June 12, 2006 08:00 AM UTC

Ritter Announces Republican Endorsements

•  
• by: Colorado Pols

Democrat Bill Ritter today announced a slew of Republicans endorsing his campaign for governor. Click below for the full press release…

FORT COLLINS ? Several prominent Larimer County Republicans broke ranks with their party today to announce their support for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter. The Larimer County Republicans are just the first group of GOP members from around Colorado who will be tossing their support behind Ritter.??I stand here today fully supporting Bill Ritter to become Colorado?s next governor,? said Bill Kaufman, a former Republican state lawmaker and longtime GOP leader. ?He?s the only candidate in the race giving us straight talk about the issues facing Colorado. He?s the only one taking a responsible position. He?s the only one offering a clear vision for the future and realistic ideas about K-12 education, higher-ed, transportation and water.??

Kaufman has been a loyal Republican for more than 45 years. He was involved in the campaigns of former GOP Congressmen Bill Armstrong, Jim Johnson, Hank Brown and Wayne Allard. He served in the Colorado House from 1992 to 2000 and served as chair of the Larimer County Dems and on the state GOP Executive Committee. He currently serves on the Colorado Transportation Commission, appointed by Republican Gov. Bill Owens.? Other Republicans who endorsed Ritter today include:??

 
• Cheryl Olson ? former County Commissioner (1996 ? 2000)?

 

• Jim Johnson ? former U.S. Representative (1972 ? 1980)?

 

• Don Johnson ? prominent Ft. Collins attorney and long time Republican activist?

 

• Stu Van Meveren ? former Larimer County D.A. (1972 ? 2004)?

These Republicans praised Ritter for supporting Referendum C last year and for now opposing this year?s efforts to overturn Referendum C ? a proposal being supporting by both Republican candidates for governor. Ritter also opposes Amendment 38, which would make it easier to place initiatives on future ballots and is supported by the two GOP candidates. Numerous civic and business organizations, including the Larimer County Board of Commissioners, oppose it.??I?m humbled to be standing here today with such great leaders. I?m grateful that these brave and courageous Republicans are supporting me,? Ritter said. ?They understand that it will take strong, responsible leadership to live up to the Colorado Promise and make this a better state for our children and our grandchildren.?