February 11, 2010 10:06 PM UTC

Hasan Rings Up Newt Gingrich

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• by: Colorado Pols

So we’ve talked a time or two about how GOP state treasurer candidate Walker Stapleton is marshaling his ties to the Bush family to raise big money from a nationwide network of donors–fairly unusual for a below-the-fold state race.

Well, it looks like Stapleton’s been at least partway one-upped in the big-name supporter department by primary opponent Ali Hasan, as the Denver Business Journal reports:

Ali Hasan, a Republican candidate for state treasurer, announced Thursday that he has brought former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich onto his campaign as an adviser.

Campaign manager Drew Dougherty said the Georgia Republican will help Hasan with voter targeting and with overall campaign activities. Gingrich assured the campaign that he is available to take phone calls and emails at all time, Dougherty said.

“He’s actually going to be fairly involved,” Dougherty said.

Hasan, a filmmaker and the son of one of the state’s most largest Republican donors, has spoken for Gingrich at fund-raisers and helped organize events for the former speaker in Colorado, Dougherty said.

One thing you can’t deny is that Newt Gingrich has campaign experience by the truckload: that, combined with Hasan’s limitless ability to self-fund his campaign, and we could be talking about a pretty major development in this primary.

UPDATE: In a release (full text after the jump), Hasan also touts the endorsement of Colorado House Minority Leader Mike May, described as his “greatest mentor.”

NEWT GINGRICH JOINS TEAM HASAN

The former speaker joins as campaign adviser in bid for Colorado State Treasurer

DENVER – Ali Hasan is proud to announce support from former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Newt Gingrich, in his campaign for Colorado State Treasurer.  Speaker Gingrich offers his official endorsement and will be joining the campaign as an adviser.

“I have known Ali for many years and without a doubt he is the right conservative voice for Colorado’s Treasury,” said Gingrich. “Ali’s model of investing in Colorado winners, not in Washington losers, will create jobs and maintain strong yields.”

The State Treasury of Colorado has over six billion in capital, with the State Treasurer solely controlling all investments.  Hasan estimates the majority of this capital to be invested with companies that have received or requested a federal bailout.

“I am extremely honored and blessed to have the endorsements of my greatest mentors, Minority Leader Mike May and Speaker Gingrich,” said Hasan.

Ali Hasan is a lifelong Coloradan, born and raised in Pueblo and Eagle counties.  A small business owner and award winning film director, Ali will ensure Colorado tax dollars and investments are invested with Colorado winners, not Washington losers.

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