Consumer activist and independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader has opened an office in Denver, in hopes of attracting support needed to participate in debates later this fall.
The office, located at 1155 Sherman St. has three staff members and several volunteers. The immediate goal for the group is to prepare for a “Super Rally” set for Aug. 27 at University of Denver’s Magness Arena.
The rally, scheduled during the third night of the Democratic National Convention is being held to bring attention to the Nader campaign and protest the upcoming presidential debates, according to Nader staff. Nader and running mate Matt Gonzalez will attend.
“The main issue is discussing issues Democrats are leaving behind, such as a single-payor health care system and leaving Iraq,” said Emily Przekwas, a member of the local staff in charge of “working with progressive organizations.”
With Nader polling nationally at 6 to 7 percent, organizers say he needs to poll at a least 10 percent to participate in a September debate sponsored by Google, and 15 percent for the other debates.
While Nader officials say that additional staff will be added in the coming weeks, a strategy for garnering votes for November is unclear. The campaign said it opened a Denver office because of strong volunteer support for Nader in the state, particularly in Boulder.
The Nader campaign will also hold a rally during the Republican National Convention.
Kimberly S. Johnson: 303-954-1088 or kjohnson@denverpost.com
