COLORADO, USA — It is primary election eve, so be sure to do some stretching. That is particularly true for elected Democrats in the state who are performing verbal gymnastics and contortions.
In a rare move for contested primaries, several prominent Democrats, including Gov. Jared Polis, have chosen to let voters know who they would pick in races between two Democrats.
The June primary election will not determine the balance of power in state politics.
It will, however, help make clear, if Democrats move farther to the left or come back toward the center by ousting progressive Democrats from their seats.
For example, State Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver, has a Democratic primary against challenger Sean Camacho.
Earlier this month, Polis endorsed Camacho over Epps.
When asked if he had ever endorsed in a contested primary before, and if it were appropriate, a spokeswoman for his office said she would refer us to the “campaign side.” What campaign? He cannot run for governor again.
Nonetheless, Laura Warren, who helps with Polis’ 'political side' said in an email, “He has endorsed in the past, but this is the first time that he has endorsed against an incumbent legislator. The Governor has made these decisions based on who he believes will help continue making Colorado the best place to live, work and raise a family.”
“I don’t think that decision is up to me, and I don’t think it’s up to anyone in the Democratic Party except for the voters,” Shad Murib, Colorado Democratic Party Chairman, said. “We’re not endorsing in any primaries because my job is to build as strong a Democratic Party as possible to have a successful November election.”
Murib likely has his own opinions on who should win contested Democratic primaries. He just has not announced his preferences.
“My personal preferences don’t matter nearly as much as the voters’ personal preferences, and they collectively get to choose who the nominees are, and I trust the voters to make great decisions on behalf of the Democratic Party,” Murib said.
“I would say that the candidates that I have endorsed have demonstrated that they are good at agreeing and also disagreeing,” State Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, said.
Bird, who is chair of the powerful Joint Budget Committee, posted on social media several of her endorsements for the Democratic primary, including Camacho over Epps.
“I will make clear that the people I have endorsed, I do not agree with them on all issues,” Bird said. “I don’t want to work with the person just with whom I always agree. It also matters to me how people disagree.”
Bird said she had not endorsed in a contested Democratic state legislative primary in the past.
“I have done this in an effort to be helpful to those who have asked,” Bird said. “To the extent that the candidates I’ve initially supported don’t prevail, I will be working hard to make sure that I build those relationships and get to know the ultimate successor and victor.”
How would Bird respond to a colleague who, if she were in a contested primary, told voters to pick the other person?
“The way I hope I would see that is that it would be my job, once I was elected, to go get to know those legislators who didn’t support me and show them why I am the best person for the job,” Bird said.
On Tuesday, Murib said he will try to attend several election watch parties, including parties for candidates that are competing against each other.
“If they win, we’re excited to welcome them into the fold, and if someone isn’t successful, I want to make sure that they still have a place in our movement,” Murib said.
Unlike the Colorado Democratic Party, the Colorado Republican Party has endorsed in several contested Colorado Congressional District races. That includes CO-5 in El Paso County, where Colorado GOP Chairman Dave Williams is running against Jeff Crank.
On Friday, campaign finance reports showed that the party spent $19,445 in support of Williams’ candidacy.
Colorado GOP Party Treasurer Tom Bjorkland said in a text message on Friday that “The Party isn’t out any money, and our balance sheets and subsequent disclosure filings will show a net positive for Colorado Republicans.”
He refused to explain what subsequent disclosure filings would specifically show.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Next with Kyle Clark