CRAIG, Colo.—In response to criticism from an opponent, former Lt. Gov. Jane Norton says she believes Sarah Palin was not aware her Colorado visit would coincide with the state Republican primary assemblies.
Ken Buck said Monday on the “Cari and Rob” show on KRAI-AM that the former Alaska governor’s visit to Denver Saturday could draw attention away from this weekend’s assemblies, which Norton has declined to attend. Norton and Buck are seeking the GOP nomination for Senate.
Norton said Tuesday on the show she doesn’t assume Palin will endorse her and is not reaching out to Palin, but would welcome her endorsement.
Buck issued a statement after Norton’s appearance on the radio show saying that his opponent has “turned her back on the grassroots assembly process.”
A third Republican, Tom Wiens, is also seeking the Republican nomination and, like Norton, is trying to petition onto the Aug. 10 primary ballot instead of landing a spot by winning support from delegates at the state assembly.
Norton has said she is bypassing the GOP assembly because she wants to reach out to more than just party insiders.
The winner will face either Democratic incumbent Sen. Michael Bennet or former state House Speaker Andrew Romanoff.
