Bill Ritter for Governor of Colorado

July 25 - Ritter Releases Transportation Plan

Time to Revamp Transportation System

Gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter today promised to partner with Colorado’s regional transportation agencies to seek out creative funding and multi-modal solutions to the state’s critical transportation needs.

Ritter released his plan, "Transportation in the 21st Century: Keep Colorado Moving," to Colorado’s transportation leaders.

“Colorado’s transportation infrastructure is in serious trouble,” Ritter said. “Roads and bridges are in disrepair. On many highways, demand has overwhelmed our capacity to move people and goods efficiently and safely. And the state has no clear financial plan for the future. Simply put, the process for funding our transportation system is antiquated and needs a 21st century overhaul."

“We will look for inefficiencies and eliminate them,” Ritter added. “But we cannot solve this state’s transportation funding dilemma – a $50 billion to $100 billion dilemma according to the state’s own estimates – by eliminating a handful of jobs at the Colorado Department of Transportation and calling it a day. That might be how Congressman Beauprez wants to solve the problem, but it won’t get us very far.”

Ritter’s plan calls for:

• Creating a “Colorado Transportation Finance and Implementation Panel” within his first 90 days in office. The panel will bring together all stakeholders to identify transportation funding strategies, recommend new revenue streams, and examine project priorities. The panel will launch its efforts by holding a Statewide Transportation Summit.
• Protecting current transportation revenue by fighting efforts that would undermine and roll back Referendum C. Ritter opposes Initiative 88, which would cap Ref C revenues and lead to transportation funding cuts. Congressman Beauprez was the first person to sign the petition seeking to get Initiative 88 on the November ballot.
• Promoting regional solutions – such as metro Denver’s FasTracks and El Paso County’s Go 1A – and working in partnership with regional agencies to move Colorado forward. CDOT must be both a leader and a collaborator.

Ritter said that coordinating land-use development plans with transportation projects, protecting the environment, and supporting the state’s 78 commercial-service and general-aviation airports will be among his top transportation priorities. Alleviating congestion along I-70 and working toward a long-term solution to one of the state’s most important transportation corridors also will top his agenda. Regardless of the solution, Ritter said he is committed to including a transit component as part of the long-term I-70 plan.

Ritter noted that Colorado’s statewide needs far outweigh our ability to pay for them. CDOT’s "2030 Statewide Transportation Plan: Moving Colorado," states that current forecasts call for transportation revenue of $75 billion from now through 2030. But the state will need $123 billion to simply maintain today’s level of service and infrastructure, and $178 billion to grow the system and make improvements.

“That means we have a funding gap of about $50 billion to $100 billion,” Ritter said. “Clearly, we have many obstacles to overcome. But we will leave no stone unturned as we explore and examine solutions. It will take a full range of local, regional, and statewide strategies to produce the 21st century transportation infrastructure needed for Colorado to thrive. With strong, responsible, and forward-thinking leadership, we can achieve the Colorado Promise.

Read additional commentary about Ritter's transportation plan:

• ColoradoLib.com: Bill Ritter the visionary: Transportation edition

July 21 - O'Brien Visits Rotary Chapter in Clear Creek County

Barbara O'Brien, Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor, spoke to a meeting of the Clear Creek Rotary on Friday about the issues facing Colorado.

July 20 - Ritter Releases Wildfire Prevention Plan

With Colorado on high alert for another devastating fire season, gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter today released his plan for protecting Coloradans, their property, and wildlife habitat from wildfires.

“We must always be prepared for the worst,” said Ritter, Denver’s former District Attorney, “and my first priority will be to protect the people of Colorado. I will ensure that proper planning, training, and resources are in place to protect Colorado’s people, land, and wildlife habitat.”

