Republican Marc Holtzman announced Friday that he would shift the focus of his campaign for governor over the next few months to defeating this fall’s budget-reform initiatives.
Holtzman said the move was necessary to block what he called the largest tax increase in state history, and he invited his primary rival, U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez, to join him in a road trip across the state.
“I am choosing today to shift my focus away from my gubernatorial campaign in order to devote my energy where it is needed most at this critical hour,” Holtzman said in a letter to Beauprez.
Referendum C would suspend refunds triggered by the state constitution’s spending limits. Referendum D would let the state issue bonds for roads, pensions and health care.
The Beauprez campaign pounced on Holtzman’s letter as a sign of weakness.
“Bob has found time to be an effective congressman, run for governor and oppose Referendum C,” said Beauprez spokesman John Marshall.
Staff writer Mark P. Couch can be reached at 303-820-1794 or mcouch@denverpost.com.
