CO-04 (Special Election) See Full Big Line

(R) Greg Lopez

(R) Trisha Calvarese

90%

10%

President (To Win Colorado) See Full Big Line

(D) Joe Biden*

(R) Donald Trump

80%

20%↓

CO-01 (Denver) See Full Big Line

(D) Diana DeGette*

90%

CO-02 (Boulder-ish) See Full Big Line

(D) Joe Neguse*

90%

CO-03 (West & Southern CO) See Full Big Line

(D) Adam Frisch

(R) Jeff Hurd

(R) Ron Hanks

40%

30%

20%

CO-04 (Northeast-ish Colorado) See Full Big Line

(R) Lauren Boebert

(R) Deborah Flora

(R) J. Sonnenberg

30%↑

15%↑

10%↓

CO-05 (Colorado Springs) See Full Big Line

(R) Dave Williams

(R) Jeff Crank

50%↓

50%↑

CO-06 (Aurora) See Full Big Line

(D) Jason Crow*

90%

CO-07 (Jefferson County) See Full Big Line

(D) Brittany Pettersen

85%↑

 

CO-08 (Northern Colo.) See Full Big Line

(D) Yadira Caraveo

(R) Gabe Evans

(R) Janak Joshi

60%↑

35%↓

30%↑

State Senate Majority See Full Big Line

DEMOCRATS

REPUBLICANS

80%

20%

State House Majority See Full Big Line

DEMOCRATS

REPUBLICANS

95%

5%

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
August 13, 2010 02:06 AM UTC

Democrats Hold Hands, Sing Kumbaya, Share Cookies and Milk

  • 26 Comments
  • by: Colorado Pols

The Democratic “Unity” Rally was held this afternoon in Denver to show that things were just hunky-dorey for Sen. Michael Bennet and former challenger Andrew Romanoff (full press release from the Bennet campaign and from Colorado Democrats after the jump).

Said Romanoff:

“I am very, very proud of our grassroots team, and proud to see so many folks standing with us together in this united Democratic Party today. For not just my sake, and not Michael’s sake, and not even for the sake of the Democratic Party, I’m asking you today to throw your support fully and unequivocally behind Michael Bennet for the United States Senate.”

This is all pretty standard stuff in terms of the Kumbaya atmosphere, which makes it all the more curious that Colorado Republicans don’t seem prepared to do the same thing just yet. Heck, GOP Gubernatorial nominee Dan Maes apparently can’t even get a phone call right now from other Republicans.

Bennet Campaign Press Release:

Supporters of Andrew Romanoff and Michael Bennet filled the lawn of the state Capitol building today as the former rivals came together in a united front, pledging to work together as sights turn toward November. Two days after Michael won the Colorado Democratic Senate primary, Speaker Romanoff rallied supporters of his campaign to support Michael and asked them to do everything in their power to keep Michael in the Senate.

“I am very, very proud of our grassroots team, and proud to see so many folks standing with us together in this united Democratic Party today,” said Romanoff.  “For not just my sake, and not Michael’s sake, and not even for the sake of the Democratic Party, I’m asking you today to throw your support fully and unequivocally behind Michael Bennet for the United States Senate.”

Following the Speaker’s sincere and gracious speech, Michael Bennet addressed the crowd of supporters gathered at the Capitol. Michael spoke to Romanoff’s supporters, volunteers, and staff, promising to work hard to earn their support.

Michael went on to say, “Andrew’s legacy within the Democratic Party runs deep and will only continue on in the years to come. He is a man who has given his time and talents to this state, its people and our party, and Colorado is a better place for having Andrew as a leader.”

For the past year, Michael and Speaker Romanoff competed in a spirited primary that challenged both candidates to build an extensive grassroots network, cultivate a fundraising base, and develop the type of campaign organization essential to winning in November. Michael’s campaign, Bennet for Colorado, has emerged a stronger, battle-tested organization as a result of Speaker Romanoff’s challenge.

Michael closed the rally highlighting several key issues on which he and his Republican opponent Ken Buck clearly disagree. Michael vowed to reject ideological extremes in favor of common-sense solutions informed by his unique, real-world experience saving jobs, balancing budgets and reforming public schools – experience that has separated him from every other candidate in the race since the beginning.  

In closing, Michael and Speaker Romanoff both drew clear distinctions between the extreme positions Ken Buck represents and the solutions for Colorado that Michael is fighting for everyday.  

“The end that we share is a better quality of life, a higher standard of living, a cleaner and healthier environment, more affordable healthcare, stronger schools, more jobs,” said Romanoff. “Those goals, which we share, will better be advanced by Michael Bennet than any other candidate in this race. It is an easy call for me, and it should be an easy call for all of you as well.”

