June 24, 2013 02:11 PM UTC

Two Democrats Announce for State Treasurer

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• by: Colorado Pols

Former Congresswoman Betsy Markey announced her candidacy for State Treasurer this morning (full release after the jump), as we noted earlier. Her entry into the race to defeat Republican incumbent Walker Stapleton had been rumored for months, and until today there were no other potential Democrats considering the office.

And then there was Pat Quinn. The term-limited Mayor of Broomfield announced out of nowhere this afternoon that he, too, would be running as a Democrat for State Treasurer. Check out his strange press release after the jump, the topline message of which is "efficient transportation and accessible open space."

If you're confused by Quinn's announcement, you're not alone. Markey has considerably better name recognition and fundraising capabilities, so Quinn has a long way to go to make this a competitive race. But if he knew he was going to run for Treasurer, why wait until now to announce the news? With no other Democrat in the race, Quinn could have been out beating the bushes for months now — and perhaps shown enough strength to convince Markey not to run in the first place.

Since Markey's base is in Northern Colorado, theoretically she could face a tough Primary against a Democrat from the Denver area…but not against a candidate who is also from Northern Colorado. It would seem that there must be more behind Quinn's apparently sudden announcement — at least, there should be. Unless Quinn has the money to self-fund his campaign to a significant degree, there's little reason to think he can make a serious run at Markey.

Markey press release:

DENVER—Former Congresswoman Betsy Markey today announced her campaign to be Colorado’s next State Treasurer. Markey made her announcement on the West Steps of the State Capitol building in Denver joined by Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Denver Deputy Mayor and former Treasurer Cary Kennedy, former Treasurer and Lieutenant Governor Gail Schoettler, State Senator Andy Kerr, community leaders, and other supporters.

“The people of Colorado deserve a full-time Treasurer, and I’m thrilled to announce my campaign to be Colorado’s next State Treasurer,” said Markey. “Colorado families watch their bottom lines and live within their means every day. We deserve a state government, and a State Treasurer, determined to do the same. As a small business owner, I've managed the finances and investments of two successful businesses. As a public servant, I've worked at the state, local and federal level on issues from budget reform to fiscal responsibility. A smarter, more efficient, more innovative State Treasury will mean a stronger, more prosperous, more confident Colorado economy—that’s why I’m running.”

“I had the privilege of working with Betsy for the people of Colorado during two pivotal years in Congress,” DeGette said. “From working to pass critical legislation to top-notch constituent services for our constituents, I’ve seen her get things done both in Colorado and in Washington, and she means business. We need Betsy’s leadership in the Treasurer’s office, and I’m proud to stand with her to ensure that we elect her in 2014. I can’t wait to work with her on behalf of all Coloradans.”

“Having served the people of Colorado for 12 years, I’ve seen a lot of great public servants in our state,” said Schoettler. “So when I met Betsy and saw the work she was doing in Congress, I knew she was one of the very best. Betsy raised the bar with her work for the people of the 4th Congressional District, redefining what it meant to be open, accessible, and a true advocate for every person she represented.
I’m thrilled that Betsy is back in the fight and will soon serve the people of this great state again.”

“Few people have worked as hard as Betsy to do the right thing for this state and get results for its people,” Kerr said. “She was an outstanding voice for Colorado in Congress, partnering with state, county, and local leaders to get the job done. Our state needs more leaders like Betsy, and the legislature needs Betsy in the Treasurer’s office to tackle the tough fiscal challenges we face in Colorado.
It’s up to us to make sure we get her there.”

“Serving the people of Colorado as State Treasurer was one of the highest honors of my life, and a great job to boot,” said Kennedy. “Those were some difficult years for our state’s economy and finances, but working hard with great partners in the legislature, we made smart investments and ultimately weathered the storm better than many other states. Now, Colorado’s economy is recovering and our financial position is poised to rebound, and we need leaders like Betsy to make sure that Colorado taxpayer dollars are managed right. I know what it takes to serve Colorado as Treasurer, and I know that Betsy has what it takes.”

Here's Pat Quinn's release:

Pat Quinn Files for Colorado Treasurer

Broomfield, Colorado. Pat Quinn, businessman and Mayor of Broomfield, entered the race for State Treasurer today.

"Efficient transportation and accessible open space make Colorado unique and a place all Coloradans proudly call home," stated Pat Quinn. "We have finite but more than adequate resources, the know how and a shared vision of what needs to be done. It is time to roll up our sleeves and get to work solving today's challenges."

Pat Quinn ran a small business for over 20 years and knows what it takes to create and maintain jobs. Pat’s clients range from individual entrepreneurs to large companies.

Quinn started his career in public service as a community activist fighting to maintain open space in Broomfield. Pat, a certified public accountant, lives in Broomfield with his wife and the two youngest of his five daughters.