Ritter’s plan calls for:

• Increased collaboration among state, federal, and local authorities and private landowners to mitigate and prevent wildfires before they start through thinning, prescribed burns, and adopting “firewise” techniques that make homes and businesses more defensible.
• Ensuring that state resources – including more than $3 million appropriated for fire suppression by the legislature and governor – are spent effectively and efficiently.
• Attacking Colorado’s mountain pine beetle infestation quickly and efficiently. More than 425,000 acres of north-central forestland were infested in 2005, significantly increasing the risk and severity of forest fires in those areas.
• Balancing Colorado’s needs and national emergency response needs. Colorado must become more self-sufficient so that our resources are not siphoned away to meet federal needs.

“Wildfires are a natural part of the environment here in the West,” said Ritter, who was endorsed by the Colorado Professional Firefighters Association earlier this year. “But we can and must do more to protect ourselves.”

Ritter applauded U.S. Ken Salazar, who criticized the federal government yesterday for not doing enough to reduce fire risks in the West, where more than 4 million acres have burned so far this year compared with 3 million at this time last year.

The complete plan is available on the campaign website.

Read additional commentary about Ritter's wildfire protection plan:

• ColoradoLib.com: Ritter also attempts to avert catastrophic fire season

July 19 - Ritter Speaks To Veterans Group

On Wednesday, Bill spoke to the Colorado Veterans of America about issues important to veterans and military families in Colorado. He explained his policy proposals for supporting veterans with improvements to state-delivered services to Colorado's veterans and their families. More than 420,000 veterans reside in Colorado, and 2,800 Coloradans are deployed overseas. Bill's father served in the Army during World War II and is buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery. The Colorado Veterans for America endorsed Bill's candidacy on Memorial Day, May 29.

July 19 - Honoring Colorado’s Veterans

Colorado has a proud tradition of honoring its military veterans and serving as host to some of the nation’s most important military installations. With four Medal of Honor recipients hailing from Pueblo alone, all of Colorado is in many ways the “Home of the Heroes.”

More than 420,000 veterans reside in Colorado, and 2,800 Coloradans are deployed overseas. Veterans and active-duty military are key components of Colorado’s economy and social fabric. As a society, we have a moral obligation to provide fully for our veterans and active-duty personnel. My father served in the Army during World War II and is buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery. He took great pride in his military service, and my respect for the military and our veterans is derived from my father’s experience.

As Governor, I will make it a priority to improve state-delivered services to our veterans and their families. I will fully support veterans by advocating on their behalf and providing leadership on issues of importance. While the federal government’s responsibilities and resources are greater, Colorado can play an important role. The state can and should take a strong position on issues affecting our veterans, such as the relocation of the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Denver to Fitzsimons, even where we have little statutory or financial role.

Last November, I worked for the successful passage of Referendum C, which created important opportunities for the state to address the needs of troops returning home to Colorado from Iraq and Afghanistan and to meet the needs of our existing veterans.

Sadly, 1,800 aging veterans die each day around the country. Most are World War II veterans. Veterans’ needs for nursing, long-term, and other health-care services are escalating. Colorado operates nursing homes for veterans in Aurora, Florence, Monte Vista, Rifle, Trinidad, and Walsenburg. But we know from the recent troubles at the nursing home in Aurora at Fitzsimons that the state must do a better job of caring for our veterans. State veterans’ nursing homes are an integral part of VA health support; as Governor I will work hard to honor the commitments the state has made to enhance our nursing homes.

We also must provide greater support and services for our rural veterans and their families, including access to health care, compensation, pension benefits, and additional information. According to the VA, $20 billion in pension benefits goes unclaimed nationally because those who are eligible are unaware that these funds are available. As Governor, I will ensure our veterans and their families receive every available dollar.

I also will ask the legislature to improve the County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) Program and the training given to these key providers of veteran services. With little state support, the services are typically limited, vary widely in quality, and are sometimes nonexistent.

With the pending return of the entire 4th Infantry Division to Fort Carson, we must make sure they and all returning troops are prepared for the eventual transition to civilian life. As Governor, I will make sure the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of Personnel, and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation are fully equipped to provide a high level of job training, rehabilitation, and business opportunities.

