Nine of ten Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate have agreed to appear at a forum Sunday at west Denver’s Barnum Park, located near 6th Ave. and Federal Blvd.
Their expected opponent, U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO), has not told organizers whether he’ll also be present.
The event is hosted by Indivisible Denver, which aims to empower citizens to advocate for progressive values, in conjunction with Indivisible Front Range Resistance – another area progressive group.
“Each candidate will be asked to pick an issue out of a basket and address it,” a news release said, “ensuring their stump speeches highlight a particular issue of concern for Colorado.”
The “event is intended to introduce all declared candidates to the public to help build community and engagement with voters,” according to the news release, which also states that “attendees are encouraged to bring their own food and drink and participate in lawn games.”
The event is mostly about increasing awareness around the campaign, said Tania Van Pelt of Indivisible Denver.
“We want to get Coloradans engaged with the candidates and issues that matter to all of us,” she said, “so we can make an informed decision in the coming election year.”
As of now, the nine Democratic candidates in attendance will be: Dan Baer, Diana Bray, Ellen Burnes, Lorena Garcia, Mike Johnston, Alice Madden, Andrew Romanoff, Stephany Rose Spaulding, and John Walsh.
Van Pelt said Trish Zornio will not be able to make it.
“This is a nonpartisan event designed to boost interest, voter turnout, and engagement in the next election cycle,” Van Pelt said.
The picnic will begin at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, June 9, at 360 Hooker St. in Denver followed by the forum at 5:15 p.m. The event is expected to be over by 8 p.m.
