Bill Ritter for Governor of Colorado

Sept 29 - Rocky Mountain News Endorses Bill Ritter

The Rocky Mountain News today endorsed Bill Ritter for governor. The Rocky is now the third Colorado newspaper to back the former Denver District Attorney.

"This newspaper has watched Ritter under fire and seen him take on new challenges," the Rocky's editorial declares. "In everything he does there's a certain steadiness that we believe Coloradans will find reassuring."

The paper cited Ritter's support for Referendum C; his balanced approach to transportation; his support for higher education and opposition to runaway tuition hikes; his commitment to serve as a gatekeeper of good public policy and not a rubber stamp for partisan legislation; and his promise to surround himself with smart managers.

The Rocky, which endorsed Congressman Beauprez in his two previous runs for the House, said it was disappointed in his gubernatorial campaign, citing Beauprez’s "unconvincing" opposition to Ref C, his "mysterious embrace and then repudiation of Amendment 38, and a couple of verbal gaffes. And for a long time it wasn’t clear why Beauprez even wanted to be governor."

Ritter said he was humbled to have earned the backing of one of Colorado’s largest and most influential media outlets. "I'm grateful that my campaign is continuing to build support all across the state," Ritter said. "This campaign is about fulfilling the Colorado Promise – leaving our children and grandchildren with a better Colorado and making the state a national leader in the 21st century."

"This campaign is not about left vs. right, liberal vs. conservative or blue vs. red," Ritter added. "This campaign is about giving hope and opportunity to all Coloradans, including those who are most cynical about government."

The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel and the Montrose Daily Press endorsed Ritter earlier this month.

Sept 28 - Beauprez Named to 'Dirty Dozen' List Again

Congressman Beauprez has renewed his membership to the notorious "Dirty Dozen" group of enemies of the environment, the first time a gubernatorial candidate has earned a spot on the annual list.

As reported in various media outlets today, the non-partisan League of Conservation Voters on Wednesday announced that the Congressman’s abysmal voting record on environmental issues led to once again naming him a member of Congress's "Dirty Dozen."

The League said the Congressman has issued pro-environment votes just 5 percent of the time during his tenure in Congress. They say the Congressman has voted to:

Exempt some oil and gas activities from water-protection laws.

Reduce royalty revenues going to Colorado communities to manage energy development impacts.

Subsidize oil companies at a time of record-breaking profits.

Oppose energy conservation measures such as increasing miles-per-gallon standards of new cars.

The Congressman’s wildlife relocation plan also continues to be ridiculed as further evidence of his anti-environment ideology. "Asking elk to change migration patterns is not a sound idea, and certainly points to Bob Beauprez's willingness to bend the laws of nature in an effort to further serve special interests," outfitter Jeff Mead said at yesterday’s news conference, according to the Glenwood Post-Independent.

The Congressman first made the “Dirty Dozen” list in 2004. The League of Conservation Voters also has named Beauprez to “Tom's Tainted Team” for his support of now-resigned Republican leader Tom DeLay's anti-environmental agenda and for accepting money from DeLay.

Sept 28 - Rocky Talk Live with Mark Wolf

Rocky Talk Live with Mark Wolf hosted Bill today between 12:15 and 12:45 pm:

Mark_Wolf (Q) You were involved in family notification after the Columbine shootings and later served on the Columbine commission. What kind of memories did the tragedy at Platte Canyon evoke for you?

Bill_Ritter (A) One of my clearest memories of the Columbine shooting is the face of the students at Columbine as they were being evacuated from the school. It was the picture of innocence lost. i feel terribly for the victim's family in the Platte Canyon shooting, and my thoughts and prayers are with them today. I also feel deep sympathy for all of the students who were impacted by yesterday's violence. We need to do all we can as a community to wrap our collective arms around them.

Mark_Wolf (Q) In the wake of what happened at Platte Canyon, would you propose any additional measures relating to school security?

Bill_Ritter (A) I don't feel we know all we need to know about the situation to begin proposing measures to address the situation. I believe we should always be involved in a public dialougue about how we as a society can prevent such tragic incidents.

Mark_Wolf (Q) Via e-mail from Emily: What are your plans to create an alternative energy industry in Colorado. We need energy independence and a new industry which will create jobs here in Colorado.

Bill_Ritter (A) I believe that Colorado is poised to become a leader in the generation and production of renewable energy. We have the resources and the research partners to move forward in the development of wind, solar and biofuel energy. For a more detailed discussion please check out my New Energy Economy plan on my website at www.Ritterforgovernor.com

kristof65 (Q) One of the things that has upset me most about this tradgedy is that already, just over 24 hours after this ordeal began, it is already being politicized with Democrats accusing Repuplicans, and vice versa for "allowing" this to happen. Are you going to politicize this event as well as part of your campaign?

Bill_Ritter (A) No. I will not politicize this incident. This is a tragedy all the way around.

Mark_Wolf (Q) via e-mail from David: If a bill landed on your desk proposing to repeal the "make my day" law, would you sign it? If so, why?

Bill_Ritter (A) I would not sign the bill.

Bobster (Q) I read that your favorite movies are Crash and Blazing Saddles, why those two?

Bill_Ritter (A) I thought Crash dealt with a very sensitive subject -- the right and wrong assumptions we make about people--in a very real and honest way. Blazing Saddles, on the other hand, dealt with the topic of race and race relations, particularly using stereotypes, in a very funny way. I came out of both movies saying "This is one of the best movies I have ever seen."

