Trying to exploit tensions in the Democratic Party, Republicans on Monday trotted out four Hillary Rodham Clinton supporters — including a Salazar from Colorado — who said they’re voting for John McCain.
“Despite all the talk that we hear from the Democratic Party here in Colorado about unity, the Democratic Party is in fact divided,” said Carly Fiorina, the Republican National Committee’s Victory ’08 chairwoman who introduced the four Democrats at the GOP’s Denver opposition headquarters.
The quartet included Debra Bartoshevich, a Clinton supporter from Wisconsin who was stripped of her delegate status after saying she would support McCain; Tim Penny, a former Democratic congressman from Minnesota; Cynthia Ruccia, a former congressional candidate from Ohio; and Silverio “Silver” Salazar, a cousin of U.S. Rep. John Salazar, D-Colo., and Colorado Sen. Ken Salazar.
Silver Salazar, a former Pueblo precinct leader, said he was supporting McCain because of his experience.
Obama campaign officials responded to the four defectors by saying the Illinois senator is the clear choice for women.
“Women across this country, including Sen. Clinton, are supporting Barack Obama because he is the only candidate in this race who has consistently stood with them,” said Stephanie Mueller, a Colorado spokeswoman for the campaign. “Whether the issue is equal pay for women, family and medical leave, or a woman’s right to choose, Sen. Obama is an advocate for women, and that’s why they’re uniting to bring about the change we need in November.”
The Obama campaign also pointed to Colorado delegate Polly Baca, a former state senator who supported Clinton but was now backing Obama.
“Hillary would have been a remarkable president, but I believe in following her lead to elect Barack Obama president,” Baca said. “It’s not about personalities; it’s not about hurt feelings. It’s about what we do to rescue our country from these horrible policies.
“If you care about your country, you will vote for Barack Obama.”
