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Ritter, Beauprez trade jabs over Ref C

Debate may offer glimpse at coming governor's race

Katie Kerwin Mccrimmon, Rocky Mountain News

Published January 28, 2006 at midnight

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Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter sparred with Republican Bob Beauprez on Friday over Referendum C, a voter-approved initiative that will provide millions of dollars for roads, schools and health care.

The two appeared at a forum organized by highway contractors.

Ritter said Ref C, which passed in November, was the only way the state could make up for budget cuts the past four years.

"There were times when I told people in audiences that I thought the passage of Referendum C and D was actually more important than the governor's campaign in 2006 because it would frame what the possibilities were for whoever served as governor in 2007," he said.

Beauprez said the state could have used its share of a national tobacco settlement to fix the budget and that people should not rely on government to solve their problems.

"You can rely on government or you can rely on people. It's not what government can do for you, but what you might be able to do for yourself," he said.

The matchup Friday offered a possible preview of things to come in the governor's race.

Beauprez, a congressman representing Colorado's 7th District, and Ritter, Denver's former district attorney, appeared before about 550 members of the Colorado Contractors Association at Invesco Field at Mile High.

The two also discussed transportation issues and immigration.

Beauprez wants to crack down on illegal immigrants and the companies that hire them. Ritter said the federal government needs to do a better job of enforcing current laws, including deporting illegal immigrants who have committed crimes.

Notably absent from the forum were the other declared candidates for governor.

Republican hopeful Marc Holtzman, a former college president, was in Switzerland attending the World Economic Forum, and Democratic contender Gary Lindstrom, a state representative, said he declined the CCA's invitation because he was busy with legislative business.

And hovering on the sidelines is Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, who hasn't decided whether to jump into the race.

The posturing continues with or without Hickenlooper.

"It won't change what I'm doing," Ritter said of Hickenlooper's apparent indecision.

Ritter added that a powerful primary opponent could elevate the debate.

But, he acknowledged, the race would cost far more if Hickenlooper jumps in.

Beauprez said he can't understand why Democrats aren't backing Ritter 100 percent.

"I'm mystified. Bill's got good experience," he said. "I can't control that. I'm in. And I run to win."