DENVER-
Democrat Jared Polis, a former State Board of Education chairman and a major backer of the state’s tough new ethics rules, said Monday he will run for Congress.
Polis said he will seek the 2nd District seat now held by Rep. Mark Udall, a Democrat who is running for the Senate.
Two other Democrats have said they will run for the seat: state Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald and Colorado Conservation Trust executive director Will Shafroth.
Polis, of Boulder, made millions from selling an online greeting-card business in 1999.
Last year, he helped persuade Coloradans to pass Amendment 41, a constitutional amendment designed to limit the influence of lobbyists on lawmakers and state employees. The amendment has left confusion about what the rules forbid and is being challenged in court.
In a written release, Polis said that for Americans to have the opportunity to realize their dreams, they need strong public education, affordable health care, environmental stewardship and a national commitment to eliminate poverty.
He also called for ending the war in Iraq “so we can focus on combating poverty and discrimination and growing a more inclusive and sustainable economy here at home.”