Mark_Wolf (Q) You were recently the target of a Republican attack ad in which a tearful African-American mother whose 4-year-old daughter was killed by a hit-and-run driver called you a liar and said you'd given the convicted motorist a "slap on the wrist" penalty. While even Republican Attorney General John Suthers has praised your 12-year-record as Denver district attorney, how do you defend yourself against such ads, given that more may be coming?

Bill_Ritter (A) I will continue to respond as I have in the past. I am proud of my record as District Attorney. The people in my office worked very hard every day to protect the community of Denver. While I was the DA, my office sent over 12,000 people to prison. It is not a statistic I brag about, but I don't apologize for it either. I am sad that Trailhead and other Beauprez allies have chosen to exploit the tragic death of a small girl for political gain. Finally, we will do everything we can to point out the false and/or misleading nature of any advertisements, as we did in the ad you mention.

Bill_Ritter (P) I am sorry I was unable to answer all of your questions. I type a little too slowly to be much of a blogger. Thanks for your attention to this race. Bill

Mark_Wolf (P) Thanks to Bill Ritter and for all the good questions.

Sept 27 - Wellington Webb Hosts Ritter Fundraiser

		Former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb hosted a well-attended event for Bill on Wednesday evening.  In his introduction of Bill, Mayor Webb discussed how to increase Denver's level of civic participation and community involvement.  Bill talked about his vision of the Colorado Promise, the plan for moving Colorado forward into the 21st Century with progress on education, health care, and renewal energy.

Sept 26 - Bill Wins COPOPS Endorsement

		On Tuesday evening in Denver, the COPOPS organization hosted an event to announce and celebrate their endorsement of candidates in this year's state elections, including Bill Ritter and Cary Kennedy, Democratic nominee for Colorado State Treasurer. Established in 2003, COPOPS brings public school supporters together to work on electing public school champions who will put Colorado's education priorities into action.

Sept 26 - South Metro Denver Chamber Hosts Bill

This morning, Bill spoke to an attentive group of business leaders at the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce. After talking about his vision for moving Colorado forward into the 21st Century with an emphasis on economic development, Bill answered a range of questions from the group on water policy, education, health care, and the state budget.

Sept 25 - Ritter Unveils Colorado Promise Agenda

Gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter today unveiled his comprehensive policy agenda, a 52-page book titled "The Colorado Promise," his blueprint for establishing Colorado as a national leader in education, health care, jobs, renewable energy, and more.

The book is a compilation of twenty-one position papers and action items. Many have been released separately over the past six months, and the book includes several new ones as well, including plans for statewide Broadband Internet Access, Homeland Security, and Higher Education.

"Fulfilling the Colorado Promise means taking action and solving problems," Ritter said. "It means promising that we will hand over to our children and grandchildren a better Colorado. It means having a vision, providing strong and responsible leadership, and building partnerships that set aside partisan politics and put Colorado's common interests first. It also means creating opportunities for all Coloradans."

"Coupled with my Colorado Opportunity Pledge, 'The Colorado Promise' is my roadmap for Colorado’s future in the 21st century. These ideas are ambitious, and they will require common sense, cooperation and compromise. I grew up in a big family on a small farm where I learned the value of a hard-earned dollar. I understand that taxpayer dollars must be invested wisely and prudently, and that – unlike in Washington – our state must always balance its budget. That philosophy of fiscal responsibility and fiscal restraint is at the core of my promise to Colorado."

A summary of Ritter's top proposals:

EDUCATION: Ritter plans to increase access to early childhood education, improve K-12 student learning, and reduce high school drop-out rates. He intends to provide businesses with the nation's best-educated, home-grown workforce. The "Colorado Promise" agenda calls for:

• Creating a statewide Child Care Report Card.
• Working with school districts to develop teacher cadet programs.
• Establishing a 'Principal Institute.'
• Supporting pay-for-performance and improving teacher recruitment.
• Creating a low-interest home loan program for teachers.
• Streamlining accountability programs.
• Doubling the production of technical certificates and college degrees within 10 years.

HEALTH CARE: With 788,000 Coloradans lacking health insurance, ending this crisis will dominate much of the first year of his administration by:

• Convening all stakeholders and establishing a "Colorado Health Plan," with legislation to be introduced in the 2008 session of the General Assembly. The goal: to improve health-care access, affordability, and quality.
• Taking Colorado from among the worst 10 states for child immunizations to the top 10 within two years.
• Establishing a Small Business Health Insurance Team.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & JOB GROWTH: A strong, vibrant economy is essential for Colorado to grow and prosper. Ritter's "Colorado Promise" calls for:

• Establishing five regional economic development plans for the Eastern Plains, Western Slope, San Luis Valley, mountain resorts and Front Range, and integrating them with a statewide plan.
• Creating a Colorado Jobs Cabinet and a Governor's Council on Innovation.
• Establishing a Broadband Internet Access Infrastructure Council, and ensuring that broadband Internet access is available to all Coloradans.

NEW ENERGY ECONOMY: Colorado is blessed with abundant renewable and traditional energy sources. The "Colorado Promise" agenda calls for establishing the state as a national leader in a New Energy Economy.

TRANSPORTATION: Ritter's "Colorado Promise" calls for:

• Establishing a Transportation Finance and Implementation Panel within my first 90 days in office.
• Hosting a statewide Transportation Summit.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY & THE STATE BUDGET: The "Colorado Promise" calls for providing a more modern and smarter state government by:

• Conducting top-to-bottom performance and financial audits that have generated savings of as much as 6 percent in other states.
• Maximizing federal funding.
• Making investments today that will save more later.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: Ritter's "Colorado Promise" calls for enacting responsible solutions and pressuring Washington D.C. to provide the nation with comprehensive immigration reform.

