FORT COLLINS: Several prominent Larimer County Republicans broke ranks with their party to announce their support for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter on Monday. The Larimer County Republicans are only the first group of moderate GOP members from around Colorado who will be placing their support behind Bill.
- Jim Johnson – former U.S. Representative (1972 – 1980)
- Don Johnson – prominent Ft. Collins attorney and long time Republican activist
- Stu Van Meveren – former Larimer County D.A. (1972 – 2004)
- Bill Kaufman - former Col. State Representative (1992 - 2000)
- Cheryl Olson – former County Commissioner (1996 – 2000)
The Larimer County Republicans who endorsed Bill included:
These Republicans praised Bill for supporting Referendum C last year and for now opposing this year’s efforts to overturn Referendum C – a proposal being supporting by both Republican candidates for governor. Bill also opposes Amendment 38, which would make it easier to place initiatives on future ballots and is supported by the two GOP candidates. Numerous civic and business organizations, including the Larimer County Board of Commissioners, oppose it.
- Denver Post - 6 in Larimer Endorse Ritter
- Fort Collins Coloradoan - Handful of local Republicans cross party lines
- Colorado Springs Gazette - Democrat Ritter gains crossover support
- Loveland Reporter Herald - GOP members buoy Ritter
Click these links to read newspaper coverage of the endorsement:
