Page 1 of 2

Publication: The Springs Gazette; Date:2006 Feb 08; Section:Metro; Page Number: 14 Salazar backs Ritter for governor

Senator ’s move meant to deter other Democrats

By KYLE HENLEY THE GAZETTE

DENVER - Colorado’s top Democrat, Sen. , urged party loyalists Tuesday to get behind Bill Ritter’s candidacy for governor. Ritter, a former district attorney, is the Democratic front-runner. But he has struggled to find political support within the party because he is opposed to rights. Ritter’s campaign got a boost this week when popular Denver Mayor declined to enter the race, and the endorsement from Colorado’s leading Democrat was another key development. “The Democratic Party needs to get behind Bill Ritter,” said Salazar from the steps of the state Capitol. “He is authentic, he has a backbone and he stands up for what he believes.” Salazar, who defeated beer baron Pete Coors in the 2004 Senate race, said Democrats need to look past the abortion issue. “I think we have a broader common agenda, and I think we need to get beyond the polarization on the issue of abortion,” he said. “I’ll fight against anybody, even those in my own party, who says this ought to be a litmus test for service.” Salazar’s move was clearly aimed at discouraging other Democrats from entering the race. State Rep. Gary Lindstrom, D-Breckenridge, is also running for the Democratic nomination, but he has raised almost no money and is not considered a viable candidate. Ritter hopes Colorado voters will pick up on similarities between himself and Salazar. Both are Catholics with roots in rural Colorado. Both are former prosecutors who have beat-the-odds success stories. Both are political moderates who aren’t afraid to buck the party line. “We see a lot of parallels,” Ritter said. “We have similar roots in many respects . . . and we think alike on the issues we are talking about in this campaign. I believe we can strike the same chords and win the election in the same way.” Ritter has even rented the same building for his campaign headquarters that Salazar used for his Senate run. “The karma is just so good in that building,” Ritter joked. House Majority Leader Alice Madden, D-Boulder, is the only known quantity still mulling a potential candidacy. She had vowed to run if Hickenlooper did not. It was a threat she now admits she hoped never to have to make good on. Ritter’s growing collection of endorsements from Democratic leaders will not factor into her decision, she said. “Frankly, I had convinced myself John Hickenlooper was going to run,” she said. “But it’s not about one person; it is about a vision for our state. I’ve worked for years to make Colorado the best place to raise a family.” Madden said she’ll decide within the next week. She’ll need to move fast if she wants to raise enough money and put together a campaign organization that will give her a shot. Democratic Party leaders say they are trying to keep out of the process. “Every candidate who gets in is fine with us, let people choose,” said Pat Waak, executive director of the Colorado Democratic Party. Two Republicans — 7th District Rep. and former University of Denver president Marc Holtzman, are competing for the GOP nomination.

file://C:\DOCUME~1\wthomas\LOCALS~1\Temp\MRI5BIU6.htm 5/1/2008 Page 2 of 2

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS - Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., center, endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter, left, and his running mate Barbara O’Brien on Tuesday on the steps of the Capitol in Denver.

file://C:\DOCUME~1\wthomas\LOCALS~1\Temp\MRI5BIU6.htm 5/1/2008