THE ENVIRONMENT: As a stubborn steward of Colorado's land, air and water, Ritter's "Colorado Promise" places a heavy emphasis on protection and conservation.

WATER: Ritter's "Colorado Promise" lays out plans for a responsible mix of conservation, re-use, efficiency, cooperation, and, upgraded and new water storage when necessary.

The "Colorado Promise" book is posted on the campaign website, www.ritterforgovernor.com. Click here to download a PDF version of "The Colorado Promise." Hard copies also are available by e-mailing info@ritterforgovernor.com or calling 303.534.0660.

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Read more commentary about the Colorado Promise Agenda:

• ColoradoLib.com: Sept 25 - Ritter agenda provides a blueprint for all candidates

Sept 23 - KUSA-TV Requires Group to Delete Misleading Info from Attack Ad

Denver-based TV station KUSA is requiring a Republican campaign committee to re-edit a negative attack ad against Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter and remove misleading information.

The station said it would require Coloradans for Justice to re-cut the ad, which began airing Thursday night. The ad contains inaccurate information about the length of time a defendant served in county jail. A CBS4 "Reality Check" also called portions of the ad "false" and "misleading."

"Bill Ritter’s record as Denver’s District Attorney is certainly open to scrutiny during this campaign," Ritter’s campaign manager, Greg Kolomitz, said today. "But when Congressman Beauprez, the Trailhead Group, Coloradans for Justice, or any other political group mangles the truth, we will demand that they be held accountable and that the record is set straight."

Earlier this month, a Denver television station and a radio station required Trailhead to re-edit another misleading ad that attacked Ritter’s record. Other media outlets around Colorado also have pulled Trailhead ads in other races.

Ritter served as Denver’s District Attorney from 1993 to 2005. He achieved a 95 percent conviction rate and sent more than 12,000 criminals to state prison. His office handled more than 200,000 cases while he as District Attorney, and he received numerous awards for his work on behalf of victims. He created Victim Services 2000, Communities Against Senior Exploitation (CASE) and the Victim Services Network. He also served on the board of Project PAVE (Promoting Alternatives to Violence through Education).

For more on Ritter’s record, click here.

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Read additional articles and commentary about Bill's opponents' callous exploitation of the case in their continuing pattern of distorting his record: (Sorted by date)

• Westword: Sept 28 - Calhoun: Cold. Very Cold. Attack ads heat up the governor's race.
• Colorado Springs Gazette: Sept 27 - Negative ads color race for governor
• Denver Post: Sept 27 - Ritter: Ad exploits victim
• KUSA 9 News: Sept 25 - TRUTH TEST: Ad attacks Ritter on plea bargain
• SquareState.net: Sept 24 - Hypocrisy 101 w/ 'Plea Bargain' Pete Coors
• ColoradoLib.com: Sept 23 - More on the Coloradans for "Justice" ad
• Rocky Mountain News: Sept 23 - Littwin: Trailhead on slippery path with Ritter ad
• Rocky Mountain News: Sept 23 - Trailhead denies Beauprez collaboration in attack ads
• ColoradoLib.com: Sept 22 - Ritter campaign refuses to be Swift Boated
• ColoradoLib.com: Sept 22 - Ritter campaign strikes back at misleading ad
• Denver Post: Sept 22 - Ad watch, 9/22
• CBS4News: Sept 21 - Controversial Political Ad Attacks Bill Ritter
• Pueblo Chieftain: Sept 13 - Foolish Attacks (Letter from former DA Gus Sandstrom)
• Denver Post: Sept 12 - Records are distorted in demon DA ads
• Boulder Daily Camera: Sept 5 - Truth in politics: It's threatened by independent gunslingers
• Denver Post: Sept 5 - Attacks on Ritter called misleading ... stats show his DA record of prison for felons is higher than the national average

Sept 22 - Ritter Releases Third TV Ad

Gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter today launched his third television commercial of the campaign season. The 30-second spot highlights Ritter’s work as a prosecutor and challenges the attacks against his career as Denver’s District Attorney.

The text of the spot:

Announcer: "Newspapers call attacks on Bill Ritter’s record as district attorney ‘misleading,’ ‘distorted,’ ‘twisted.’ So who should be held accountable for these negative attacks on Bill Ritter?"

Congressman Beauprez: "I'm Bob Beauprez. I want you to hold me accountable."

Announcer: "The facts: Bill Ritter had a 95 percent conviction rate and locked up over 12,000 criminals."

Bill Ritter: "For 12 years, my mission was to keep our community safe and to help victims put their lives back together. That’s what I’ll do as governor."

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Read additional commentary about Bill's third TV spot:

• CBS4Denver.com: Ritter Responds To Ads Criticizing His D.A. Record
• SquareState.net: Ritter's New Ad
• ColoradoLib.com: Ritter campaign refuses to be Swift Boated

Sept 22 - Congressman Beauprez Out of Step with Colorado Families

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter accused his Republican rival today of demonstrating a fundamental disregard for Colorado’s families by proposing tax hike after tax hike and unlimited increases in college tuition.

"Congressman Beauprez's nonsensical ideas are exactly the kind of irresponsible Washington budgeting that resulted in the federal debt increasing by $2.5 trillion during his four years in Congress," Ritter said. "In Colorado, we have to balance our budget and live within our means. In Washington, their idea of budgeting means pulling out the credit card and mortgaging our future on the backs of our children and grandchildren."

Over the past few weeks, Congressman Beauprez has proposed increasing the state’s sales tax and accelerating Referendum C’s income-tax cut.