Colorado’s military service members have sacrificed a great deal for their fellow citizens. They have given their lives, their future well-being, their very best in every respect. Political leaders owe our veterans and their family members far more than rhetoric. As Governor, I will work to ensure our state government’s services are commensurate with these sacrifices. To best accomplish this, I will ensure that veterans’ voices are heard in Colorado and that veterans are part of every discussion regarding their future.

July 19 - Veteran Joins Ranks of Ritter Supporters

US Army License Plate ... Democratic Heart Sgt. David Pfister retired after serving thirteen years in the Army with assignments in Germany, South Carolina, and at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center. His son Brian is currently serving in the Army.

July 17 - Recent Polls Show Bill in Lead

Two new statewide polls show that if the election were held today, Colorado voters would elect Bill Ritter as their next governor -- confirming earlier surveys and highlighting Congressman Beauprez’s high unfavorable ratings.

In a poll published today by The Denver Post, Ritter defeats Congressman Beauprez 42% to 35%. In a separate poll published last week by Rasmussen Reports, Denver’s former District Attorney leads the Congressman 42% to 37%.

Ritter also received a favorable nod from a Washington Post political blog last week: “(G)iven Democrats' electoral gains in the state in 2004 and Ritter's impressive campaign to date, he carries a slight edge.”

The most significant findings of The Denver Post poll: the Congressman’s unfavorable rating of 22 percent, compared with Ritter’s 8 percent unfavorable rating. Ritter continues to hold a strong lead among women voters in the Post poll, 46 percent to 31 percent. He also does better among Democrats than Congressman Beauprez does among Republicans. Ritter also beats Congressman Beauprez among unaffiliated voters, 41 percent versus 33 percent. The Post and Rasmussen polls are similar to surveys taken over the past year, including a Post poll from February that put Ritter ahead 43 percent to 37 percent.

“The poll numbers are gratifying,” Ritter said. “But we’re taking nothing for granted. We’re working hard, traveling to every corner of Colorado to earn every vote we can between now and Election Day.”

Read additional blog commentary about these polls:

• ColoradoPols.com: Ritter Still Leads in Post Poll
• ColoradoPols.com: Putting the Polls in Perspective
• JunctionDailyBlog.com: Candidate Forum (yawn) and Another Poll
• JunctionDailyBlog.com: New Governor Poll
• SquareState.net: Ritter Leads By Seven

July 15 - Ritter Dance Troupe Debuts at Denver's Black Arts Festival

	On Saturday, Bill with about 50 campaign supporters joined community activists Anna Jo Haynes and Happy Haynes, State Rep. Terrance Carroll, and Sherry Jackson, Executive Director of the Colorado Democratic Party, to march in the Boogaloo Parade of the Denver Black Arts Festival.
	Every group marching in the parade has to perform for the festival judges, so the Black Arts Festival saw the official debut of the Ritter Campaign Dance Troupe dancing their own unique version of the Electric Slide.
	Bill enjoys a moment with Ms. Ayers, the nonagenarian mother of Perry Ayers, one of the founders of the Denver Black Arts Festival. It was the twentieth anniversary of the festival, which celebrates the arts and culture of Denver's African-American community.
(All photos provided courtesy of Pat Duncan.)

July 15 - Custer County Group Shows Their Support

On Saturday, Eileen Pappas led an excited contingent of Bill Ritter supporters in the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Parade. Eileen is the campaign's Custer County coordinator.

July 15 - Clear Creek Democratic Party Picnic

On Saturday afternoon, Barbara O'Brien and August Ritter attended the "Bands, Beers, Brats, and Democrats" picnic hosted by the Clear Creek Democratic Party at Shadow Ranch near Georgetown.

July 13 - Ritter Raises Over $2 Million

Momentum Continues to Build

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter has raised more than $2 million for his campaign, including $121,000 in the last two weeks alone. At the end of the July 12 reporting period, including in-kinds, Ritter has raised a total of $2,013,811.

