February 05, 2014 02:27 PM UTC

Mark Ferrandino Backs Alec Garnett in HD-2

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• by: Colorado Pols

One of the most expensive legislative Primary races in Colorado is in HD-2 (Denver), where three Democrats are running to succeed term-limited House Speaker Mark Ferrandino. The frontrunner in HD-2 is Alec Garnett, the former Executive Director of the Colorado Democratic Party and the son of Boulder District Attorney (and 2010 Attorney General candidate) Stan Garnett, whose $48,000 war chest is more than any State House candidate in Colorado thus far.

Alec Garnett holds a sizable fundraising lead over fellow Democrats Aaron Silverstein and Owen Perkins, each of whom has raised a shade under $12,000, and he has also secured the endorsement of Denver Reps. Dan Pabon, Angela Williams, Beth McCann, Paul Rosenthal, and Sen. Pat Steadman. Today Garnett cemented his frontrunner status with the most important endorsement of the race: Speaker Ferrandino himself. Here's what Ferrandino had to say in an email announcement:

As you may know, after the legislative session concludes in May, I will be term limited from the Colorado House of Representatives and will be unable to seek another term in office. While I’m looking forward to another productive session as Speaker of the House, I’m proud of the work I’ve done for the people of Colorado and specifically House District 2 (HD 2).

Over a year ago, I approached Alec Garnett about running for my seat. I approached him because Alec has proved to be a true public servant, whether during his tenure as executive director of the Colorado Democratic Party or his service to Congressman Perlmutter both on his campaign and in Washington. He has proven to be an excellent steward of Democratic values.

As I’ve watched his campaign, he’s shown himself to be a hard worker and an attentive listener. His proven commitment to the people of HD 2 is why I’ve decided to publicize my endorsement and support of Alec Garnett.

I knew I made the right decision to recruit Alec to run when I saw him walking my neighborhood and talking to my neighbors last August. He has built a grassroots campaign and worked hard to learn about each person's concerns and passions. That’s how I know Alec will be able to learn about whatever issue may arise in the legislature, come up with progressive solutions and fight for us under the gold dome.

Alec has my complete support and endorsement. I hope you will join me in stepping up to support his campaign.

The outcome of this race will be decided in a Democratic Primary, assuming Silverstein and/or Perkins can make it out of the caucus process and onto the ballot in June; with Ferrandino's endorsement in-hand, Garnett has a decent chance of finding himself unopposed this summer.