This isn’t the first time the Congressman has proposed increasing the sales tax. In 2003, he co-sponsored a bill (H.R. 25) to replace the nation’s income tax with a national sales tax estimated to be nearly 25 percent on all purchases, including food, medicine, housing, clothes and cars.

Congressman Beauprez also has proposed deregulating the state's higher-education system, which would lead to unchecked increases in college tuition – placing a college education out of reach for even more of Colorado’s young people. It’s a plan even Republican Gov. Bill Owens opposes.

Colorado already has the 17th-highest overall sales-tax burden per capita in the country. Any increase would force consumers to shop online and out-of-state, hurting local retailers. Ritter isn’t the only one questioning the wisdom of the Congressman’s plans.

Here’s what The Denver Post said in a recent editorial: "Beauprez's sales tax hike could very well cost Coloradans jobs in the retail sector - and both sales and income tax revenue in the process. Hiking sales taxes to cut fuel and income taxes could cost Colorado retail jobs, reduce highway funding, and unnecessarily subsidize gas guzzlers. It's a losing trifecta."

Sept 20 - Ritter Fundraising Crosses $3 Million Mark

Democratic candidate raised $200K in first half of September

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter has crossed the $3 million fundraising threshold – another positive sign of Ritter's statewide appeal and forward momentum.

In the Aug. 31 to Sept. 13 filing period, Ritter raised $197,000 and had $86,000 cash on hand. Through Sept. 13, Ritter has raised $2.9 million. He reached the $3 million mark on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

Ritter, Denver's former District Attorney, set a new statewide fundraising record in August with a $606,000 total. "Bill's fundraising strength is simply a reflection of how well he’s connecting to voters across the state," campaign manager Greg Kolomitz said. "Bill has a clear plan about how to lead Colorado in the 21st century. That plan is called The Colorado Promise – the promise that we will leave our children and grandchildren a better Colorado."

"Voters are tired of negative attack ads and partisan, Washington-style politics. They want someone like Bill Ritter who will solve problems and make Colorado a national leader in education, health care, jobs and renewable energy," Kolomitz said.

January to March:	$465,000
April:	$156,000
May:	$200,000
June:	$360,000
July 1-12:	$121,000
July 13-26:	$106,000
July 27-Aug. 30:	$606,000
Aug. 31-Sept. 13:	$197,000
Fundraising Total: (As of Sept. 13)	$2.9 million

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Read additional articles and commentary about Bill's fundraising success:

• ColoradoPols.com: Ritter Raises $3 Million
• Denver Post: Ritter fundraising lead now at half a million
• Rocky Mountain News: Ritter fundraising passes $3 million

Sept 19 - Pueblo Field Coordinator Rolls into Action

The Ritter Campaign is pleased to announce that Sylvia Marez-Fransua will serve as its Pueblo Field Coordinator, based at the offices of the Pueblo County Democratic Party. 305 N. Santa Fe, Pueblo CO 81003 719-542-1757 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sept 19 - Colorado Economy Focus of Second TV Ad

Gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter today launched his second television commercial of the campaign season. The 30-second spot features Ritter’s personal background and his commitment to fiscal responsibility.

As Denver’s District Attorney from 1993 to 2005, Ritter oversaw a budget that exceeded $15 million a year and hundreds of employees. He earned a national reputation for innovative financial planning, including maximizing the use of federal grants.

Ritter’s fiscal responsibility plan for a “Smarter State Budget” is posted on his campaign website.

Sept 16 - Children Shine with Ritter Sign

(Photos courtesy of Suzie Boyd.)

Sept 14 - Grand Junction Daily Sentinel Endorses Bill

Colorado, West Slope best served by Bill Ritter

Thursday, September 14, 2006

We noticed that both Bill Ritter and Bob Beauprez were wearing their cowboy boots when they trekked to Grand Junction last weekend to face off in the traditional, quadrennial gubernatorial debate sponsored by Club 20. Whew! Lucky for them. Had either one of the candidates been wearing anything so gauche as wingtips or penny loafers, they risked kissing the Western Slope vote good-bye.

Among the entertaining aspects of the political campaign season — at least with respect to stumping for votes on the Western Slope — is the degree to which candidates go in their efforts to convince voters that their cowboy boots really fit, that they really are the best person to represent all Coloradans and stand foursquare against all that is e-e-e-vil in the state’s political culture. We’re talking, of course, about big, bad Denver.

The Beauprez camp has sought to define Democrat Ritter as the big-city Denver guy while touting their ticket’s geographical diversity and self-proclaimed nexus with all of us hoi polloi out in the state’s hinterlands from Burlington and Grand Junction.

Well, we see little geographical distinction between a suburban Denver congressman like Beauprez and a former Denver district attorney like Ritter. In point of fact, on issue after issue of central importance to Western Slope voters and all Coloradans, Ritter is the substantially better candidate. And even though we have little doubt that GOP-friendly Mesa County will favor Beauprez come Nov. 7, we heartily endorse Ritter for governor.

We don’t hold it greatly against Beauprez that he was a staunch supporter of Referendum A two years ago, the $2-billion ballot question to build unspecified water projects throughout the state that failed to pass muster within any one of Colorado’s 64 counties. To be sure, as Denver’s district attorney, Ritter played no active opposition role against the misbegotten ballot question. What’s far more important than the candidates’ views regarding a two-year-old ballot question is the clarity of both men’s view about water development today.

While both candidates clearly understand that an adequate water supply for all areas of the state is an issue of transcendent importance, Ritter makes it quite clear that he doesn’t believe transmountain water diversions from the Western Slope should be the answer to the Front Range’s water supply problems. Beauprez’s position on transmountain water diversions is far more ambiguous than Ritter’s, something that is not greatly surprising given the GOP candidate’s natural inclination to support Referendum A.

