抖阴ap

First-time delegate

Supporting: Clinton

Occupation: Home stager

Years in Colorado: 64

Political leanings: Mainstream

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? Oh, I’ve been involved in every election cycle. It’s not a decision I make, it’s part of who I am.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign, and how would you like it to be solved? The war and the economy. I don’t have the answers to solve either one of those. Those are the two that deserve our attention.

Joe I. Torres 71, Pueblo

First-time delegate

Supporting: Clinton

Occupation: Telemarketer

Years in Colorado: 71

Political leanings: Strong, strong Democrat

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? Always involved.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign, and how would you like it solved? The economy — return jobs to the U.S.

4th Congressional District

Paul L. Anderson 64 (today!), Fort Collins

First-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: President, Paul L. Anderson Productions Inc.

Years in Colorado: 31

Political leanings: Lifelong Democrat

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? The problems today are immense — the war, the economy, health care, energy policies, etc. — and I felt our country needed someone who could move beyond the old politics, cross partisan lines and energize the citizens with hope that these problems could be addressed.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? There are so many key issues. And that in itself is the key problem. These complex problems will require Democrats and Republicans coming together.

Kathy Ensz 65, Greeley

First-time delegate

Supporting: Clinton

Occupation: Retired professor of French, University of

Northern Colorado.

Years in Colorado: 38

Political leanings: Liberal (Interested in promoting the greater interests of the greater community)

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? The present administration has created such a disaster, both domestically and in the eyes of the rest of the world, that I would like to contribute to the improvement of this sad situation.

What is the move important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like to see it solved? Education, health care, the economy, energy and the environment are all integrally linked. There needs to be a lot of work and cooperation on the parts of a lot of people.

Shari Malloy 49, Longmont

First-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Public school teacher

Years in Colorado: 28

Political leanings: Solid moderate Democrat

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? I have been very active politically at the grassroots level for quite a while, so it was natural I would stay involved during this most important cycle.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? There are many issues that are critically important, including the war, our economy, health care, education. However, the issue that originally motivated me to get involved politically is protecting our Earth and all its inhabitants and resources.

Stan Matsunaka 54, Loveland

First-time delegate

Supporting: Clinton

Occupation: Attorney

Years in Colorado: 54

How would you describe your political leanings? I am socially moderate and fiscally conservative.

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? History is going to be made this election in breaking down barriers of race and gender. Having been an elected official, I did not want to take away an opportunity for another person to get involved. However, now that I am “retired” from political leadership, I wanted to have the “once in a lifetime” experience of being a delegate to what I think will be an exciting and historic convention.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? To produce a plan to get out of Iraq and use those funds to work on domestic issues here at home.

Pam Shaddock 59, Greeley

First-time delegate (alternate)

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Retired attorney, now serving on the Greeley City Council

Years in Colorado: 38

Political leanings: Moderate

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? I was inspired by the numerous outstanding presidential candidates who were running as Democrats. I am the first vice chair of the Weld County Democratic Party and, of course, interested in the success of our presidential nominee.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? Rebuilding our devastated economy

Nathan Vanderschaaf 34, Longmont

First-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Network engineer

Years in Colorado: 8

Political leanings: I’m personally quite conservative on some issues but I lean to the far left on environment and individual rights and issues of economy and justice.

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? I have an electric car, gas is rising and as the war for oil continues, we have to get our governments and corporations on board to resume and increase production. I think Barack Obama is the man with new ideas to make changes and improve the status quo.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it to be solved? It’s three-pronged: environment, economy and war for foreign oil. Foreign oil is the problem.

5th Congressional District

Ben Taber 28, Colorado Springs

First-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Student

Years in Colorado: 12

Political leanings: Moderate-liberal

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? I think that Barack Obama is the best person to lead the country.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? Energy, and I would like to see the United States invest in alternative, sustainable and environmentally friendly energy at home.

Jason DeGroot 35, Colorado Springs

First-time delegate (alternate)

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Defense contractor

Years in Colorado: 9

Political leanings: A pragmatic idealist. I know that as a nation we can achieve difficult goals, and that it is worth the hard work.

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? After 10 years in the Air Force, much of that time spent overseas, I saw the disastrous effects our foreign policy was having at home and abroad. We cannot be a global leader without leading, and leading takes all of us.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? There are many important issues, but one that gets overlooked too often is veterans affairs. Our politicians have too often paid lip service to our military and those that have served, and as a nation we have let down our veterans in too many ways.

