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Congressional bid sidelines heavyweight consulting firm
A media consulting firm active in Western Slope politics, including the campaigns of Rep. Al White, R-Hayden, and Sen. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, has closed shop.
If you visited the Web site of Maxtera, you’ll see this message: “Due to other commitments Maxtera, LLC is not accepting new business at this time.”
Maxtera has been one of the more successful political and media consulting firms in Utah and Colorado, taking in tens of thousands of dollars since late 2003, according to records filed with the Colorado Secretary of State.
The firm might have become a victim of one of its founder’s successes: Indeed, over the weekend, Maxtera President Jason Chaffetz showed his own political savvy in nearly locking up the GOP nomination in his bid for Utah’s 3rd Congressional District.
Chaffetz’s near victory, however, is particularly remarkable because he is running against incumbent Republican Congressman Chris Cannon.
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Chaffetz’s near victory in mind, we contacted the consulting firm’s other top man, Grand Junction resident Alex Chaffetz, and asked him what was up with the firm’s status.
In an e-mail, Alex said: “Jason’s running for Congress. So Maxtera, LLC takes a break!”
Alas, this is sure to upset some local politicos who have relied on the firm to handle their campaign media during previous election cycles.
Around this time last year, Alex told Political Notebook: “He’s removing himself from anything that would be anything but his run for Congress. So he’ll be focused on that and we’ll continue to do our ad business and we’ll see what happens.”
At the time, the firm’s former clients, including state Rep. Steve King, R-Grand Junction, said they hoped the firm continued on, even if Chaffetz captured the congressional seat.
King, Penry and their peers probably are hoping that even if their former consultant wins his primary and general election challenge, Maxtera will continue on.
*Chaffetz photo from the Associated Press.
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