In June, Ritter outraised his Republican challenger Congressman Beauprez by more than a 2-1 margin. Ritter raised more than $360,000 while his opponent only reported $150,000.

"We’re continuing to gather momentum because our campaign speaks to the people of Colorado," Ritter said. "In the last month, I’ve traveled from Creede to Trinidad, from Springfield to Durango, and points in between, talking to voters. Everywhere I’ve gone I’ve heard from people who want a governor who shoots straight and believes in results, not just talk. The broad support we’ve received for the campaign is a reflection of our support for Coloradans."

Compare the candidates's recent fundraising efforts:
		Bob Beauprez	Bill Ritter
	Current Month:	$57,279	$121,000
	June:	$151,860	$360,000
	May:	$99,528	$201,066
	April:	$73,000	$156,000

Read more articles and commentary about the Bill's successful fundraising efforts:

• Rocky Mountain News: July 14 - Gubernatorial candidate Ritter pulls in $121,000
• Rocky Mountain News: July 18 - Rivals dash for cash
• ColoradLib.com: July 18 - Republicans don't trust Both Ways Bob with money
• SquareState.net: July 18 - Trailhead, Not Beauprez Gets GOP Money

July 12 - Ritter Questions Beauprez's Commitment to Public Lands

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter today questioned his Republican challenger’s commitment to protecting Colorado’s public wilderness areas. Congressman Beauprez voted to open public lands despite opposition from 43 Colorado hunting and fishing organizations, then claimed that hunting access is a priority. "If the Congressman is willing to fight to protect public access to public lands, then why did he vote to open more than 100,000 acres of Colorado public lands to private interests?" Ritter asked. "His actions in Washington don’t support his words in Colorado."

On his website, Congressman Beauprez claims it is "critically important that Colorado’s next Governor is willing to fight for public access to our public lands." He claims he will make hunting access a priority. Yet the Congressman’s actions once again show that he says one thing in Colorado but does quite a different thing in Washington.

In November, Congressman Beauprez voted in favor of a provision of the Budget Reconciliation Act that would have opened up nearly 125,000 acres to potential privatization by removing protections from a long-standing mining law. The act passed the House by a mere two votes. Forty-three Colorado hunting and fishing organizations sent letters of opposition to Washington. Colorado’s U.S. Senators agreed to oppose the provision, and even the Republican sponsor of the provision ultimately agreed to withdraw it.

"Congressman Beauprez claims he’ll protect public lands in Colorado," Ritter said. "But when he had a chance to put his words into action, he failed to do it. That’s irresponsible and it’s hypocritical. He’s trying to have it both ways - again."

Ritter has previously pointed out the Congressman’s inconsistent or hypocritical positions on water management, immigration policy, and alternative energy.

July 12 - Campaign Commuters

Richard O'Brien shuttles Barbara, his wife and Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor, through Denver rush hour traffic to a campaign event for motorcyclists.

July 11-12: Bill's Comments on the Special Session and Immigration

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On the Successful Conclusion of the Legislature's Special Session: (July 11)

I'm pleased that the legislature, led by Senate President FitzGerald and House Speaker Romanoff, has passed a package of bills that are tough, fair, and effective. Colorado isn't DC, and the Colorado legislature has done what Congressman Bob Beauprez and DC are unwilling to do - actually pass measures that amount to substantive immigration reform.

And if it was important enough for the Colorado legislature to go into special session at a cost of $15,000 a day, it's important enough for Congress to solve the problem before the August recess. Congressman Bob Beauprez talks a lot about immigration. Now it's time for him to follow the lead of our Colorado legislature and propose responsible and achievable reforms. To date, he has not done that. We don't need field hearings in Colorado, we need action in Washington.

About Amnesty and the Bush Plan for Undocumented Workers: (July 12)

I oppose amnesty. And unlike Congressman Beauprez, I agree with President Bush. As the President himself put it, "Amnesty means you're automatically a citizen. I don't think that makes sense." The President and I also agree on another point - Bob Beauprez and his colleagues in DC need to act soon, not put the issue on hold.