Brenda Krause 55, Colorado Springs

First-time delegate

Supporting: Clinton

Occupation: Owner of a real estate company

Years in Colorado: 20

Political leanings: I believe in the Democratic platforms but also believe I should stick by my principles.

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? To support Hillary Clinton as the first female president after having 43 male presidents. Women have been taxed without representation for many years.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? 1. End the Iraq war.  2. Pass the Equal Rights Amendment. 3. Make sure our more of our jobs stay here in America.

Mike Maday 54, Colorado Springs

Second-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Mediator

Years in Colorado: 24

Political leanings: Progressive Democrat

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? Concern about the war in Iraq, the Republican corruption in government and the way elections have lately been won by division, pitting one constituency against another so it is very difficult to govern because unity is needed to move forward.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? Refocusing our attention to fighting terrorists in Afghanistan instead of continuing to be bogged down in Iraq, and providing health care to all Americans.

Lynn Young 53, Colorado Springs

First-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Life coach

Years in Colorado: 18

Political leanings: Lifelong Democrat, rooted in the Democratic Farmer Labor tradition of Minnesota.

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? I was inspired by Sen. Barack Obama. His speech during the 2004 Democratic Convention left me stunned, with tears in my eyes — hungry for this kind of leadership. I was thrilled when he threw his hat in the ring.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? It’s not a single issue. Rather, the most important issue is the challenge of uniting us as Americans, the challenge of bringing us back together to solve our problems, compassionately, collectively and courageously.

6th Congressional District

John Petty 58, Aurora

Second-time delegate

Supporting: Clinton

Occupation: Lutheran pastor

Years in Colorado: 22

Political leanings: Moderate

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? I’m a big fan of Hillary Clinton.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? Economy, jobs, health care.

Marzette Bedford-Billinghurst 50, Greenwood Village

First-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Program analyst

Years in Colorado: 12

Political leanings: Progressive liberal

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? I am extremely enthusiastic about Barack Obama’s candidacy. I think this country is in dire need of a change and I want to do everything possible to help elect the candidate who has the most progressive view of our country’s future.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? The Iraq war. We need to get out and let the Iraqis run their own country so that we can run ours. If we took all of the resources going into Iraq we could invest in our own crumbling infrastructure, provide more affordable housing, provide more affordable post-secondary education and ensure that every American has access to affordable health care. Equally as important, the appointment of liberal Supreme Court justices and the preservation of Roe vs. Wade.

Carmine Iadarola 59, Littleton

First-time delegate (alternate)

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Water and Renewable Energy Developer

Years in Colorado: 36

Political leanings: Right of center fiscally, left of center socially. Pro-progressive unions (i.e.,Millwrights/Carpenters), anti-Iraq war, pro-Afghan war, strong supporter of any policy that leads to renewable energy.

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? Nobody wanted to listen to my rants about energy, water, wars, deficits, etc. and I needed to stop talking and do something.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? The most important issue to me is the development of a renewable energy policy with the means and process of how the policy would be implemented. It is not enough to have a policy without the ability to develop the facilities on a local level. I note, however, that I was elected as a delegate from the (6th Congressional District) and from my interviews with as many CD6 delegates who would talk with me the most important issue to them was the ending of the Iraq war in a responsible, swift manner.

Bob Kihm 53, Centennial

First-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Self-employed CPA

Years in Colorado: 28

Political leanings: Democratic moderate

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? I was inspired by the views of Barack Obama, particularly “we are not the blue states of America, we’re not the red states of America, we are the United States of America.”

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? Repeal virtually all of the policies of the Bush administration.

Rebecca McClellan 42, Centennial

Second-time delegate

Supporting: Clinton

Occupation: Mayor Pro Tem, City of Centennial

Years in Colorado: 11

Political leanings:

Progressive and common sense.

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? The substance of Sen. Clinton’s address to the National League of Cities in 2007 impressed me. After taking the time to get to know her record of service, from her work for better enforcement of Brown vs. Board of Education, to her chairmanship of the Education Standards Commission, to her work on health care and her bipartisan successes in the Senate, I became inspired by this truly effective leader.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? Our economy is one of the most important issues today. Too many Americans are economically vulnerable. I’d like to see our economy returned to the prosperity we knew just eight years ago.