Equally troubling is Beauprez’s clear-cut willingness to put the interests of the Bush administration’s domestic energy agenda, a legitimate enough concern as a public policy abstract, over the interests of the communities of Palisade and Grand Junction to keep their high-quality municipal watersheds free from natural gas drill rigs. Ritter, to his very great credit, has made it clear that, as governor, he would throw his support to Palisade and Grand Junction.

Really, now. On the issue of water alone, which candidate is the Front Range candidate and which guy is the statewide candidate? We think the answer is obvious.

Worrisome as Beauprez’s water positions are from a provincial West Slope perspective, we find them a study in logic compared to his willingness to co-sponsor legislation in Congress that, among other ill-considered provisions, proposed sharp reductions in the royalty payments paid by oil shale companies. Those revenues are crucial to help areas like Western Colorado accommodate all the many demands a burgeoning energy industry places on the public infrastructure. The same legislation sought to put oil shale development on a fast track, at a time when responsible companies like Shell Oil frequently say that they intend to be very deliberate in developing the company’s Mahogany Project in the Piceance Basin north of Rifle before making a commercial production decision late in this decade.

For his part, Ritter has taken a stance of clear opposition to the bill that Beauprez is so willing to co-sponsor with pedal-to-the-metal oil shale booster, Rep. Richard Pombo of California. (Is there political hay to reap by casting a Colorado congressman as the political soulmate of those ne’er-do-well, down-basin congressmen from California? Just wondering.)

We don’t believe that Ritter is correct on every single public-policy issue. We find it troubling that he is not willing to oppose a ballot question raising the statewide minimum wage to $6.85 an hour. We could support that. What’s crazy is putting the minimum wage in Colorado on automatic pilot by tying it to annual increases in inflation for every year thereafter.

And we admit to a fondness for checks and balances in government and are persuaded by arguments that if Coloradans choose to elect Ritter while keeping both houses under majority control Ritter’s fellow party members, we do so at our own risk. Well, Colorado survived the depredations of an entirely GOP-dominated legislature and executive branch of government before the 2004 election quite nicely, thank you. The state will survive quite nicely under a Gov. Bill Ritter as well.

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Click here to visit the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.

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Read additional commentary about the Daily Sentinel's endorsement:

• ColoradoPols.com: Sept 14 - Grand Junction Sentinel Endorses Bill Ritter
• SquareState.net: Sept 14 - GJ Sentinel's Ritter endorsement official

Sept 13 - Montrose Daily Press Endorses Bill Ritter

Ritter for governor

Daily Press Editorial

With Gov. Bill Owens departing this November, change is coming to Colorado. It is in the hands of voters to make sure it’s a change for the better — and they can do that by voting for Bill Ritter.

Ritter, a former Denver-area district attorney, has much to recommend him.

He’s scrappy and, having supported his family as a teenager, knows that hard work is more than just a good sound bite for the campaign trail. He’s honest in his personal views concerning abortion, but willing to support the law of the land, Roe v. Wade, over his personal agenda. Ritter supported Referendum C, which temporarily set aside portions of the crippling Taxpayers Bill of Rights so the state could dig itself out of a fiscal hole.

By contrast, Bob Beauprez opposed Referendum C. And while in Congress, he voiced support for Referendum A, a water storage measure with few specifics, which West Slope legislators rightly feared would send our water to the Front Range. Of late, it’s also been hard to overlook how often his foot turns up in his mouth.

We also like Ritter’s progressive stance on crime. Though the Beauprez camp has dismissed Ritter’s work as DA as "hug a thug" policies, Ritter tackled white collar criminals as well as the "thugs." He also strengthened protection and services for crime victims and served as a federal prosecutor. His plea-bargain rate, about 97 percent, compares to the going rate across the state and reflects a judicial reality. A plea bargain is not a gift to a perpetrator; it is a tool that holds him or her responsible while sparing taxpayers the expense of a trial.

Supporters also say Ritter would fight for non-Metro areas’ federal Highway User Tax Funds. The HUTF money helps maintain the roads on which we all drive — and upon which so many Montrose and other West Slope residents depend. There have been pushes to change the way in which HUTF money is allocated, by tying it to population or vehicle registration numbers. That would be a disaster in rural Colorado, which does not have the population base to compete with the metro area and Front Range.

"If we change the funding to that, we lose," outgoing Republican Rep. Mark Larson says. Larson was one of several Republicans to cross the aisle to endorse Ritter; others include former Rep. Bill Kaufman and former Rep. Jim Johnson.

Beauprez suggested cutting the state income tax from 4.62 to 4.5 percent — while he also suggested Colorado replace its 22-cent gas tax with a 1-percent sales tax increase. The proposal would, in fairness, raise more money, and the gas tax is, as Beauprez said, a declining revenue source. It’s still a tax increase. And his first proposal would hack more than $130 million from the transportation budget, while the second proposal seems an attempt to cover the first. Heck, not even Douglas Bruce liked the idea.

Beauprez’s congressional record leaves much to be desired as well; we cannot forget that he voted to make the Patriot Act permanent, or that he supported tax breaks for the wealthy.

Each candidate has drawbacks and advantages. To hardline conservatives, Beauprez doubtless has appeal, as does his choice for lieutenant governor. Hardline liberals may balk at Ritter’s abortion stance. But for those who want their governor to represent all of Colorado’s diverse interests, Ritter is the best choice.

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Click here to visit the Montrose Daily Press.

Sept 13 - Ritter: Roadless Areas Deserve Interim Protections

Gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter today called for interim protections for Colorado’s 4 million acres of roadless forest areas while state and federal officials review the recommendations from Colorado’s Roadless Area Task Force.