What I do support is the President’s proposal to make those who have been here for a long time, who have worked for many years and paid taxes, go to the back of the line, behind those who have followed the rules. And the President has also said, "The right thing to do is to recognize that if you've been here illegally, that there ought to be a cost for doing so, but also recognize there are decent, hardworking people that have contributed to our society at the same time."

Bob Beauprez apparently can’t understand either what amnesty means, what the President means, or what I mean when I say I oppose it.

July 11 - Ritter Announces Conservation Agenda

LAUNCHES OUTREACH EFFORT TO COLORADO OUTDOORSMEN

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter today released his conservation agenda for Colorado, which includes protecting Colorado’s wilderness areas and supporting the state’s strong hunting and fishing heritage.

As part of the agenda, Ritter has launched an outreach effort aimed at recruiting Colorado’s hunters, anglers, and other outdoorsmen and women in his conservation plans. Ritter has launched a new Sportsmen’s page on his campaign website and published a "Sportsmen and our Great Outdoors" position paper.

"Colorado issues more than a million hunting and fishing licenses every year," Ritter said. "One of those fishing licenses is mine, and my second-oldest son is now an accomplished deer hunter. So when I talk about how important sportsmen are to Colorado, and why partnering with them to protect our outdoor heritage is a top priority, I’m speaking from personal experience. I want to ensure that we are able to protect our wilderness areas and public lands - and pass on this legacy to future generations."

Ritter, an avid fly fisherman, said hunters, anglers, and wildlife watchers are central to the Colorado lifestyle and play an integral role in Colorado’s economy. Hunters, anglers, archers, and others spend more than $1 billion a year on travel, equipment, food, lodging, and other wildlife-recreation activities in Colorado. The industry supports at least 20,000 full-time jobs. "Protecting Colorado’s wilderness and roadless areas makes good environmental sense and good economic sense," Ritter said. "Public land should be just that – public, something that benefits everyone, not sold off to benefit special interests."

Ritter’s conservation agenda is just one part of his commitment to the environment as well as to alternative energy and sound water management.

July 9 - Bill Visits Las Animas and Huerfano Counties

	In Las Animas County, Bill visited Trinidad to discuss the issues important to the area and to the future of Colorado with residents.
	In La Veta, Bill spoke with Huerfano County residents about the election.
	After the La Veta meeting, Bill spent time talking with 94 year old Claudia Capps, La Veta's oldest citizen, a retired school teacher, and "territorial daughter of Huerfano County."

July 8 - New Energy Tour Continues

Following a tour of a Prowers County wind farm, Bill and John Stulp Jr. discussed the importance of wind energy to Colorado's rural economy. Click to read more about Bill's commitment to alternative energy.

July 8 - Bill Campaigns in Southeast Colorado

	In La Junta, Bill met with Otero County residents. Click to read an article from the La Junta newspaper about Bill's visit.
	Bill spoke with a group of Bent County residents in Las Animas.
	At the Lamar Welcome Center, Bill enjoyed talking with Prowers County residents.
	In Lamar, Bill greeted Eddie Hall, Democratic candidate for the Prowers County Commission, District 2.
	Later that afternoon, Bill met residents of Baca County in Springfield.

July 8 - A Ritter Critter

Scout (M. Hogan owner)

Please submit your images of politically astute animals to Critters For Ritter, and we will post them on the campaign blog as time and space permit.

July 7 - Congressman Beauprez's NREL Hypocrisy

Bill Ritter today questioned why Congressman Beauprez attended a ceremony at NREL just months after voting to reduce the agency's budget and cut jobs.

"How in good conscience could Congressman Beauprez attend today's ribbon-cutting ceremony with Energy Secretary Bodman to celebrate the opening of NREL's new Science & Technology Facility?" asked Ritter, who promotes a New Energy Economy as a way to establish Colorado as a national leader in alternative energy. "Congressman Beauprez voted last July to cut NREL's budget by $28 million," Ritter observed. "NREL is one of the best agencies to help lead us to an independent energy future."

