DENVER – Two of Colorado’s Democratic candidates for governor picked up big endorsements Tuesday from former members of Congress from the state, and another candidate showed off her new tattoo.
Cary Kennedy won the endorsement of former U.S. senator and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar Tuesday morning, while former U.S. Rep. Pat Schroeder endorsed Jared Polis in the race.
The Kennedy campaign made the announcement it had picked up Salazar’s endorsement Tuesday morning at its headquarters.
"Cary Kennedy is the best person to lead Colorado in the years ahead. She has a vision to protect our land, water and people,” Salazar said. “It’s time for Colorado to elect a woman governor. My mother and grandmother, daughters and granddaughters, and millions of women in our state have waited long enough.”
Salazar is the former state attorney general, served as a U.S. senator from 2005 to 2009, and was the Interior Secretary under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2013.
Schroeder, who endorsed Polis Tuesday, became Colorado’s first female member of Congress when she was elected in 1972 to serve the state’s 1st congressional district at age 32.
She opted not to seek re-election in 1996, and Diana DeGette succeeded her in the district.
“By electing Jared Polis as our next governor, we’ll be doing more than breaking another barrier; we’ll be sending a fearless, progressive leader to the governor’s office,” Schroeder said in a statement. “I’m inspired by Jared’s plans to bring universal health care to Colorado and make our state a leader in providing paid family leave — and by his unmatched record of turning bold ideas into real results for Colorado families.”
Kennedy and Polis have been picking up big endorsements in recent months ahead of the June 26 primary.
The Colorado Education Association and American Federation of Teachers – Colorado endorsed Kennedy for her education stances and have been very vocal amid teacher protests over the past two weeks. And Polis’s first campaign ad featured U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga.
The two are among four Democrats vying for the gubernatorial nomination after both made the ballot at the state assembly. Mike Johnston qualified for the primary through the ballot petition process, as did Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne.
Lynne unveiled her first campaign ad, called "New Tattoo," Tuesday as well, and announced Sen. Lucia Guzman, former state lawmaker, Penfield Tate, and Jean Galloway had been named as campaign co-chairs.
Johnston has earned endorsements from former Gov. Dick Lamm and former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb, among others.
Another fundraising deadline is coming up that is expected to provide more insight into the cash funds the respective campaigns have heading into the final month before the primary.
