CASTLE ROCK – Republicans joined the get-out-the-vote effort Wednesday with their own political celebrity landing in Colorado, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.
Up until the rally at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, Republicans had not seen the same large-scale rallies as Democrats, who have been boasting names like Hillary and Bill Clinton, and first lady Michelle Obama.
But Republicans appeared just as eager to motivate voters to the polls, facing toss-up races for U.S. Senate and governor.
U.S. Rep. Cory Gardner, a Republican from Yuma, remains in a furious battle against Democratic incumbent Mark Udall for U.S. Senate. Bob Beauprez, a former congressman, continues his quest to unseat Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper.
Bush – a potential 2016 presidential candidate – alluded to the significance of Colorado’s election, pointing to the balance of power in the Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate, which Democrats hang onto by a thread.
“The added benefit of a Senator Gardner is that there is a demotion for Harry Reid,” Bush said to a crowd of about 500, surrounded by piles of hay inside the fairgrounds’ livestock arena.
The rally was not Bush’s first recognition of the heavily Republican-leaning Douglas County. Last year, he supported conservative candidates for the Douglas County School Board. He serves as chairman of the Foundation for Excellence in Education.
Bush said the future of the nation depends upon the Republican vote in swing states like Colorado.
“This country can lead the world. That’s what this election is about,” Bush said. “It’s not about the past. It’s about what the future can look like, and we can mold the future together by electing principled conservatives.”
For his part, Gardner appeared confident he will replace Udall. Several polls have Gardner with a consistent edge over his Democratic opponent. But he said the time for Republicans is now.
“Were running out of next elections, and that’s why this election is so important,” Gardner said.
He spoke of a Republican movement that begins with turning Colorado from a purple state to red.
“Colorado has the opportunity to be the tip of the spear, the vanguard of a movement,” Gardner said to thunderous applause.
Beauprez agreed, suggesting that Colorado government is in need of some weeding.
“We’re going to go through everything government does ... and if it isn’t pro-job, pro-freedom, pro-individual liberty, we’re going to grab it by the roots, we’re going to rip it out, and we’re going to throw it away,” Beauprez said.
The rally offered other Republicans a chance to speak in the limelight, including secretary of state candidate Wayne Williams, attorney general candidate Cynthia Coffman, and Treasurer Walker Stapleton, who is seeking re-election.
Five Republican congressional candidates also spoke, though U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton of Cortez did not attend the event. Of the candidates, U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman of Aurora faces the most spirited battle as he defends his seat against former House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, a Democrat.