In November, 100 members of Congress signed a letter urging the president to fully fund renewable energy programs as authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. "Congressman Beauprez refused to sign the letter," Ritter noted.

In the face of mounting election-year pressure, the President restored enough money in February to save 32 NREL jobs. "When the President visited NREL the next day, there was the Congressman by his side as if he supported NREL all along," Ritter said. "That was hypocritical then, and it was hypocritical today when the Congressman showed up at NREL once again. He's clearly trying to have it both ways."

July 6 - Letter to Colorado Sportsmen

Dear Colorado Outdoorsmen,

The campaign trail is a breathtakingly beautiful place. Over the past year, I've visited every corner of Colorado and met with thousands of people in some of the most stunning natural settings this state has to offer. I've even managed to sneak away from the campaign trail for a few hours of solitude and fly fishing. We are blessed to live in Colorado. Our pristine wilderness areas, rivers, streams, and forestlands are second-to-none. The same goes for our rich history of hunting, fishing, and sportsmen activities. As governor, I will serve as a stubborn steward of the land. I will provide strong leadership that protects our outdoor heritage for generations to come. I will bring together sportsmen, conservationists, and others to stand up to Washington when necessary. I will seek a balanced approach when it comes to public access and private property rights. And I will make sure that outdoorsmen are well-represented on state boards and commissions.

As the November election draws near, I invite you to get involved in my campaign. We have created a Sportsmen's Page where you can read my Sportsmen and Our Great Outdoors position paper. You also can sign up to volunteer, receive Sportsmen News updates and weekly e-mails, request a yard sign, make a contribution, and view the latest photos and videos from the campaign trail. With your help, we can fulfill what I call the Colorado Promise. Please take action and get involved today!

Independence Day Parades

While Bill joined Creede's July Fourth celebrations, Barbara O'Brien marched in two Independence Day Parades, first in Vail and then later in Frisco.

July 5 - Congressman Beauprez 'Sells Out Western Colorado'

Gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter today accused Congressman Beauprez of being out of touch with Colorado by voting in favor of energy legislation that much of the Western Slope strenuously opposes.

The Congressman co-sponsored H.R. 4761, known as the Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act (DOER). Opponents of the measure object to provisions that:

• Could rapidly accelerate exploration and production of oil shale deposits.
• Unravels the royalty rate process established in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 so that states and local communities could get a drastically reduced share.
• Requires the Bureau of Land Management to process drilling permits within 10 days or pay a fine to energy-company applicants.

"The Congressman proudly claims to be a supporter of local control," Ritter said. "Yet he just voted for a measure that hurts local communities. He claims nobody from local government contacted him beforehand to express concerns. But this was not a big secret. Newspaper editorials, environmental groups, and other members of Colorado's congressional delegation all sounded alarms. The Congressman very clearly was not listening to the people of Western Colorado. Once again, the Congressman is trying to have it both ways. He did it last week by flip-flopping on Amendment 38 and he's doing it again on this. If this is how he represents Colorado in Congress, what will he do as governor? The Junction Daily Blog said it best: `Beauprez sells out Western Colorado.'"

One of the most objectionable pieces of the legislation is the reduction of royalties. The current mineral-extraction royalty rate is 12.5%, with half going to the states for pass-through to local governments to offset the impacts of mineral exploration, development, and production. This new provision could reduce the rate to as low as 1%. In addition, Ritter said that accelerating oil-shale development and forcing the BLM to process permits within 10 days brings back fears of Colorado's boom-and-bust energy cycles, including "Black Sunday" in 1982.

"We absolutely must end our addiction to foreign oil and establish a secure and independent energy future," Ritter said. "But at a time when permit applications are at an all-time high, we need to move cautiously, not with a reckless abandon for water and air quality as well as our communities." Ritter encouraged Colorado's U.S. senators, Wayne Allard and Ken Salazar, to work with their Senate colleagues to reverse the damage caused by Congressman Beauprez and the House before this bill becomes law.