Paula Noonan 60, Littleton

First-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Runs

Years in Colorado: 36

Political leanings: Progressive to moderate

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? This is the most exciting thing since I was a youth! There is so much at stake, and I don’t want to slit my wrist or have to move to some foreign country. I am really tired — I really think the county needs a big a change.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it to be solved? The war is huge. We need to finish that. At the domestic level, or long term, if we can get health care and education fixed in our country, it is so important.

7th Congressional District

William “Joe” Beaver 65, Lakewood

First-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Disability-rights activist; retired accountant

Years in Colorado: 36

Political leanings: Lefty liberal on social issues, fiscal conservative

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? Habit since 1972.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign, and how would you like it solved? The economy because it has an impact on all the other issues that I care about. The first step is to get out of the Middle East and start rebuilding the U.S infrastructure, particularly targeting alternative sources of energy.

Saoirse Charis-Graves 56, Golden

First-time delegate (alternate)

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Retired school psychologist

Years in Colorado: 40

Political leanings: I am aligned with Democratic Party values but interested in creating bridges across the ideologies that separate us to find sustainable solutions to problems of real people.

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? It’s all about Barack Obama. If he weren’t running, I wouldn’t be involved. I am involved now and will stay involved because of his message that change only comes about through our involvement.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign, and how would you like it solved? Changing the way Washington operates. I do not want more government or bigger government. I do want smarter government.

Allison MichelleCotton 39, Aurora

First-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Assistant professor of criminology at Metropolitan State College of Denver

Years in Colorado:Native

Political leanings: Lifelong Democrat

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? Barack Obama inspired me with his message of hope. I agree 100 percent with his position against the Iraq war, on enforcement of the Equal Pay Act, on his plan for turning the economy around to benefit ALL working Americans (not just the rich ones), on criminal-justice reform, on affordable health care and on educational reform.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign, and how would you like it solved? The economy has to improve so that all American citizens can afford decent housing, good health care, safe transportation, reasonably priced groceries, sufficient clothing and a level of education that will guarantee employability in today’s workforce.

Dorian De Long 37, Arvada

First-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Social studies teacher at Thornton High School

Years in Colorado: 30

Political leanings:Liberal Democrat

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? Over the years as a high school social studies teacher, I have observed a growing sentiment of apathy and indifference in students’ attitudes on U.S. politics and overall democratic participation. This last school year, I found myself teaching 11th grade U.S. government and economics for the first time. I set out that semester with the goal of getting students to see the relevance and impact that government had in their lives. Eventually, my students started asking me the same questions I was posing to them: “What are you going to do?” If I was going to talk the talk, I’d better be ready to walk the walk.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign, and how would you like it solved? This is such a difficult question to try to boil down to just one single issue. But, ending the war in Iraq and restoring the integrity of the United States in the eyes of the international community, in addition to restoring the dignity to the position of the chief executive of the United States, is greatly important to me as someone who works with high school students.

Jere Kennedy 73, Lakewood

First-time delegate

Supporting: Clinton

Occupation: Retired from corporate finance and Jefferson County schools

Years in Colorado: 40

Political leanings: Committed Democrat for 48 years as a grassroots volunteer.

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? The ’90s were good years for our country, and I believed that Sen. Clinton, if she were to become president, would implement policies that could re-establish that peaceful, prosperous era.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign, and how would you like it solved? 1. Peaceful, timely resolutions to our involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. 2. Universal health care for all Americans.

Monisha Merchant 31, Lakewood

First-time delegate

Supporting: Clinton

Occupation: Engineer/ product manager

Years in Colorado: 31

Political leanings: Lifelong Democrat

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? Since 1992, I have been involved in most election cycles (even and odd years) across the country. However, this was the first presidential primary where a candidate inspired me to get involved. Every time Sen. Clinton spoke in the debates or at campaign events during the primary-election cycle, I was immensely impressed by her breadth and depth of knowledge.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign, and how would you like it solved? Competent, experienced leadership to handle the foreign-policy, national-security and domestic challenges that face our nation.

At-Large Delegates

Polly Baca 67, Weld County

Sixth-time delegate

Supporting: Clinton

Occupation: President and CEO, Latin American Research and Service Agency (LARASA)

Years in Colorado: All my life.

Political leanings: Progressive

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? To help ensure the election of a Democratic president in 2008.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? The economic chaos caused by George Bush’s
policies and the invasion of Iraq. We can begin to solve our economic problems by electing Sen. Obama president of the United States.

