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October 2004 - Issue 12
Note: There's a lot of HTML formatting in this newsletter. If you don't see any graphics with this e-mail, or if the format comes across goofy in your e-mail program, this Newsletter can also be found online at:http://www.danslaterlaw.com/dems/
The Last Lap. The Longest Yard.
This is it. For two years, thousands of us have been toiling day by day in efforts to change Colorado from a "Red" state to a "Blue" state. Through your efforts, we've been mighty successful in turning Colorado "Purple" (the NBC News stage set notwithstanding). And we are perfectly situated to make that last step: from Purple to Bright Blue. Today (Friday) is the last day to participate in Early Voting. Have you already voted? I have. I can tell you that it is rather uplifting to get the voting over and done with, so you can focus on getting others out to the polls. Also, it is helpful to the Party to get as many names OFF of the Get Out The Vote (GOTV) lists as possible. The smaller the number of people we need to get out to vote on Tuesday, the better.
Some of you are probably wondering if all of this work is making a difference. Well, I've pasted below a graphic from www.electoral-vote.com about the October polls in Colorado. As you can see, because of all of the work of key volunteers like you, John Kerry has been able to shift the race to a slight, but consistent, lead over the past week. We MUST keep up this momentum!
The Republicans cannot win the Presidency without Colorado. That's why they're shipping in Dick Cheney for two visits in just over a week, combined with the President's visit to Greeley last week. They're worried, because they, too, are seeing the above numbers. Don't fool yourself. They will go to any length to win this election. We MUST give 110% to assure victory in Colorado. If you have any question about the Republican commitment to go to historic lengths to win this thing, just take a look at the following flyer that was distributed in minority neighborhoods in Wisconsin this week:
(from www.dailykos.com) Don't let them steal this one from us. It isn't just the Presidential race, however. The Republicans are sinking to new lows all across Colorado, at every level. In the Third Congressional District, Greg Walcher is running a despicably false ad regarding a tragedy on John Salazar's farm. Read about that here. In the State House, the Republicans have completely given up on the truth altogether. Read about that in a Denver Post article here. That transitions me to the final set of candidates in my series on this campaign in Colorado: the Colorado House of Representatives. With a lot of focus on the competitive Congressional races, the Presidential race, the U.S. Senate race, and the one-vote razor-thin margin in the State Senate, the State House is often an afterthought to political analysts. It shouldn't be. If just five seats switch parties on November 2nd, we'll be looking to Speaker Andrew Romanoff, instead of Speaker Keith King. How refreshing that will be! But this possibility looms beyond the theoretical -- the House leadership has recruited one of the best candidate classes we've ever seen for the State House, and the fever-pitch among Democrats at the national level is bound to result in a turnout that favors Democrats in close races. As with the rundown of the State Senate, there are way more races than space or time permits me to address. So, I've chosen just a few State House races to highlight in this column. If your favorite race is not included, it doesn't mean that your candidate won't win; it just means I had to cut my list off somewhere. State House Races HD18 - Mike Merrifield
Mike is a true hero at the State Capitol -- one we need to have return. If you live in Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, or elsewhere in El Paso County, do whatever you can to keep Mike fighting for the people in Colorado, not the powerful. Re-elect Mike Merrifield. Campaign Website: http://www.electmerrifield.org/
To Volunteer and/or Contribute: http://www.electmerrifield.org/help_michael.htm
To Contact: P.O. Box 448 Manitou Springs, CO 80829 (719) 634-3234
HD 22 - Pete Mazula
Mazula has suffered from Hepatitis C, contracted as a result of his duties as a firefighter. But the state balked at taking responsibility for his sacrifice, so he took his fight to the State Legislature on behalf of fellow firefighters.
And he won.
Now, Mazula is running for the House in Jefferson County. In addition to his West Metro firefighting duties, he's a small business owner and Air Force veteran. We need Pete's common sense and perseverance representing Jefferson County in the Legislature.
To Contact: 4989 South
Nelson Street, Unit A
HD 23 - Gwyn Green
Campaign Website: http://www.baconforsenate.com/
To Volunteer: http://www.baconforsenate.com/volunteer.html
To Contribute: https://atticusdemello.com/DonationFormLegisBob.asp?senatorid=49
To Contact: 197 Canyon
Point Circle
HD 27 - Chris Rose
Chris joins a host of similarly well-qualified candidates that will change Jefferson County's representation to be much more people-oriented.
