It’s past time for reporters to start asking more key Colorado candidates where they stand on Trump.
Don’t yowl that it’s an unfair question, somehow beyond-the-pale partisan because Trump is so unpopular in Colorado and not relevant to state races.
If that’s what you think, you’re wishing you lived in a different America.
Trump’s presidency permeates every single political race and decision in our country, affecting every aspect of government and related issues (Bill of Rights, courts, press, FBI, EPA, voting, and so much more). His rhetoric and style upend civil discourse.
Whether you agree with that or not, you have to admit that Trump is a revolutionary-type force in our country.
As such, the opinions of all candidates about Trump should available to voters.
I don’t mean to say journalists have ignored candidates’ views on Trump, but the reporting has been spotty and, in the legislative races, it’s been absent in many cases, even in the state senate races that are so critical in this election.
I’ve scoured the public record, and called candidates, to find out which Colorado Republicans voted for Trump. Will they do so again? What do they like and don’t like about what he’s done? (I’m assuming Democrats oppose Trump.)
Objectively, these are legitimate questions for any candidate in the year 2018. Yet, many Republicans in key Colorado races have yet to answer them. Here’s what we know so far.
GOVERNOR
Walker Stapleton (embraced Trump’s endorsement. Wants Trump to campaign with him here in Colorado)
Lang Sias (backs Trump now and is already dedicated to voting for him in 2020)
U.S. CONGRESS
U.S. Rep. Ken Buck (backed Trump in 2016; 88 percent pro-Trump voting record)
U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (voted for Pence in 2016; 96 percent pro-Trump voting record)
U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn (backed Trump in 2016; 94 percent pro-Trump voting record)
U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton (backed Trump in 2016; 96 percent pro-Trump voting record)
COLORADO ATTORNEY GENERAL
George Brauchler (says we’re “in pretty damn good hands” with Trump; voted for him)
COLORADO SECRETARY OF STATE
Wayne Williams (expressed support for Trump’s candidacy)
COLORADO TREASURER
Brian Watson (supports Trump)
KEY STATE SENATE RACES
Beth Martinez Humenik of Thornton — (unknown, but she praised Trump’s Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke)
Christine Jensen of Wheat Ridge — (did not respond to a voice message asking for her views on the Trump presidency)
Olen Lund of Paonia — (did not respond to a voice message asking for his views on the Trump presidency)
Tim Neville of Littleton — (a loyal Trump backer, who celebrated Trump’s “Year of Greatness”)
Tony Sanchez of Lakewood — (did not respond to a voice message asking for his views on the Trump presidency)
KEY STATE HOUSE RACES
Kristina Alley of Lakewood — (voted for Trump)
Grady Nouis of Westminster — (stands with Trump 100%)
Toren Mushovic of Greenwood Village — (did not respond to a voice message asking for his views on the Trump presidency)
Kit Roupe of Colorado Springs — (wrote in 2016, “I ask you to vote and to vote for Trump.“)