Morgan Carroll 36, Aurora

First-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Legislator/attorney

Years in Colorado: 36

Political leanings: Progressive populist

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? I believe the outcome is critical to war/peace, our constitutional and civil rights and liberties, our national and local economies, and our human rights record.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? The most important issue to me is to restore our U.S. Constitution, which would entail repeal of legislation and executive orders encroaching on those rights, and appointments to the Supreme Court by people who respect those principles.

Bryan Gonzales 43, Basalt

First-time delegate

Supporting: Clinton

Occupation: Real estate and co-producer of Aspen Gay Ski Week

Years in Colorado: 20

Political leanings: Socially liberal and financially in the middle

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? I went to the caucus and got caught up in the fervor of the moment and of this historic election.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? The most important issue in this election is for the Democrats to take back the White House and get this country back on track.

Jeff Hart 53, Denver

First-time delegate (alternate)

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Manager, U.S. EPA/OIG

Years in Colorado: 42

Political leanings: Fiscally conservative and socially liberal.

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? We must change the direction of this country. We need to bring Americans together around the values of economic and international security. Only Barack Obama can restore the United States’ standing in the world and lead us into a hopeful future at home and abroad.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? Getting us out of Iraq in a responsible manner, and solving global warming by building an alternative-energy economy.

Julia Hicks 59, Westminster

Tenth-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Retired teacher

Years in Colorado: 16

Political leanings: Born a Democrat

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? I’m always involved in the political process. This is nothing new.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it to be solved? The economy. We need more jobs and higher wages at the lower end of the work force. And God knows we need lower fuel prices and other kinds of fuels.

Erica Hixson 19, Thornton

First-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Waitress

Years in Colorado: 19

How would you describe your political leanings? Very liberal/left

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? This is an exceptionally important election, and the first I will be able to vote in. Democratic youth need to be represented as well.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? The war in Iraq. It needs to be ended in a responsible manner. We definitely need to bring our troops home sooner than later.

Cary Kennedy 40, Denver

First-time delegate (alternate)

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Colorado state treasurer

Years in Colorado: 33

Political leanings: Moderate Democrat

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? We have a historic opportunity to elect one of the brightest and most capable leaders of our time.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it to be solved? I would say the economy and the position of the United States globally — we really need a change of leadership and new direction.

Sonya Jaquez Lewis 51, Boulder County

First-time delegate

Supporting: Clinton

Occupation: Pharmacist

Years in Colorado: 11

Political leanings: Progressive Democrat

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? I was hoping to witness, in person, the election of the first female Democratic presidential candidate in U.S. history.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? Health care reform and equality for all citizens

Susie McMahon 41, Parker

First-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Owner, Parker Pilates and Wellness Center

Years in Colorado: 20

Political leanings: I am a registered Democrat. I am an open- minded voter. I believe all voters should align themselves with candidates that have the same values as their personal values and vote accordingly.

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? I was inspired prior to the Feb. 5th caucus by Sen. Obama’s leadership and forward thinking. I am excited by the grassroots effort in the country and the change that this election cycle has already seen!

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? The war in Iraq. I support the troops and respect the military! I do believe that the properly planned withdrawal of Iraq is warranted.

Jonathan Singer 28, Longmont

Second-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Child protection caseworker

Years in Colorado: 15

Political leanings: I would describe myself as fiscally and socially progressive.

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? My sister Rachel lives in the south side of Chicago and called me up last year to see who I was supporting in the primaries. She often takes public transportation, and she told me that 2007 was the first time that regular folks on the bus were talking politics as a matter of course! Barack Obama has inspired so many people who would not otherwise care. In turn, that has inspired me to do what I can.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? We must find a way to get our military honorably, safely, and quickly out of Iraq. We cannot work on solving our health care and energy crises without the capital to do so.

Jacqueline St. Joan 62, Denver

First-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: lawyer, child advocacy

Years in Colorado: 37

Political leanings: Left of center, a moderate

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? First because it is in Denver, so that brought it to my mind early. But also I wanted to do it for my mother. My mother was the person who taught me to be a Democrat. We used to watch the conventions on TV — I remember it really well, teaching me what a keynote address was, what a nomination was and the drama of it all.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it to be solved? It’s kind of general, but I think restoring integrity to government — how business is done in Washington, in particular.

James G. Tucker 57, Colorado Springs

First-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Disabled (retired educator/veteran)

Years in Colorado: 34 years

How would you describe your political leaning? Active in politics since the 1970s and a moderate Democrat.