"The Bush administration promised the states last year that roadless areas would be protected during the review process," Ritter said. "The process is far from over, but the federal government already has gone back on its word once and is about to do it again in November. States must be able to retain control – as promised – in this process."

The Bureau of Land Management put about 15,000 to 20,000 acres of Colorado roadless areas on the auction block for possible oil-and-gas development last month. Another lease sale is scheduled for November. When Colorado’s 13-member bi-partisan task force issued its final recommendations to Gov. Owens earlier this Monday, it did not ask for interim protections. But Ritter is calling on Owens to request such protections from the federal government. Owens has until Nov. 13 to submit Colorado’s final recommendations to the federal government. He can forward the Task Force’s proposal as is or make modifications. Nearly all of the 3,020 comments submitted to the task force called for interim protections. It could take the federal government up to two years to finalize rules for which tracts of federal lands can be opened for development of new roads, which will support activities such as logging, mining and oil-and-gas drilling.

"It is vital that we protect our roadless forest areas while the federal government makes a final determination about which roadless areas to open for development," Ritter said. "We have too much to lose if we don’t."

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Read additional commentary and articles about protecting Colorado's roadless areas: (Sorted by date)

• ColoradoLib.com: Sept 13 - Ritter sticks up for Colorado rights, roadless lands
• Grand Junction Daily Sentinel: Sept 12 - Roadless group: Protect all state’s 4.4 million acres
• Telluride Daily Planet: Sept 7 - State’s roadless areas are still in question

Sept 13 - Beauprez Skipping Congressional Votes

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter today criticized Congressman Beauprez for continuing to draw his congressional salary even though he clearly is no longer representing the people of the 7th Congressional District.

"The Congressman yesterday announced his 'Colorado Accountability Pledge' so that the people of Colorado can hold him accountable should he win this election," Ritter said. "Let's hold him accountable today: Why is he collecting a taxpayer salary even though the people of the 7th CD are clearly getting nothing in return?"

"The Congressman likes to say that people should get a dollar's worth of value for every dollar they pay in taxes," Ritter added. "Since the taxpayers aren't getting a dollar's worth of value from the Congressman, he should return the taxpayers’ money."

Members of Congress earn a base salary of $165,200 a year. Congress returned to session after a five-week summer recess on Sept. 5. Congressman Beauprez skipped all of last week’s session and as of Tuesday had not returned to Washington. He has missed 11 votes in less than two weeks.

Among the votes he missed were measures to help lower the costs of prescription drugs for veterans (HR 5122) and to re-authorize the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (HR 5539) – both of which would have direct impacts here in Colorado.

Back in January, a Denver Post editorial criticized the Congressman for abandoning Colorado to run for governor. "The Congressman has most certainly abandoned the people of his district – and now he's abandoned veterans and the conservation and sportsmen communities over his recent missed votes," Ritter said. "He should either return to Congress or return the taxpayers’ money. He can’t have it both ways."

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Read additional articles and commentary on this topic:

• ColoradoLib.com: Sept 13 - Beauprez accountability pledge three weeks too late
• Rocky Mountain News: Sept 13 - Beauprez's 'accountability' plan contrasts with Ritter's
• SquareState.net: Sept 13 - Ritter: "Return your pay check, Both Ways Bob!"

Sept 10 - Ritter Triples Beauprez Fundraising In August

Ritter generated $606K, compared with Congressman’s $217K

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter nearly tripled Congressman Beauprez’s fundraising totals in August, another indication of Ritter’s statewide strength and momentum with less than 60 days until the election.

According to today’s Colorado Springs Gazette, the Republican Congressman raised just $217,000 in August, bringing his fundraising total for the entire campaign to $2.3 million. Ritter raised $606,000 in August, for a total of $2.7 million raised since last year and catapulting him solidly into the fundraising lead.

"Bill’s statewide strength is growing and growing as the election gets closer and closer," Ritter campaign manager Greg Kolomitz said. "He’s now traveled to each of Colorado’s 64 counties at least once and voters are really excited about Bill’s plan to fulfill the Colorado Promise and establish Colorado as a 21st leader in education, health care, jobs, transportation, and renewable energy."

Ritter has out-raised Congressman Beauprez all year. Here are Ritter’s fundraising totals broken down by reporting period:

• January to March: $465,000
• April: $156,000
• May: $200,000
• June: $360,000
• July 1-12: $121,000
• July 13-26: $106,000
• July 27-Aug. 30: $606,000

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Read articles and commentary about the campaign's fundraising efforts: (Sorted by date)

• Rocky Mountain News: Sept 12 - Fundraising gap grows
• Colorado Springs Gazette: Sept 10 - Beauprez — a downward spiral?
• ColoradoPols.com: Sept 10 - Beauprez Raises Just $216,520
• WashParkProphet Blog: Sept 10 - Beauprez In Big Trouble
• CBS4News.com: Sept 6 - Ritter Donations Triple Over Previous Month (AP story)
• Rocky Mountain News: Sept 5 - Ritter pulls in $606,000 in August
• Colorado Pols: Sept 5 - Ritter Raises $600,000 in August

Sept 9 - Democrats Rally at Mesa State College

Bill joined other Democratic candidates, including Gail Schwartz and Congressman John Salazar, for a rally at Mesa State College in Grand Junction.
	Click the play button in the play-back bar above to listen to Bill's remarks. (Length: 4 minutes. Your computer will require an MP3 player, such as the Quicktime player, if the play-back bar is missing.)