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Additional coverage in the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel - July 5: "Ritter: Beauprez is a 'sellout'

June 30 - Beauprez Flip-Flops on Amendment 38

Media and blog coverage of Beauprez's about-face on Amendment 38:
Denver Post	July 1 article:	"Beauprez slams it into reverse"
Rocky Mountain News	July 1 article:	"Beauprez switches Amendment 38 stand"
ColoradoLib.com	July 1 blog posting:	"Ritter firm on Amendment 38. Beauprez, not so much."
ColoradoPols.com	July 3 blog posting:	"Beauprez fuels 'Both Ways Bob' himself."
Denver Post	July 5 editorial:	"Beauprez should do the right thing again"
Rocky Mountain News	July 5 editorial:	"Never Mind, says Beauprez"
Full statement from Greg Kolomitz, campaign manager for Democratic candidate Bill Ritter, on Congressman Beauprez's Amendment 38 reversal: "Without question, Congressman Beauprez earned his `Both Ways Bob' nickname today. He can expect to wear it around his neck from now until Election Day. And I want a list of every other issue he's going to flip-flop on. We still don't know how the Congressman really feels about Amendment 38. It was politically expedient for him to support Amendment 38 when he faced a Republican primary. Now he doesn't have a primary fight, so he's changing his position based on the political tide, and that's not a responsible leadership quality. Flip-flopping on issues is a Washington-style political tactic. Congressman, Colorado is not Washington D.C. The Congressman's not-so-surprising flip-flop doesn't change the fact that he opposed Ref C and is still supporting Initiative 88. Colorado's business community and moderate Republicans are 180-degrees opposed to Initiative 88 and the Congressman is going to feel the heat. If he thinks flip-flopping on 38 is going to save him, he couldn't be more wrong."

June 30 - Ritter Lauded for Work as District Attorney

Republican DA's Praise Ritter & Deplore Attack Ad

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter denounced a Republican attack ad today, challenging Congressman Beauprez to disavow the statewide radio spot that distorts Ritter's record as District Attorney.

"I'm proud of my record as Denver's District Attorney," said Ritter, who served as Denver's top law enforcer from June 1993 to January 2005. "Our top priority was to protect the citizens of Denver and deliver a nationally recognized level of public safety. We were tough on crime and sent more habitual criminals and other offenders to prison than any other jurisdiction in the state. That includes El Paso County, where Colorado's current attorney general, John Suthers, served as DA. I'm proud of the work that the men and women of the Denver Police Department and Denver District Attorney's Office did while I was DA. This isn't just an attack on me. It's an attack on Denver's entire law enforcement community."

Ritter sent 12,006 defendants to prison while he was DA, nearly double the amount committed to prison by Colorado's other large counties. Jefferson County sent 6,474 and El Paso County sent 6,195 defendants to prison from 1993 through 2004.

Ritter called on Congressman Beauprez to immediately denounce the ads. "Anything short of a public condemnation says to me that he supports it," Ritter said. He encouraged members of the public to phone the congressman's campaign office at 303.996.8388 and urge him to denounce the ad. "For the Republicans to go negative with this kind of attack ad four months before Election Day is a clear sign that Congressman Beauprez is desperate and flailing," Ritter said. "He's trying to divert attention away from his own record. By opposing Referendum C last year - and supporting Initiative 88 and Amendment 38 this year - he's saying that he's not interested in fully funding the court system, the prison system or the state's law officers. The congressman has done nothing to fight crime here in Colorado. He can't have it both ways."

Republican district attorney's immediately deplored the ad's disgraceful mudslinging. "To say Bill is soft on crime is a gross misstatement of facts. His office served not only as a model in Colorado but nationally," said Tom Raynes, district attorney for the 7th Judicial District, which serves Gunnison, Montrose, Delta, Ouray, San Miguel, and Hinsdale counties.

