State Representative Gary Lindstrom, the only other candidate besides Ritter in the race, ended his campaign on February 28, 2006.

[3] Ritter's personal opposition to abortion motivated pro-choice leaders in the state party to seek alternatives to him,[4] but none ultimately materialized, and opposition to Ritter softened with his pledge to not alter the state's liberal abortion laws.

[5] With popular two-term Governor Bill Owens barred from seeking re-election, an open race developed for the Republican nomination to succeed him.

Beauprez won a landslide victory at the state Republican convention, denying Holtzman a spot on the ballot.

In response, Holtzman suspended his campaign and endorsed Beauprez, who won the Republican primary unopposed.