GOP candidates turn on their own party
By Berny Morson, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published July 30, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.
Republican candidates in Colorado's 6th Congressional District hurled some strong charges Tuesday, but not at each other.
Three of the four GOP hopefuls at the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce forum lambasted the Republican Party and President George W. Bush.
The 6th District includes Douglas and Elbert counties, as well as parts of Arapahoe, Jefferson and Park counties. The primary is Aug. 12.
"I do support the (Republican) platform," State Sen. Steve Ward, R-Littleton, said of the party's guiding principles. "I don't support the Republican leadership we have that has really strayed from many of the Republican principles we hold dear - limited government, rights and responsibilities of the individual, not the power of government."
Ward said the federal deficit under the Bush administration is dragging down the economy.
State Sen. Ted Harvey, R-Highlands Ranch, said, "Unfortunately, our president has expanded K-12 funding beyond anything any Democrat president could have ever dreamed about." He also blamed Bush for pushing an immigration bill that included amnesty, a step many Republicans reject.
"Our party is tone deaf to the base of America and what is important to America," Harvey said.
Harvey said he will try to be a congressman "in mold of (U.S. Rep.) Tom Tancredo (R-Littleton)," who currently represents the district.
Secretary of State Mike Coffman agreed that Tancredo is the role model for a 6th District representative.
"What I admired so much about Congressman Tancredo was that he had the courage to stand up to the political establishment in Washington, to the Republicans in his own party when they ceased to govern by the conservative values that got them elected," Coffman said.
Coffman said that he played a similar role in Colorado politics. He was on the outs with former Republican Gov. Bill Owens.
Coffman and Ward, who served with the Marines in Iraq, have been outspoken about Bush's handling of the war.
Businessman Wil Armstrong criticized "career politicians" for messes ranging from high energy prices to the federal deficit. But he stopped short of singling out Republicans or Bush.
"We have got to get rid of these wasteful, immoral government earmarks where we are bankrupting our future for congressional pet projects cooked up in smoke-filled rooms," Armstrong said. His examples diplomatically included projects by a New York City Democrat and an Alaska Republican.
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July 30, 2008
12:27 a.m.
Suggest removal
SL10 writes:
Yeah, Ted Stevens Alaskan GOP senator. The one who was arrested for taking money and gifts from big oil for federal favors. And McCain pulling a fast one, No New Taxes. Expect for Social Security payroll taxes. Dam, McCain is using Hillary's words. Hmmm. Is McCain a Republicrat now? lmao.
August 5, 2008
5:27 p.m.
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CPAsheldon writes:
Steve Ward shows his strong leadership skills in his ability to question current politicians on spending and on Iraq and he has been there on both counts. I have had the honor to work with him recently and I see how he will ask very good questions, he is very focused on the objectives, and he will get more accomplished in Washington. So I urge 6th Congressional District Republicans to put this kind of thinking in Washington. His military, business and success in the Colorado Legislature, as Glendale's mayor and as our County commissioner are all excellent experience that will help him get a lot accomplished in Washington. Get the best bang for your buck with Steve Ward!