"He's a man of great integrity and character. He did great things for prosecution in Colorado from the minute he took office right before the `Summer of Violence.'" said Larimer County's former Republican district attorney Stu Van Meveren: "I worked with Bill for many years and his integrity is beyond reproach. A district attorney has to make tough decisions and Bill did an outstanding job as Denver's DA."

Additional highlights of Ritter's career as Denver's DA:

• He took 1,632 felony cases to trial. He sought the death penalty seven times.
• He established one of the nation's first drug courts and the first in Colorado.
• His Economic Crimes Unit earned a national reputation and served as a model for the U.S. Attorney's Office. The unit attacked violent street gangs, white-collar criminals, and those who preyed on senior citizens. From 1992 to 2003, cases filed or handled by the Economic Crime Unit increased more than 400%.
• He increased the use of the grand jury in complex and gang cases considerably. Cases charged by grand jury indictments increased from one in 1992 to an average of 43 per year from 1999 to 2003. In 1996, Ritter indicted 10 leaders of the notorious Bloods street gang for racketeering.
• In 1997, long before the public recognised identity theft as a serious problem, he used the grand jury and the racketeering statute to prosecute a gang of identity thieves, sending its leader to prison for 72 years. In 2001 and 2002, Ritter broke up two large identity theft rings, charging more than 70 members of these organizations.
• He created the nation's first Victim Services' Network and was widely praised for his work on domestic and sexual abuse prosecution.
• He served as vice president of the National Association of District Attorneys, chairman of the American Prosecutors Research Institute, and on the board for the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.

June 30 - New Fundraising Mark Reached - Momentum Keeps Building

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter raised more than $360,000 in June, setting a new monthly fundraising record for the campaign. The figure brings the former Denver District Attorney's fundraising total to nearly $1.9 million. From January through May, Ritter out-raised Republican challenger Congressman Beauprez $822,000 to $588,000. That includes $156,000 that Ritter raised in April and $200,000 in May.

"We continue to gain momentum as we campaign in every corner of Colorado," Ritter said. "We're picking up support from business groups who want to preserve the gains we made from the passage of Ref C. We're generating support from our Republican friends across the political aisle who are frustrated with the inaction in Washington and inattentiveness, inconsistencies, and hypocrisies here at home. Outdoorsmen, conservationists, physicians, military veterans, senior citizens, and college students are all rallying around the campaign."

To date, the campaign has received 5,435 contributions - including contributions from 967 new donors in June - with an average donation amount of $257.

"One of the benefits of our strong fundraising numbers is that we've been able to make a significant media buy early in the campaign," campaign manager Greg Kolomitz said. "This allows us to lock in the best TV times at significantly lower rates than we would pay later in the year."

June 29 - RITTER CALLS ON BEAUPREZ TO REJECT WEDGE POLITICS

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter called on Congressmen Beauprez today to reject Washington-style wedge politics and push for speedy federal action on illegal immigration.

"In Colorado, the problem of illegal immigration has caused the governor to call the legislature back into special session, at a cost of $15,000 a day, to continue the pursuit of responsible, substantive immigration reforms," said Ritter. "This speaks to both the urgency of the issue and the importance of taking what limited actions that states can take to address the problem. "But in Washington, where the most meaningful immigration reform must occur, Congressman Beauprez and the Congressional leadership are playing typical wedge politics."

Congressional Republicans are refusing to convene a conference committee to reconcile differences between House and Senate immigration legislation. Instead, they are planning to hold "field hearings" around the country. Congressman Beauprez has joined U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard in asking for a hearing to be held in Colorado.

Ritter challenged Congressman Beauprez to call on Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert to end the stalemate and convene the conference committee.

"The field hearings are nothing more than symbolism over substance," Ritter said. "That's the kind of Washington-style inaction that got us to this place to begin with and it's exactly the kind of hypocrisy that we will not tolerate. Congress must act with the same sense of dispatch that we are moving forward with here in Colorado."