To Contact: 6705 Sheridan
Boulevard
HD 29 - Debbie Benefield
Benefield has also served as a Board Member on the following organizations: A Step Up: Arvada Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program and Build a Generation: Create a Healthy Community. She is also the co-founder of Y-Vote, a non-partisan youth voting project dedicated to increasing civic engagement among young people.
Colorado needs Debbie Benefield to help us with education, health care and so much more. She's shown she is well-capable. Let's help her get the job done!
Campaign Website: http://www.debbiebenefield.org/
To Volunteer: http://www.debbiebenefield.org/volunteer.html
To Contribute: https://www6.ssldomain.com/knowledgemessenger/prod/Contribute.asp?app=debbiebenefield&hdr=no
To Contact: 8370 Yarrow
Street
HD 31 - Judy Solano
The voters in House District 31 are reacting very positively to Judy's message that sensible solutions to the problems of health care, job creation, and education can be found. We have a real opportunity in House District 31 to elect a true leader for Colorado in Judy Solano.
Campaign Website:
To Volunteer: http://www.judysolano.com/volunteer.htm
To Contribute: http://www.judysolano.com/donate.htm
To Contact: P.O. Box 1105
HD 36 - Morgan Carroll
Morgan Carroll is a second
generation Colorado Native who is a consumer and civil rights attorney
practicing in Aurora. She has a strong passion for helping people and
solving problems which will make her an amazing legislator.
Make no mistake: the Republicans see what the rest of us see in Morgan -- a future leader of this Party. They are doing everything they can to attack her before she becomes even more of a threat. In fact, many of their attacks are focused on Morgan's work as an attorney for middle-class and low-income clients. Apparently, the Republicans think that only rich folks need lawyers.
If you live in Aurora, it is imperative that you spend much of the next few days working to elect Morgan Carroll to replace outgoing Representative Frank Weddig.
Campaign Website: http://www.carrollcampaign.com/
To Volunteer: http://www.knowledgemessenger.com/a/volunteer.asp?app=morgancarroll&hdr=no
To Contribute: https://www6.ssldomain.com/knowledgemessenger/a/Contribute.asp?app=morgancarroll&hdr=no
To Contact: 1165 Ouray
Street
HD 39 - Mollie Collum
Mollie's race has been in the news a lot lately amid revelations that her opponent didn't fully disclose his history as a legislator in North Carolina. But, rest assured, Mollie Collum's record and stances on the issues are enough to make her an attractive choice regardless who is running against her.
Campaign Website:
To Volunteer: http://www.molliecollum.com/volunteerm.htm
To Contribute: http://www.molliecollum.com/donate.htm
To Contact: 21498 East
Crestridge Place
HD 47 - Buffie McFadyen
Okay. Let me disclose a boatload of bias here. Buffie McFadyen is my State Representative, and I consider her among my closest friends. If I were able to design from scratch my ideal state legislator, my design wouldn't be too far off from Buffie. Spend a day with Buffie. You'll see.
Buffie McFadyen is a natural at constituent contact. Everywhere she goes, from the convenience store, to high school football games, to senior centers, Buffie takes the time to talk to every voter, find out how they are doing, and how she can help make their lives better as a State Representative. Her ability to connect is unmatched, anywhere.
Even with all of this success, McFadyen still has a tough race on her hands. The Republicans have put in a self-funding millionaire with a history of contributing to right-wing candidates like Marilyn Musgrave. They've attacked her with some of the most vicious lies imaginable in the mail and on the radio. And they do it without even a thought.
If you live in Southern Colorado, this race is too important to ignore. We MUST re-elect Representative McFadyen -- without her, Southern Colorado will suffer.
Campaign Website:
To Volunteer: http://www.buffie.org/volunteer.html
To Contribute: http://www.buffie.org/contribute.html
To Contact: 285 W. Baldwyn
Drive 719-547-2554
HD 50 - Jim Riesberg
Jim Riesberg
is a family man, Colorado native, and long-time Greeley resident.
For years, folks in Greeley have come to know Riesberg as a community
leader with the common sense and grounded views that have helped grow
Greeley as a great place to live and work.
If you live in Northern Colorado, electing Jim Riesberg is one thing you can do to help return a balance of power and common sense long-needed to Colorado's government.
Campaign Website:
To Volunteer: http://www.knowledgemessenger.com/prod/Volunteer.asp?app=jimriesberg
To Contribute: https://www6.ssldomain.com/knowledgemessenger/prod/Contribute.asp?app=jimriesberg
To Contact: 1726 - 18th
Avenue
HD 55 - Bernie Buescher
Grand Junction = Republican, right? Well, as Lee Corso might say, "Not so fast, my friend!" Just because there's a Republican advantage in House District 56 does not mean that folks there will vote in a knee-jerk way for any Republican against any Democrat.
Nothing proves this more than what is happening right now in House District 56, where Bernie Buescher is facing off against a Republican so far to the right that she's admitted she'll vote her ideology over the interests of the Western Slope. Even the Denver Post has noted Buescher's success in this open seat race -- check out the article here.
Bernie will
bring to the Colorado State Legislature an experienced, bipartisan, and
diverse background that uniquely qualifies him to understand and shape
state policy. Bernie is a successful small business owner, a lawyer, and
a community leader.
The Western Slope needs strong, bipartisan leaders. The Western Slope needs Bernie Buescher.
Campaign Website:
To Volunteer: http://www.buescher.org/volunteer.htm
To Contribute: http://www.buescher.org/contribute.htm
To Contact: 730 Golfmore
HD 56 - Gary Lindstrom
When term-limited State Representative Carl Miller retired early to take another job, the question of who should replace him was quickly and easily answered: Gary Lindstrom.
After several years as an Unaffiliated Summit County Commissioner, Gary is running as a Democrat. His vast experience makes him a favorite of many of the High Country's Independent and Republican voters, as well. He understands the issues facing Colorado and the Western Slope, and he knows how to create consensuses with Front Range lawmakers that assure that everyone benefits.
Gary faces a tough race against an experienced candidate trying to knock him off. If you live along the I-70 corridor, your help is necessary to keep this seat in the hands of common sense leadership like Gary Lindstrom.
Campaign Website:
To Volunteer: http://www.knowledgemessenger.com/a/volunteer.asp?App=HEEE&hdr=no
To Contribute: http://www.garylindstrom.com/contribute.htm
To Contact: P.O. Box 68
HD 60 - Emily Tracy
Emily Tracy has become, well, annoying to the Republican Party. You see, they were supposed to have House District 60 all wrapped up by now. It has a heavy Republican advantage, and it is home to the current Speaker of the House, Lola Spradley.
What went wrong with that thinking? Several things. First, I think they expected a lot more from a Republican nominee that has proven lackluster at best. And they underestimated Emily Tracy and the voters in House District 60.
Similar to the voters in Bernie Buescher's district (see above), the Republican-leaning voters in House District 60 are independent-minded folks. Take Chaffee County, for example. Republicans hold a registration advantage, but the folks up there keep electing Democrats to nearly every county office.
As a former City Council member from Canon City and former state employee, Emily has the experience needed to hit the ground running in Denver.
This is one of those "under the radar" races. If you live in Central Colorado, you need to give every bit of effort in these last few days to helping Emily Tracy. I'm confident that if we can elect Emily, Andrew Romanoff WILL be the next Speaker of the House!
Campaign Website:
To Volunteer: http://www.emilytracy.com/contact.html
To Contribute: http://www.emilytracy.com/donation.html
To Contact: 612 North 11th
Street
HD 61 - Kathleen Curry
The retirement of Scott McInnis as the Third District Congressman set off waves felt throughout the political world of Western and Southern Colorado. One of the most keenly affected by that wave is House District 61.
In this Central Western Slope district, Republican Gregg Rippy was likely assured of a pretty easy reelection. But with stars in his eyes, he ran for Congress -- and lost in a tough primary race to Greg Walcher. The Republicans scrambled to find a candidate for this house district. The best they could do was to find a relative of Rippy's to run on his name recognition.
Kathleen Curry offers Democrats one of the best opportunities to pick up a Republican seat. If you live in House District 61, you simply must give your sweat equity to this campaign and help bring progressive leadership to this district.
Campaign Website:
To Volunteer: http://www.kathleencurry.com/contact.htm
To Contribute: http://www.kathleencurry.com/donate/products.php?cat=7
To Contact: P.O. Box 7130
HD 64 - Wes McKinley
In 2002, there was one huge surprise on election night. A political unknown -- a true cowboy from the farthest corner of the state -- came within a few votes of knocking off one of the most powerful Republicans in the Colorado House.
