October 14, 2016 10:05 AM UTC

Aurora Sentinel Shreds Coffman, Endorses Carroll in CD-6

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• by: Colorado Pols

Newspaper endorsements do not carry the same weight with voters that they once did. Editorial language often gets so watered-down that readers must squint between the lines as much as focusing on the printed words. Endorsements can be so deferential to both candidates that the headline is the only real clue as to what message an editorial board truly wishes to convey.

Fortunately, there are still exceptions.

On Thursday the Aurora Sentinel endorsed Democrat Morgan Carroll for Congress in CD-6 over four-term incumbent Rep. Mike Coffman. Readers may or may not agree with the Sentinel’s choice, but there is no ambiguity in how the paper chose to explain its decision:

Now, more than ever, actions speak ever so much louder than the tsunami of words unleashed by politicians.

Because of that, it’s clear that state Sen. Morgan Carroll’s actions mirror the people, the values and the goals of this vast and diverse Aurora congressional district. She’s earned your vote.

The Sentinel’s endorsement of Carroll is also a strong rebuke of the incumbent Coffman, a political chameleon whose shtick has worn thin:

A survivalist, Coffman has become a master of political tightrope walking. But Colorado, his district and his country need so much more. Coffman regularly tries to appear less Republican than he actually votes when it suits him. Despite a lot of talk, his record represent a loyal Washington Republican and not the deep-purple values of his district…

We appreciate Coffman’s difficult position of trying to please three disparate constituencies: liberals, conservatives and moderates. But Congress needs concrete action and answers, not patronization. 

His half-hearted and tardy rebuke of Donald Trump came off as well-calculated rather than heart-felt. Had Coffman and other Republicans castigated Trump the first, 10th or 50th time he said obscene, racist, dangerous things, Coffman wouldn’t be in the precarious political position he and other Republicans now find themselves. [Pols emphasis]

The entire editorial is well worth reading. Newspaper endorsements should be a tool to help voters learn more about the most important political races in their communities. Too often, they are instead unhelpful attempts at trying to pick a side without hurting anyone’s feelings in the process.

Elections are about choices. The Aurora Sentinel did its job here in helping undecided voters make that selection.