They both have rural roots and espouse rural values. They call each other “nice guys.” But the similarities between 3rd Congressional District candidates incumbent Democrat John Salazar and Republican challenger Scott Tipton pretty much end there.
Their positions on many issues affecting this 29-county district that covers most of the Western Slope and south-central Colorado break along party lines.
Tipton has been beating the drum of smaller government, lower and simpler taxes, support of traditional marriage, promotion of energy development and a crackdown on illegal immigration. He also promotes maintaining taxpayers’ access to public lands and protecting private property rights.
“Some say Washington just needs a little push in the right direction, but I am one man who thinks it needs a swift kick,” he said. “I will go to Washington dedicated to fighting for our values, holding government accountable and building a better tomorrow for our children.”
Tipton has been hitting Salazar’s record, saying that he has been an ineffectual congressman.
Salazar has been touting a first-term record in which he introduced 11 bills and co-sponsored more than 50. He introduced legislation that would provide assistance for producers of biodiesel and ethanol fuels. He has opposed a bill that would rush oil shale development by giving incentives to energy companies.
He has called for more funding for border control and promoted legislation that would institute identity-theft protection for veterans as well as protection of the Social Security Trust Fund. Salazar voted against the extension of the Patriot Act because it did not have a sunset clause.
“I ran as a moderate and I have kept my promises,” he said.
“I have always put rural communities first,” Salazar said. “Whether it’s securing millions for rural highway development, protecting Social Security, or keeping our promise to our veterans, I have been focused on the pocketbook issues that matter to our community.”
For his part, Salazar has been jabbing Tipton on his lack of experience.
Tipton, 48, has never held an elected office, but he has been active in politics for more than 25 years.
“No one and nobody owns me,” he said. “I will be nobody’s rubber stamp.”
Salazar, 53, is a potato seed farmer and cattle rancher from the San Luis Valley, where he grew up with no electricity or running water. He is the brother – and Washington, D.C., roommate – of Sen. Ken Salazar.
The Libertarian Party also has a candidate in this race. Retired engineer and farmer Bert Sargent is an Army veteran who has lived in Colorado since 1963. He lives in Delta County with his wife of 53 years.
Scott Tipton
Party affiliation: Republican
Age: 48
Family: Married to Jean; daughters Liesl and Elizabeth.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Fort Lewis College, Durango
Career: President Tipton LTD, Mesa Verde Pottery, Mesa Indian Trading Company and Tipton Properties. Chairman of 3rd Congressional District Republican Party and past chairman of the Montezuma County Republican Party.
John Salazar
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Age: 53
Family: Married to Mary Lou; sons Jesus, Esteban and Miguel and one grandson, Charlie.
Education: Bachelor of Science from Adams State College, Alamosa
Career: Owner/operator of El Rancho Salazar. Chairman and CEO of Spudseed.com. Served in U.S. Army criminal investigations division. Served in Colorado House of Representatives 2002-04.