Wes McKinley's close call against Joint Budget Committee Chairman Brad Young was a signal that Southeast Colorado was ready for a change. And from Lamar to Trinidad, from Walsh to Fowler, Wes McKinley was hitting a chord that spoke to many in this area.
In the past, Colorado Democrats have been unable to gain a foothold in many rural parts of Colorado. Wes can win this race, and prove that Democrats have an agenda that appeals to rural voters.
If we are going to make a change in the State House, then it has to start in House District 64. Help make that change. Send Wes McKinley to the State House.
Campaign Website:
To Volunteer or Contribute: http://www.wesmckinley.com/contact.htm
To Contact: 9635 County
Road 44
Well, there you go. As you can see, we're playing a lot more offense, and the Republicans are playing a lot more defense in the State House. I'm convinced the question is not whether we are going to pick up seats in the State House; the question is really whether we're going to pick up ENOUGH seats in the State House to take control. The answer to that question is up to you.
-- Dan
p.s. - I think it is safe to say this will be the last issue of DemNotes for a while. I am not planning on doing a November issue. I think I'll be resting, and catching up on work. But feel free to keep passing things on to me to include in future issues!
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If
you get this message in time and haven't voted, please do so.
Then, if you haven't yet done so, contact your
Debbie
Benefield is a community leader for children, families, public
education, small business owners and safe communities. She has
contributed over 15 years of service in local, county, and state
parent/teacher associations and served as the Jefferson County PTA
President and the Colorado PTA Vice-President. 
For
years, Debbie has shown Jefferson County and the rest of Colorado that
parental involvement in education can make a difference in one's
community. Now, Debbie wants to take the lessons she's learned
from her volunteer work on education and help Colorado find real
solutions to our educational problems.
Known
for community involvement and dedicated to causes of social justice for
all, Carroll has worked on issues ranging from health care, patient's
rights, worker's rights, insurance reform, international foreign policy,
indigenous rights, and school improvement. She is a strong supporter of
public education, responsible water, growth and transportation planning.
She is committed to revitalizing Colorado's economy in a responsible
manner with both short-term and long-term prosperity for all
Coloradoans.
Mollie
earned a Bachelor's degree in musical theatre at CU Boulder, and a
Master's degree from Columbia University in New York City. During her
20's, Mollie pursued a lifelong dream and moved to New York City to
pursue a career on Broadway. She created, advertised, and performed a
one-person show that involved singing and dancing. While in New York
City, Mollie met her husband, Jim, and together they started a small
business that plans and holds parties for companies, students, and
schools. 
But
she's also quite good at the Capitol. Even though the Republicans
have targeted her almost as heavily as Mike Merrifield (see above),
Buffie was able to pass six bills this year alone. That
kind of success is almost unheard of, especially for a freshman
legislator in the minority party with a target on her back. 
He
has served on over 40 private, nonprofit, and government boards,
including the Colorado Transportation Commission and the Colorado
Economic Development Commission. He currently is Chairman of the Board
of St. Mary’s Hospital. In 1997, he reorganized the Colorado State Fair
for Governor Roy Romer. His success in turning around West Star
Aviation, Inc. resulted in his being nominated for Inc. Magazine’s
Entrepreneur of the Year.
Lindstrom
is a perfect fit with this Mountainous district. House District 56
is an independent-minded area, filled with folks who want their State
Representative to work hard and to fight for their values. Gary
Lindstrom fits that mold well.
Throughout
the district, people have learned that Emily Tracy is a thoughtful,
well-spoken advocate for rural Colorado. Even the folks at the
largest newspaper in the District, the Republican-leaning Canon City
Daily Record, recognized this and gave a surprise endorsement to Emily a
couple of weeks ago.
The
Democrats, however, had no such trouble. Kathleen Curry is an
amazing candidate. She knows the all-so-critical issue of water,
having worked in that field for years before becoming a candidate.
Curry is the kind of person you want fighting for you -- personable, yet
tough; smart, yet persuasive. 
I've
seen Wes in action on many occasions. In 2002, we ran on the same
ballot (me for State Senate, Wes for the House) in five different
counties. What I learned is that Wes is, well, a little different,
but that you can always count on Wes to tell it like it is. What I
also learned was that folks in the Arkansas Valley and around Southeast
Colorado truly appreciated his candor and earnest approach to the
issues.
