-chairs from each of the nine counties in the district: La Plata, Archuleta, Delta, Dolores, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Juan and San Miguel.

Rohrbaugh said the committee plans to make a decision by the beginning of May.