Candidate Debate 2010 results!

Candidate Debate 2010 was a Fabulous Event! Candidates for US Senate, State Treasurer and Colorado Governor vied for our votes.

There were many great questions from the panel. Mike Holler did a great job as emcee.

US Senate: In my opinion, and in the opinion of the crowd, Ken Buck won the evening. Jane Norton and Cleve Tidwell also did very well. Tom Wiens had some typically “political” non-answers at the beginning, but had some very solid proposals regarding single issue legislation, and sunset clauses for all federal programs toward the end. Jane Norton’s record and “establishment ties” were the objects of attack and defense, and while most candidates agreed on issues like second amendment rights, amnesty and healthcare, Ken Buck and Cleve Tidwell had some very solid and strong answers, with a presentation that made you confident they would fight well and hard for a return to Constitutional principles. Steve Barton has some good ideas and principles, but doesn’t come across as the kind of tough fighter we need to stand against the corruption in Washington.

Matt Arnold of Clear the Bench Colorado presented the case for dismissing the current State Supreme Court justices up for re-election this year. He cited several examples of judicial activism and partisanship (more information on the website clearthebenchcolorado.org). The vote in November is simply whether or not to retain these judges. A NO vote would mean the next governor would appoint new judges for the upcoming 10 year term.

Treasurer: Walker Stapleton was unable to attend. His representative listed an impressive resume, but his absence was very unfortunate. There is a glaring difference between the experience and values of JJ Ament and Ali Hasan, and they “took the gloves off” in attacking each others’ positions. Ali Hasan proposes “getting the money out of Washington and into Colorado” in the form of local bonds (which has changed from earlier proposals which included investing in Sudan). JJ Ament’s message is that he has the experience and the expertise to be a hands on treasurer, not “just another manager”. That experience, he contended, enables him to see deeper than the superficial numbers of a proposed 5% return on the bonds Hasan proposed for investment, to understanding that this strategy would have actually resulted in negative return had it been applied over the last 3 years. JJ’s professional experience is in finance and banking, and he been a consultant to several State Treasurers. Ali is a film-maker. JJ is a social and fiscal conservative who is pro-life and supports traditional marriage. JJ won the straw poll 2:1.

Governor: Scott McGinnis and Dan Maes had many similar positions. Maes was stronger on cutting taxes and cutting spending, with several specific proposals. McGinnis is well funded and quite closely tied to “the establishment” Republicans in Washington, which many in the crowd see as a liability, not a bonus. Maes described himself as a man of faith. Both pledged to stand up for States’ rights and resist Washington interference in State matters. Both pledged to appoint judges who respect and uphold the US and Colorado Constitutions.

Please note: the American Café, American Majority, and New Life Church do not endorse any of the candidates mentioned above. The above are my observations of the debate, and who “won” the evening in my opinion.

Adrienne Robberson