These points were echoed by Michael,”As we face the most savage economy since the Great Depression, we must look at providing a better education for our kids, and as we tackle the out-of-control spending that stands to saddle generations to come with debt, there is a serious debate to be had about how we bring about solutions. Because the opponent we’re facing this fall believes in efforts that are simply too extreme for Colorado.”

Colorado Democratic Party Press Release

The Colorado Democratic Party celebrated Democratic candidates statewide today during a unity rally in front of the state capitol building. Democratic elected officials and candidates alike came together and pledged to support each other’s campaigns. Senator Michael Bennet and Former Speaker Andrew Romanoff appeared together. Governor Tim Kaine, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC),  Senator Mark Udall, Senator Michael Bennet, Former Speaker Andrew Romanoff, Congressman Ed Perlmutter, Lt. Governor Barbara O’Brien, State Treasurer Cary Kennedy, Attorney General Candidate Stan Garnett, House Speaker Terrance Carroll, Senate President Brandon Shaffer, Lt. Governor Candidate Joe Garcia, CD 6 Candidate John Flerlage, CU Regent Candidate Melissa Hart, CDP Chair Pat Waak and many more were present during the rally.

Below are remarks from Democratic officials statewide:

Senator Mark Udall stated, “Michael has spent his life outside of politics, he has turned around struggling companies and turned around failing schools, those skills and experiences are desperately needed in Washington. He has been a strong and effective voice for solving problems and putting aside political games. Having earned voters’ support and the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, I am confident Michael is the best choice for Colorado and the partner I need in the Senate.  I look forward to campaigning with Michael in the coming months so we can continue our partnership working on behalf of the people of Colorado.”

“Colorado Democrats this year are fired up and ready to go,” said Congressman Ed Perlmutter.  “Democrats want to drive this country forward in getting people back to work and toward economic stability, unlike the Republicans who want to put the gears in reverse and go back to the Bush failed policies and Wall Street free-for-all.  The bottom line is they are in disarray and divided, and we are united.”

Congresswoman Diana DeGette said, “Throughout their careers both Michael and Andrew have served the people of Colorado admirably. Now, thanks to our democracy, they can bring together their shared passion and leadership, to make sure we keep our delegation strong to fight for Colorado.”

State Treasurer Cary Kennedy said, “Over the past year, two amazingly talented, caring and dedicated men have shown us how deeply they care about our state and how deeply they care about us — the people who call Colorado their home. That passion can inspire us in the months ahead as we work together to continue to make Colorado such a wonderful place to live.”

“Democrats and all Coloradans are lucky to have such talented public servants willing to step up. It is going to take Democrats working together to make sure we have a government that is accountable and transparent to the citizens. We can’t afford to return to failed leadership of the Bush-Cheney era,” stated Speaker Terrance Carroll. “As the outgoing Speaker, I am so pleased to look around and see what the future of the state house looks like — we look like Colorado, we Democrats ARE Colorado!  We are Black, Latino and White, straight and gay, younger and older, men and women working together for jobs and a strong economy.”

Senate President Brandon Shaffer stated, “This has been a primary season in which everyone has worked very hard for their favorite candidate.  Now it’s time to unite behind our Democratic nominees.  I know we can and I know we will.”

“We are united and will harness the energy of the primary to elect our candidates up and down the ticket,” stated Pat Waak, Colorado Democratic Party Chair.

Tweet
Share

Comments

26 thoughts on “Democrats Hold Hands, Sing Kumbaya, Share Cookies and Milk”

  1. Candidates admirable speeches aside, walking down colfax after the event, you could look through the windows of the various restaurants and see people eating and laughing together who had been political enemies days before. For many, if not all, this event was not cosmetic. They really were uniting and reconnecting with each other. And I was glad to see it.

    I hope that the GOP can do the same and do it soon. And with no unifying national GOP names, they aren’t going to get any help from above.

  2. Michael Bennet ended by saying there was one other important statewide race in November, and touted Hickenlooper as Governor.

      Correction, Sir.  There are four other vital statewide races:

      Gov. –Sure, the brewmeister over the Tin Foil Man.

      State Treasurer:  Never mind that Cary Kennedy is our hope in years to come.  Right now, she’s doing an oustanding job of managing state finances and is the strongest voice for leading us out of the wildness where our state finances — where our constitution mandates both tax cuts and spending increases — endangered our econonmic future and the future of our children.

      Attorney General:  John Suthers blew 5,000 of your taxpayer dollars in a right-wing Jihad that, if successful, will deny health care to 500,000 Coloradans.  Talk about a bargain in weapons of mass destruction — for every penny he misspends of your tax dollars, he can deny health care to a Colorado citizen.  Stan Garnet believes in enforcing the law and letting cheap partisanship outside the building that promises Equal Justice Under Law.

