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Labor unions behind Jared Polis attack ad

Surprised Polis camp wants spot pulled for errors

By Lynn Bartels, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published July 24, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.
Updated July 24, 2008 at 12:23 a.m.

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Four unions spent $245,000 for a TV ad that attacks congressional candidate Jared Polis' record when he served on the state Board of Education.

The unions back one of Polis' Democratic rivals in the 2nd District, former state Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald. Also running is conservationist Will Shafroth.

Polis' campaign has asked stations to pull the ad, claiming it is inaccurate.

Campaign manager Robert Becker said that the ad cites a Web site that does not exist and inaccurately describes a voucher bill Polis initially supported - charges the ad's backers dispute.

Becker questioned why unions would attack a Democratic candidate who shares their values, someone who has worked hard on educational issues.

"Jared has a tremendous amount of respect for the labor unions. He is more than likely going to be a 100 percent vote for them when he gets in Congress," Becker said. "Why they would engage in a Democratic primary and get behind an ad that has so many inaccuracies in it is unfortunate."

The union money was funneled to Colorado Counts, referred to as a 527 group because that's the section of the federal tax code that regulates political committees that can accept unlimited donations.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the Service Employees International Union, each kicked in $100,000 through their political arms, said Steve Adams, head of Colorado Counts.

A firefighters' union donated $25,000 while an electrical union contributed $20,000.

Mike Cerbo, executive director of the Colorado AFL-CIO, said the state would be "hard pressed to find a stronger advocate for working families" than Fitz-Gerald.

"That's why she has labor support across the board," he said.

bartels@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5327

Comments

  • July 24, 2008

    9:29 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Moore70344 writes:

    I agree with the quote from Mike Cerbo, Joan Fitz-Gerald deserves our support. She's has a long track record of being a representative for working families. It's no wonder that unions, who have consistently stood up for workers rights, good paying jobs, fair wages, and affordable health care are rallying behind her.

  • July 26, 2008

    12:02 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    cyndymorreale writes:

    Joan has consistently proved that she supports working families, affordable health care and an end to the senseless war in Iraq. She has proven herself in supporting the efforts to save our historic towns from being carelessly overlooked while trying to widen I 70. Clear Creek County loves Joan Fitzgerald ... Both parties!

    She is totally focused on her cause, and has a proven track record ... unlike Mr Polis who seems to have every possible iron in every fire and more money than any 29 year old knows what to do with.

    Its admirable the zillion things you have going for you Mr Polis, and we don't begrudge your good fortune ... but your campaign seems more about how much money you have than what you can really focus on actually doing for any of us.

    In our Clear Creek County 4th of July parade, your campaign workers would not take no for an answer when they wanted to put a campaign sign on my truck. I was driving in the parade for Joan... As I was putting on signs supporting Joan, I clearly was campaigning for her and told them so . They stuck their signs on my truck anyhow, saying this was a democratic function and I had no choice! Why not hire your own limo to be in our parade. You won no friends with their attitude. Even the other opponants supporters said " We wouldn't come into Joan Fitzgerald territory and risk alienating the few possible supporters we might find!

    Everyone loved the free tee shirts you passed out at our picnic, the kids, the tourists, the workers, but the voters in my territory LOVE the results we have gotten from Joan through the years.

    Back off the nasty, I've got more money than you snitty campaign, Jared Polis.

    Money can't buy you love Mr Polis.