3/17/2005

Denver, Colorado

Reaction from Democrats across the state to Beauprez’s announcement to explore a run for governor in 2006 was strong.  Democrats agree the Beauprez is out of touch with Coloradoans on several key issues.

One key issue that comes to the minds of many people in the Southern and Western parts of the state is Beauprez’s support of Referendum A, better known as the “Save Colorado’s Water Campaign in 2003.  Referendum A was shot down by voters with over 67% of Colorado voters opposing the issue.

Counties that were most affected by Referendum A came out in great numbers to oppose it.  For example in Pueblo County 81% of the voters opposed the Republican backed water conservation plan.   Many voters that opposed the Referendum sited the fact that Referendum A was nothing more than a slush fund for the government.  The referendum would have allocated over 2 billion dollars to water conservation projects, but they supporters were never able to produce a single specific plan.

While Beauprez’s support of Referendum A in 2003 is one example of him being out of touch with the needs of Coloradoans, his voting record as a Congressman from the 7th Congressional District offers many more examples of his allegiance to the Republican agenda and not to the people of Colorado.  Beauprez votes nearly 100% of the time with the Republican Party, more than any other Republican from Colorado.

“The people of Colorado need a governor that understands their needs and will address them without party bias,” said Pat Waak, Colorado Democratic Party Chair.