John Salazar Campaign	Gail Schwartz Campaign
Democrat John Salzar is running for re-election in Colorado's Congressional District 3. Click here to visit the John Salazar campaign website and learn more about his re-election effort or call 719-584-2004 for more information.	Gail Schwartz is the Democratic candidate for Colorado Senate District 5. Click here to visit the Gail Schwartz campaign website and learn about her candidacy or call 970-925-3013 for more information.
Photo and audio courtesy of Edward Stern with Gail Schwartz campaign.

Sept 9 - Club 20 Debate Contrasts Candidates

On Saturday, the Club 20 debate was a huge success for Bill. Bill scored major points questioning the Congressman about his "elk training and relocation plan." Bill also spoke passionately about issues important to the Western Slope, such as protecting the watersheds of local communities.

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Read additional articles about the debate:

• Grand Junction Daily Sentinel: Sept 10 - Ritter rips Beauprez’s ‘elk training’ initiative
• Colorado Springs Gazette: Sept 10 - Raising taxes hot topic at governor debate
• Pueblo Chieftain: Sept 10 - Governor candidates trade barbs
• Montrose Daily Press: Gubernatorial candidates square off at debate

Sept 8 - Ritter Supporters Rally Before Tech Forum

			Campaign supporters came out this morning to show their enthusiasm before the Gubernatorial Technology Community Forum. Bill and his opponent, Congressman Beauprez, addressed the topics of economic development, renewable energy, and technology before a group of high tech CEOs and venture capitalists.

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Read an article about the technology forum:

• Denver Post: Sept 11 - Gubernatorial rivals tackle tech

Sept 7 - Reality Rally for CDA Forum

	Location: Rally at the Construction Design Alliance Forum Speer Boulevard, Denver Poster slogans: "Wanna Donut?" "Substance Trumps Fantasy"

Sept 6 - Crime Victims and Victims Advocates Support Ritter

As Denver’s DA, Ritter raised the bar for victim advocacy and established programs that still serve as statewide and national models.

Crime victims and victim advocates declared their support for gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter today, praising his work as a visionary whose initiatives set a standard for decades to come.

"Bill Ritter was tough and he never forgot who the victim was. He was at my side every time I needed information. He was a prosecutor’s dream and I feel privileged he was on my case," said Jeanne Elliott, who was shot and paralyzed 20 years ago. Ritter prosecuted her assailant.

Ritter, who served as Denver’s District Attorney from 1993 to 2005, was hailed for helping to establish numerous programs and protocols to help victims. Many of those programs continue to serve as models for similar efforts across the state and around the country. Programs that Ritter helped create include a Victim Services Network, the Denver Children’s Advocacy Center, a Sexual Assault InterAgency Task Force, and a Domestic Violence Early Intervention Program.

Robin Finegan, a victim’s advocate for the past 17 years, said Ritter left a lasting legacy. “Bill Ritter’s leadership still propels us toward a new way of doing things. He encourages and teaches us to see what we can do, instead of looking at how hard it is to do,” Finegan said. “Because of Bill’s leadership, it is kindness, compassion and service that will have the last word here."

Joanne Alford said Ritter and his office prosecuted the man who swindled her 102-year-old aunt out of her life’s savings, worth an estimated $3 million. “There was never any talk of a plea bargain – ever,” Alford said. “We got justice and a crook was convicted."

"Bill has set the vision for victim rights for decades to come," said Dora-Lee Larson, director of the Denver Domestic Violence Council. "We need his vision, we need his type of participatory inclusion. We need Bill Ritter in the governor’s office to continue his work on behalf of victims."

"Bill Ritter will make sure victims are a priority in the governor’s office, just as he has done throughout his career of public service,” said Norm Early, who preceded Ritter as Denver’s District Attorney and served as emcee at today’s news conference.

Ritter said he was humbled to receive the public blessing of victims and advocates. He said he made it a priority to reduce the trauma that victims experience both at the hands of criminals and often again at the hands of the criminal-justice system.

"It is a special privilege to work on behalf of victims and hopefully help them navigate through tragedy and find their way to triumph,” Ritter said.

Other speakers at today’s announcement included:

• Yolanda Swatco, whose 8-year-old son was killed by a drunken driver.
• Gizane Indart, executive director, Denver Children’s Advocacy Center.
• Joe Canota, whose daughter was the victim of a domestic-violence killing.
• Matt Hogan, child advocate.

Ritter’s record of leadership advocating for victims:

• 1992 – 2004 − Project P.A.V.E. (Promoting Alternatives to Violence Through Education), Service Award
• 1992 - 2004 − Project P.A.V.E., Leadership Award for 12 years of board leadership
• 1998 − Denver Victim Service Center, Norm Early Victims Rights Award
• 1999 − Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, Outstanding Victims Services Program
• 2000 − Denver SafeHouse Award
• 2003 − Colorado Department of Human Services, Appreciation Award for Adult Protective Services training
• 2004 − FBI Appreciation Award for Outstanding and Dedicated Service to Young People
• 2004 − Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, Exemplary Leadership Award
• 2005 − Colorado Children’s Campaign, Champion for Kids
• 2004 − Denver Children's Advocacy Center Award
• 2004 - Domestic Violence Task Force Award

For additional information about Ritter’s record as District Attorney, click here.

Sept 6 - Ritter Launches Grassroots House Parties

Gubernatorial contender Bill Ritter today announced a new grassroots House Party fundraising program that will let thousands of Coloradans directly help his statewide candidacy. The "50 for 50" initiative, which suggests a $50-per-person fundraising goal, kicks off today on Ritter's 50th birthday.

