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State treasurer announces bid for re-election

2 Dems seek to replace GOP incumbent
Stapleton

DENVER – State Treasurer Walker Stapleton announced his re-election bid Thursday.

Stapleton, a Republican first elected in 2010, will face the winner of the Democratic primary. So far, two Democrats are in the race, former U.S. Rep. Betsy Markey and Broomfield Mayor Pat Quinn.

Stapleton has maintained a low profile as treasurer, and he said he likes it that way.

“My office is not concerned with grabbing headlines, but rather we’ve focused on keeping our head down, safely investing taxpayers’ money, correcting inefficient government policies and serving Colorado’s taxpayers. During my second term, I will continue following these policies,” he said in a news release.

Stapleton made his mark during his first term as a vocal critic of the Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association. He maintains that recent reforms to PERA are not adequate enough to cover $20 billion in unfunded liabilities.

His announcement, which political observers expected, provides Republicans at least one statewide race free of primary-election drama.

Secretary of State Scott Gessler might challenge Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper instead of running for re-election.

Former U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo has also entered the governor’s race on the Republican side.

No Republican has filed papers to replace Gessler if he leaves, but University of Colorado Regent Joe Neguse, a Democrat, is in the race.

Two Republican state senators have lined up to challenge U.S. Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo., and more Republicans are reported to be considering a Senate run.

Stapleton has secured the support of Colorado’s GOP establishment, with the likes of former U.S. Sen. Hank Brown, former Gov. Bill Owens and Denver Broncos executive John Elway signing on to his campaign.

jhanel@durangoherald.com



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