Editor’s note: The Denver Post asked those who have publicly or privately expressed interest in being appointed to Colorado’s soon-to-be vacant Senate seat the following questions. Only U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Denver, gave a full response.
Rep. Diana DeGette, Democrat from Denver
“I have told Gov. Ritter that I will decide whether to seek appointment to the impending Senate vacancy early next week. I am weighing whether I can best serve my constituents in the 1st Congressional District and the citizens of Colorado in the Senate or by continuing in the House in my leadership role as chief deputy whip and a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over important issues like health care, energy policy and global climate change.”
Q: As senator, would you have voted for the financial bailout package passed at the end of September?
A: Yes.
“Congress beefed up the administration’s proposal and added oversight, limited golden parachutes for corporate executives, and ensured taxpayers would be repaid first when the assets were sold. The bill was necessary to free up credit in order to stabilize the market for consumers to be able to buy homes and cars, small businesses to make their payrolls, students to get their student loans, and senior citizens to get access to their retirement accounts.”
Q: As senator would you have voted for the $14 billion auto industry bailout this month?
A: Yes
“I voted for the bridge loan (in the House) because it would have protected the jobs of nearly 5 million Americans nationwide. This bipartisan package would have given the American taxpayer protections that will not be there if the companies go into bankruptcy.”
Q: Do you support the Bush administration’s decision to strike down federal regulations banning loaded guns in most national parks?
A: No
Q: Do you support eliminating the secret ballot in union votes?
A: Yes
Q: Do you support pulling all troops out of Iraq by the end of 2009?
A: “Having opposed the original authorization to invade Iraq, I support the responsible redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq.”
Q: Do you believe the U.S. should close Guantanamo Bay detention center?
A: Yes
Q: Do you support Roe vs. Wade?
A: Yes
“As the primary co-sponsor of the ‘Prevention First’ Act in Congress, I hope to pass legislation in the 111th Congress which will prevent unwanted pregnancies and improve maternal and infant health.”
Q: Do you support the Bush administration’s granting leases for oil shale development?
A: Not without substantially more information.
“Any lease process should be conducted with full Environmental Impact Statements as well as an evaluation of the long-term community economic impact.”
Q: Do you support instituting fees on the hard rock mining industry as part of an overhaul of the 1872 mining act?
A: Yes
Others’ responses
Michael Bennet, superintendent of Denver Public Schools
“To my knowledge, the governor has made no decision regarding finalists for the Senate seat. My focus right now is the Denver Public Schools. If these conditions change, I will gladly answer any questions the Post might have, including those contained in the questionnaire.”
The record shows: N/A
Joan Fitz-Gerald, former state Senate president
No response.
The record shows: Fitz-Gerald has called for immediate withdrawal of troops in Iraq. She supports abortion rights.
John Hickenlooper, Denver mayor
“These are important questions. Answering them thoughtfully and respectfully requires dialogue with the people of Colorado and careful review of the facts behind each issue. If appointed to the Senate, I will lay out my positions fully on these and other matters after seeking input and listening to stakeholders on all sides — just as we have done in the mayor’s office.”
The record shows: Hickenlooper supports abortion rights.
U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter, Democrat from Golden
“I’m honored Gov. Ritter would consider me to replace Sen. Salazar. I have and will continue to respect that this is the governor’s decision to make. My record on all of these issues is open to the public on my website at www.perlmutter.house.gov or (a Library of Congress website on legislation).”
The record shows: Perlmutter supported the Wall Street bailout and the auto industry bailout. He backed a measure that would have allowed workers to vote for union representation by signing cards, replacing the secret-ballot election process. He supports abortion rights and backed a measure that the Bush administration plan to relocate all detainees from the Guantanamo Bay.
Andrew Romanoff, speaker of Colorado House
“Gov. Ritter has said that the most important requirement is ‘to pick the person who can best serve all of the people of Colorado in the U.S. Senate.’ I am confident that the governor will make a wise decision.”
The record shows: Romanoff supports abortion rights.
U.S. Rep. John Salazar, Democrat from Manassa
“Congressman Salazar is not actively seeking the appointment,” said spokesman Eric Wortman.
The record shows: Salazar voted against the Wall Street financial bailout but voted for the auto industry bailout. He backed a requirement that the Bush administration plan to relocate all detainees from Guantanamo Bay. He supports abortion rights.
He supported a measure to enable workers to vote for union representation by signing cards, replacing the secret-ballot election process.
Tom Strickland, former U.S. attorney for Colorado and two-time candidate for U.S. Senate “I refer to my previous experience as U.S. attorney and my positions taken as a Senate candidate.”
The record shows: Supports abortion rights.