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? This election cycle is what I dedicated my life for — a real change.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? Race relations. I would like this issue solved through proper education. Prejudice will continue to exist. The issue will not be solved but we must continue to make progress.

Dunbar Watson 48, Thornton

First-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Unemployed, most recently I was a college recruiter

Years in Colorado: 19

Political leanings: I’m very much a moderate.

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? I’ve been involved in politics all my life, from the 60s in civil rights and through the 70s, then when I was eligible to vote, and I was active in college.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it to be solved? Education and the economy, we need to provide a better future for our children. Adults should not have to work all the time — just put in sufficient hours and then have family time, we have lost that in America.

Gordon W. Williams 59, Lakewood

First-time delegate

Supporting: Clinton

Occupation: Attorney

Years in Colorado: 59

Political leanings: Hopefully informed and thoughtful!

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? I am involved in most election cycles. I felt this year was especially crucial to our nation and to our children and their children.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? There are several. Health care, global warming, and a sensible energy policy are at the top of my list.

Party leaders/elected officials

Veronica E. Barela 62, Denver

First-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: President/CEO NEWSED Community Development Corp.

Years in Colorado: 62

Political leanings: I grew up in a strong Democratic family. My mother’s hero was Franklin Roosevelt while my hero is Ted Kennedy.

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? The country needs new leadership. The Community Redevelopment Act and the
Community Development Block Grants have been crippled under the Bush administration. The foreclosure crisis and lack of city and community
funds has been devastating in poor neighborhoods throughout this country, but this crisis has cut across all incomes levels because of
predatory lending and deregulation.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? Stop the war and create a solid plan to bring the troops home.

Terrance Carroll 39, Denver

First-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Attorney

Years in Colorado: 16

Political leanings: Pragmatic progressive

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? I’m a state representative and I’ve always been involved in politics but this was a crucial time and opportunity because we’re at a crossroads, we need to elect a president to take us to the next level, to break the status quo.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it to be solved? The economy and to resolve the energy issue — we need to push beyond our dependence on oil and increase use of alternative fuel, like wind, solar energy.

Jessica Clark 29, Parker

First-time delegate

Supporting: Clinton

Occupation: Vice president and managing broker of a real estate firm

Years in Colorado: My entire life

Political leanings: Left-center

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? I was excited that a woman was running for president at such a critical time, and that woman was Hillary Clinton. (She now supports Obama.)

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? The economy. Bill Clinton did a great job with the economy, the Republicans messed it up in the last eight years. We need to bring the Democrats back!

Paul D. López 30, Denver

First-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Denver city councilman

Years in Colorado: 30

Political leanings: I’m a workingclass Democrat

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? I became involved because we deserve more than just business as usual. We deserve better education and schools for our children, better paying jobs, access to affordable health care, affordable housing and a better future for our families and community.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? There are many issues that affect the lives of hard- working families. The cost of living is increasing, while honest, hard-working families are struggling to survive. This is an injustice.

Rosemary Marshall 66, Denver

First-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: State representative

Years in Colorado: 66

Political leanings: Very much aligned with Democratic values (I look at policy first before I devote to terminology).

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? I very much wanted to support the candidacy of Barack Obama.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it to be solved? The war in Iraq is negatively impacting America and its economy. I think that we have to do something to get America back on track — and return America to a respected status.

Mona H. Merchant 61, Lakewood

First-time delegate

Supporting: Clinton

Occupation: Retired

Years in Colorado: 32

Political leanings: Lifelong Democrat

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? As an educator and researcher, I was looking to our next president to ensure that our future generations will have access to affordable education, and universal health care, and once again lead the world in scientific innovation.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it solved? I am not a one “issue” person. We live in an ecosystem. And, there are myriad events, actions, and responses that impact this dynamic and diverse universe. I look to innovative and pragmatic solutions that can be tested and implemented at the micro and macro levels.

Vivian Stovall 60, Denver

Third-time delegate

Supporting: Obama

Occupation: Retired Denver city employee

Years in Colorado: 32

Political leanings: Unpredictable? Some people call me liberal, but I call myself moderate.

Why did you decide to get involved in this election cycle? Because I was very tired, very burned out on the same old politics, and then all of a sudden something new came along.

What is the most important issue to you in this campaign and how would you like it to be solved? Well that’s easy for me, I do advocate work for people with disabilities and seniors. So health care is high on my list.