      And last but by no means least, Bernie Buescher.  A fine Secretary of State who adds strength to the Democratic ticket in Western Colorado and who works to both protect your right to vote but also to help the state economy by fair and efficient administration of the corporate oversight duties of his office.

       A Clean sweep for Colorado: vote Bennet, Hickenlooper, Kennedy, Garnet and Buescher.  And if you live in the Fourth District, don’t forget Betsy Markey, a tough fiscal conservative who fights for Colorado.

    1. The two races that concern me (aside from the Senate) are AG and CD4.  I think there is a tendency to write off Suthers on the basis of one (admittedly dumb) act, when I’ve heard from many people that Suthers is one Republican who you can actually talk to.  I think we underestimate him at our peril.  

      And with CD4, I wrote elsewhere about my concern that with Buck being from Weld county, he will have a strong GOTV operation which will help Gardner and hurt Betsy Markey.

      1. Markey has the White House behind her, which means she has Organizing for America behind her. I’d be pretty surprised if Buck’s GOTV efforts actually present a challenge to OFA’s.

        1. But it’s one more complication that Markey didn’t need, and that Norton would not have posed.  And the GOTV effort is only one part of the campaign, one which I think just got harder.  

          That’s not to say Markey won’t win–I think she will.  But I think Gardner was just given a boost he wouldn’t otherwise have had, and with a race likely to be very close it’s one more thing to have to be aware of.

    2. And the amount of money be spent on the State Tresurer Race is a little crazy as well. $1.3 million in the primary.  We will need to work hard to support Cary and the other candidates you mentioned.

    3. I had high hopes for the SoS’s office when it was turned over to Bernie Beuscher.

      But now that he has been there for over a year, I have concerns. Not so much with Bernie, but with some of the management staff he chose to delegate various poowers to. I have had limited contact with the SoS’s office since the leadership switch, but what there was has been unpleasant, and accompanied by very unprofessional behaviour by offiicals who are high-ranking enough that I was astounded by it. When the GOP controlled the office, I opposed them on several policy points, but it was always at least polite and professional.

      If the GOP was running a credible candidate I would be sorely tempted to vote for them. Luckily for Bernie, they are not.

    1. Stryker and Sharon Hanson are Ken Buck’s lawful prey.  But in turn, we can reach out to 100,000 moderate Republicans horrified by Teabag extremism.

        1. on environmental issues and other stuff before becoming fixated on Bennet.  I’m not saying he’ll work for Bennet, but he’ll vote for him.  I hope he will put his energy and support into some of the other fine Democratic candidates in this race.

            I agree that some of the more extreme AR supporters hurt their man.  But when you set a campaign in motion, you can’t control everything.  But look at the many fine supporters like jpsandsci, who sucked it in, looked at the alternatives (Buck, yuck!) and joined us at the capitol singing kumbaya Thursday.  

  5. What is UFCW Local 7’s Kim Cordova going to do with her attack dog (former AFL-CIO Debbie Wamsley) and their 527s that were used to attack Bennet (“voted for bailouts”) and Crisanta Duran.

    They obviously endorsed loser candidates, but went out of the way to sponsor attacks the way no other union or constituency group did.

    So, would they make up with Bennet and/or Duran? Would they put those 527 at the service of Bennet and/or Duran? Would they creat new ones to avoid sounding ridiculous (we told you not to vote for Bennet, now we tell you to vote for Bennet)?

    Or will they just shut up and assume their amateurism? I’m really hoping for the latter.

    2. the only 527 ads in the HD-5 race were from Western Values and they were against Mark Thrun. I never quite figured out who was behind Western Values.

      1. You’re having too much fun staring at the heavens. If you can’t keep track of your posts, you might need some sleep.

        Just joking, of course. Tell us about your Perseid viewing tomorrow.

        1. It was cloudy when I went to bed, so I took a sleeping pill, LOL.

          I’ve been seeing Perseids all week.  They have a much broader peak than many showers.  Days, as opposed to hours like the Leonids.

          Seen some good’uns too.  The other night I saw one and yelled “HOLY SHIT” and woke up my wife all the way through the bedroom window.

Leave a Comment

Recent Comments


Posts about

Donald Trump
SEE MORE

Posts about

Rep. Lauren Boebert
SEE MORE

Posts about

Rep. Yadira Caraveo
SEE MORE

Posts about

Colorado House
SEE MORE

Posts about

Colorado Senate
SEE MORE

132 readers online now

Newsletter

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to stay in the loop with regular updates!