DENVER—President Barack Obama’s visit to Denver later this month has some Democrats upset.
The president is headed to Denver Feb. 18 to raise money for Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet. Bennet’s primary challenger, former House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, says the state party should insist the president hold an event for Romanoff supporters, too.
“Many of my supporters were among the most active organizers for President Obama during the 2008 campaign and they remain staunchly behind the president,” Romanoff wrote in a letter Friday to state party chairwoman Pat Waak.
“Unfortunately, the current plan of events during the president’s visit has sent a clear message: ‘Support the appointed incumbent Senator or do not be part of the president’s visit to Colorado,” Romanoff wrote.
Romanoff proposed that an additional event be scheduled for people to show support for Obama, “regardless of their choice in the U.S. Senate race” and that all proceeds go to the Democratic party.
“I am not asking that any of the money raised go to my campaign,” Romanoff wrote.
Romanoff sent his complaint letter to Waak and the White House. Waak said Friday that Obama would not hold a separate event for Romanoff and is sticking with his endorsement of incumbent Democrats.
Waak said Obama’s fundraiser doesn’t mean the state party wants Bennet to win.
“It’s not our event, it’s the president’s event. We have not taken sides,” Waak said.
Obama had already taken the rare step of taking sides in this Democratic primary, endorsing Bennet last year after Romanoff launched his challenge.
Obama’s Denver visit won’t be the first time he’s raised money for a Democrat running against a fellow Democrat. Last fall, the president attended a Pennsylvania fundraiser held to back Sen. Arlen Specter, who faces a primary challenge.
Obama’s Bennet event will be somewhat similar, with proceeds divided between Bennet’s campaign and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
Bennet’s campaign manager, Craig Hughes, said the president will address a crowd of 1,500 to 2,000 people at a Denver theater, then move to a smaller reception for donors chipping in $1,000 or more.
Hughes defended the Obama fundraiser Friday, saying that some tickets to the larger rally will be made available for free. That means Democrats who want to see Obama, but don’t necessarily want to give money to Bennet, will have a chance to attend.
Bennet was in Denver Friday but did not answer questions about the Obama fundraiser.
Romanoff was considered a likely candidate for the Senate seat when it came open last year as former Sen. Ken Salazar became Interior Secretary. But Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter chose Bennet, who was superintendent of Denver Public Schools.
Romanoff said in his letter that there is “growing frustration” among Democrats that the party heavyweights are backing Bennet.
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Associated Press Writer Samantha Abernethy contributed to this report.