The Internet-supported program allows supporters to host their own modest fundraising event with the support of a web-based house party kit from Ritter’s campaign website, www.ritterforgovernor.com. The program will debut statewide tonight. House parties will be held across Colorado, and each party will connect by phone for a special kick-off conference call with Ritter. House Party hosts also will be provided with a special five-minute campaign DVD to play during their parties.

"Thousands of people across Colorado want to do more than just vote for Bill," Ritter campaign manager Greg Kolomitz said. "People are constantly asking us, 'What can I do to help?' Hosting a fundraising party for friends, family and neighbors is an easy way to get involved, to make a difference in Colorado’s future and to help fulfill the Colorado Promise."

Kolomitz said every dollar raised will help spread Ritter’s message across the state. The campaign has raised $2.7 million thus far, including $600,000 in August.

The House Party program guides hosts through the process of putting together a successful event. Fundraising goals are low, and the program is designed to include as many people as possible in the campaign without any fundraising pressure, Kolomitz said.

Sept 5 - Bill Ritter ... Always the Nice Guy

On Tuesday, Bill offered donuts to the Congressman's supporters before the Channel Six debate, but no one accepted the food. (Photo courtesy of Linda Drake.)

Sept 5 - Bill Ritter's First TV Ad

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Read commentary and reactions to Bill's first television ad:

• Denver Post Blog: Sept 5 - Dan Haley: Ritter goes up on TV

Sept 4 - Final County Rally in Leadville

Bill and Barbara celebrated with about 75 people in Leadville late Monday afternoon, marking the fact that Bill has visited all 64 Colorado counties at least once during the campaign. Lake County – "the county that labor built" – was a fitting final county. "There’s no better place to finish than the highest county in the state of Colorado," Bill said. Bill and his wife, Jeannie, honeymooned in Lake County back in November 1983. The crowd was treated to music (including Johnny Cash’s "I've Been Everywhere," performed by musician and campaign finance deputy director Mark Lyda), cake, and balloons. "This election marks a turning point for Colorado," Bill said. "This election will determine what sort of state we will leave for our children and the generations to come. This election is about fulfilling the Colorado Promise, about making the right kind of decisions for our future, and making a difference in the lives of our children and their children. It’s a promise built around education reform, fixing our health care system, creating jobs, and becoming a leader in renewable energy."

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Read Dan Slater's account of the rally posted on Demnotes.com: "The Town that Was Built by Labor"

Sept 4 - Bill Visits Chaffee County

	Bill stopped in Salida on Monday morning. He spoke to around 100 supporters on the bank of the Arkansas River under clear blue skies. Afterward, he took time for a quick fishing stop – then went to Leadville for the "Final County" rally!

Sept 3 - Bill Visits Crowley and Costilla Counties

	On Sunday, Bill met with residents in Crowley County where they talked about the prison, jobs, the economy, transportation, immigration, water, and the future of farming in Colorado. Bill told the group, "My soul is at rest here on the Eastern Plains."
	Later he met about twenty Costilla County folks at All Gon Pizza in Fort Garland.

Sept 3 - Colorado State Fair Fiesta Parade

On Sunday, Bill and Barbara O'Brien marched with over fifty people in Pueblo.

Sept 1 - Candidates Attend First Friday Art Walk

Photos courtesy of Linda Drake.		Check out that baby's Ritter sticker!

Sept 1 - Bill Discusses His Work as DA

"As expected, the Republicans have gone up on TV with their first negative attack ad. They're attacking my record as District Attorney. They're twisting numbers, distorting the truth, and using Washington-style politics to attack my record here in Colorado." "I'm proud of my record. We put more than 12,000 criminals in prison, and had a 95% conviction rate. Those aren't numbers I brag about, but I don't apologize for them either. We protected the public and we served the taxpayers well." "Rest assured we will not let these attacks go unchallenged, but more importantly, we will continue to frame this race the way we want to frame it. This race is about fulfilling the Colorado promise. It's about the future and leaving our children and grandchildren with a 21st Century Colorado we can be proud of." "Thank you for your support."

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Read additional articles and commentary about the distortions in Trailhead's TV ad:

• ColoradoConfidential.com: Sept 5 - Biting the Bullet
• ColoradoConfidential.com: Sept 3 - Dem Party Chair Sends Trailhead Complaint to Denver DA
• ColoradoConfidential.com: Sept 3 - Trailhead Denounces Trailhead
• ColoradoLib.com: Sept 3 - Ritter vs. the Trailhead Group
• ColoradoLib.com: Sept 1 - Bill Ritter wins police endorsement
• Denver Post: Sept 5 - Attacks on Ritter called misleading ... stats show his DA record of prison for felons is higher than the national average
• Rocky Mountain News: Sept 2 - True or false? TV ad ripping Ritter on his record as DA
• SquareState.net: Sept 5 - Trailhead, Suthers Want It Both Ways
• SquareState.net: Sept 2 - Bill Ritter will not be Swift-boated

Sept 1 - GOP Prosecutors Denounce Trailhead Attack Ad

Colorado Fraternal Order of Police endorses Ritter as tough crime-fighter

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter and Republican prosecutors from around Colorado today denounced the latest attack on Ritter's record as Denver District Attorney. The attack was launched last night in the form of a new 30-second TV spot paid for by the Trailhead Group.

"My record as a prosecutor is crystal clear: Our office won a conviction in 95 percent of the felony cases we filed," said Ritter, who today was endorsed by the Colorado Fraternal Order of Police for his commitment to public safety and crime-fighting. "We sent more than 12,000 criminals -- murderers, rapists, violent gang members, and other habitual offenders -- to prison. These aren't numbers that I brag about, but they also aren't numbers that I apologize for. We protected the public