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EAGLE, Colorado — Former Colorado Lt. Gov. Jane Norton brought her U.S. Senate campaign to Eagle yesterday.
Norton, a Grand Junction local, is one of the contenders in the crowded field seeking the Republican nomination to run against U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet next year. Other Republican hopefuls include Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck; Denver businessman Cleve Tidwell; Vincent Martinez, of Denver; and Gary D. Kennedy, of Mancos. Norton announced her bid for the Republican nomination on Sept. 15.
She left public office in 2007 when Democrat Bill Ritter became Colorado governor. While Norton said she has enjoyed working in the private sector for the past three years, recent events on the national scene prompted her to enter the Senate race.
“Over the summer, like many Americans, I have become more and more concerned about the direction our country is headed,” she said.
Specifically, Norton cited concerns with the federal stimulus package and the national debate over health care. She cited a current move toward big government, saying such movement is not in the country's best interest.
“My vision is how we can best support small business. Big government is not an appropriate default mechanism,” said Norton.
Norton's Eagle campaign stop brought her to the Dusty Boot and brought out both old friends and new potential supporters.
Jackie Allen Benson, of Gypsum, offered an enthusiastic Norton endorsement. She spoke of working with Norton on a government commission that included both Republicans and Democrats in a cost-cutting effort. She noted Norton, who was then serving as lieutenant governor, was an inspiring leader who approached the work in a thoughtful and pro-active manner.
“I know that every person who was on that committee, whether they are Republicans or Democrats, will be voting for you,” said Benson.
As she crosses the state to share her message in anticipation of the Republican primary, Norton said she has distinguished herself from the other challengers as the only candidate who has been elected to statewide office. She also shared her passion for the work ahead.
“The county I know is being lost. I really feel we are in the fight of our lives,” said Norton.
Norton, a Grand Junction local, is one of the contenders in the crowded field seeking the Republican nomination to run against U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet next year. Other Republican hopefuls include Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck; Denver businessman Cleve Tidwell; Vincent Martinez, of Denver; and Gary D. Kennedy, of Mancos. Norton announced her bid for the Republican nomination on Sept. 15.
She left public office in 2007 when Democrat Bill Ritter became Colorado governor. While Norton said she has enjoyed working in the private sector for the past three years, recent events on the national scene prompted her to enter the Senate race.
“Over the summer, like many Americans, I have become more and more concerned about the direction our country is headed,” she said.
Specifically, Norton cited concerns with the federal stimulus package and the national debate over health care. She cited a current move toward big government, saying such movement is not in the country's best interest.
“My vision is how we can best support small business. Big government is not an appropriate default mechanism,” said Norton.
Norton's Eagle campaign stop brought her to the Dusty Boot and brought out both old friends and new potential supporters.
Jackie Allen Benson, of Gypsum, offered an enthusiastic Norton endorsement. She spoke of working with Norton on a government commission that included both Republicans and Democrats in a cost-cutting effort. She noted Norton, who was then serving as lieutenant governor, was an inspiring leader who approached the work in a thoughtful and pro-active manner.
“I know that every person who was on that committee, whether they are Republicans or Democrats, will be voting for you,” said Benson.
As she crosses the state to share her message in anticipation of the Republican primary, Norton said she has distinguished herself from the other challengers as the only candidate who has been elected to statewide office. She also shared her passion for the work ahead.
“The county I know is being lost. I really feel we are in the fight of our lives,” said Norton.
