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Former candidate Miles wants appointment to Senate

By Lynn Bartels, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published December 18, 2008 at 7:35 p.m.
Updated December 18, 2008 at 7:35 p.m.

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Mike Miles, in 2004.

Photo by Dennis Schroeder © The Rocky

Mike Miles, in 2004.

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Supporters of former U.S. Senate candidate Mike Miles say he was ahead of his time.

His campaign slogan in 2004 was "Be the Change." He opposed the Iraq War and championed universal health care.

Although Miles edged rival Ken Salazar at the state Democratic convention in 2004 for top line position on the ballot, he lost to Salazar in the primary.

Now Miles would like Gov. Bill Ritter to appoint him to the Senate seat he once sought, but so far he's gotten little attention. In fact, Tom Strickland, who lost two U.S. Senate races, has received more coverage as a potential contender to succeed Salazar, who is joining the administration next year.

"It's appalling," said Jeff Cook, a Miles supporter.

Miles' fans have launched a campaign on his behalf and with his blessing to lobby Ritter.

But Miles, a school superintendent in Colorado Springs, said he has no "illusions" about his chances.

"My sense is that Ritter will be looking to who can keep the seat in 2010 and who would help him get re-elected in 2010," Miles wrote to supporters. "It will be a political decision, and the political insiders will once again mount a campaign to reward one of their own."

Cook said voters considered Miles "radical" in 2004 for his positions, including ending the war.

"Now it's all about change, and health care and getting out of Iraq," he said. "Mike's ideas are mainstream now."

Comments

  • December 19, 2008

    10:38 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Gary_Swing writes:

    Mike Miles' 2004 candidacy was a grand exercise in absurdity and hypocrisy. War criminal Mike Miles was a willing participant in genocide who served as a murderer for hire in the Perisan Gulf Massacre, while those of us who have any values were out in the streets protesting against the United States' evil, illegal undeclared war against the people of Iraq. For his Senate campaign, Miles wrapped himself in the flag, touting his military and foreign service career as his qualifications for the U.S. Senate. This is a man who dedicated much of his life to being a paid tool of genocide and fascist world domination. It is simply disgusting that anybody could have been duped into believing that Miles was a progessive, anti-war candidate. Wake up to reality!

    Gary Swing
    1998 U.S. Pacifist Party candidate for U.S. Senate
    http://www.geocities.com/bushcheney1984