Here at the Chamber we don’t endorse candidates or contribute to their campaigns. For us, it doesn’t matter who you are or what party you’re a member of—we’ll work with you to develop public policy that will help business grow and put more Coloradans to work.
Even though we don’t engage in the campaigns, it’s still a top priority for us to ensure we, our members and our partners know as much as we can about the candidates running for office, what their priorities are and how their plans will affect Colorado’s economic future. This year we have invited the top competing candidates for two races that will be decided this November (U.S. senator and governor of Colorado) to a debate.
On Monday, Oct. 6, the Chamber and 17 partner organizations are hosting a candidate debate with incumbent Gov. John Hickenlooper and challenger Bob Beauprez and incumbent U.S. Sen. Mark Udall and Rep. Cory Gardner. The debate will be moderated by the politics-focused web outlet POLITICO. Manu Raju, POLITICO’s senior congressional reporter, will serve as the moderator. With our gubernatorial candidates we’ll delve into key issues for our state like transportation, condo construction, the Colorado Academic Standards, higher education, water and more. With our senatorial candidates, we’ll hear candidate positions on issues such as entitlement reform, immigration, education and energy, among others.
In true Colorado and Chamber style we are one of 18 business-focused organizations bringing this debate to all of our members: American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Inc., Associated General Contractors of Colorado, Aurora Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry, Colorado Association of Mechanical & Plumbing Contractors, Colorado Competitive Council, Colorado Concern, Colorado Contractors Association, Inc., Colorado Restaurant Association, Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Denver Metro Small Business Development Center, Downtown Denver Partnership, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Denver, Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, National Federation of Independent Business, South Metro Denver Chamber, Visit Denver and Vital for Colorado all signed on with us for this event.
There are limited debates for these two races and lots of interest—I predict this event will sell out so be sure to get your tickets or reserve your table.
And, most important: VOTE. We will ensure you are informed, and in exchange we ask every Chamber member to cast a ballot this November.
Kelly Brough is president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.
[Photo credit: Theresa Thompson]