In a nearly unprecedented sweep, the Denver Post has joined the Rocky Mountain News, The Grand Junction Sentinel and Montrose Daily Press, in endorsing Democrat Bill Ritter over Republican Bob Beauprez in the race to be Governor of Colorado.
In closing its endorsement it sums up:
Bob Beauprez seems stuck in the past. Bill Ritter has a plan that can take Colorado into a bright future.
In its endorsement, the Post emphasized that Ritter is “not a standard Democrat.” Select parts of its reasoning are set forth below:
We’re proud, and a little surprised, to endorse Ritter’s candidacy for governor. . . .
Ritter’s background, his record in law enforcement and his centrist bearing have made a strong impression as he worked his way across all 64 Colorado counties.
He was raised on a farm east of Aurora with 11 brothers and sisters, children of an alcoholic father. His commitment to public service has extended beyond our borders – he and his wife Jeannie left the comforts of Colorado to volunteer as Catholic missionaries, running a nutrition center in Zambia from 1987-90.
Ritter is not easily pigeon-holed. He doesn’t have a legislative voting record, and his views on today’s hot-button issues don’t seem to emanate from pollsters or focus groups. He’s cut from the cloth of Roy Romer, a pragmatic governor who worked both sides of the aisle to get things done. Ritter has committed to creating a bipartisan cabinet that will represent all Coloradans, not just his party. . . .
Ritter certainly isn’t your everyday Democrat. He is a pro-life advocate whose anti-abortion beliefs rattle many party members, but his thoughtful approach to this emotional subject has earned their respect. . . .
Ritter speaks with assurance on subjects that will loom large for Colorado over the decades ahead, water and energy chief among them. He believes the state must better serve agriculture and ranching interests in western Colorado and the eastern plains. By investing in wind energy development and “biofuels,” such as ethanol made from corn, Ritter would work to expand the job base for Coloradans in what he calls a “new energy economy.” . . . .
Ritter worked for Referendum C. Beauprez stood apart, in feeble opposition. . . .
Holtzman tagged Beauprez with the nickname Both Ways Bob, and indeed when it comes to state fiscal policy, the congressman can’t seem to land on the right track. . . .
Based on fiscal aptitude or leadership abilities, Beauprez simply isn’t qualified to succeed Owens. . . .
Ritter . . . wants Washington to “reimburse the states for the enforcement and social-service tabs we are paying because of their failures” on immigration. He supports practical approaches to stem the tide, while Beauprez favors an unworkable system to ship millions of illegal immigrants home, then allow them to return if they have a sponsoring employer.
Ritter supports the FasTracks system that will send light-rail spokes throughout the metro area, creating a world-class transportation system. Beauprez stood silent on FasTracks, even though it will benefit his 7th Congressional District immensely. . . .
Colorado needs an independent thinker to tackle tough issues and work with the General Assembly. Beauprez, elected to Congress from an evenly divided district, constantly voted the party line, never even pausing to consider his district’s interests.
Ritter won’t wander off to the extremes of ideology or party politics. . . . On the campaign trail, Ritter talks about his “Colorado Promise,” a pledge to reach the state’s fullest potential by reviving its education system, creating a health plan for the uninsured, and attracting new jobs, while modernizing our roads.
Bob Beauprez seems stuck in the past. Bill Ritter has a plan that can take Colorado into a bright future.