John Salazar Applauds The Democratic National Committee For Choosing Colorado

Colorado Leaders Are Making An Imprint On National Politics

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman John Salazar (CO-3) released the following statement after Colorado was selected for the 2008 Democratic National Convention:

"Hosting the 2008 convention is a great honor for our beautiful state. During the last two elections, Colorado's political colors have changed from red to purple to blue. Because the political landscape has evolved so quickly, our state is front and center on our nation's political stage.

"The Rocky Mountain West is a key component to the future of the Democratic Party.  I know that the next President of the United States will be attending this convention and will embrace the same values that generations of Coloradans have held sacred especially in rural Colorado, where hard work and integrity is the glue that binds our neighborhoods and communities together.  The West reflects the values of the Democratic Party which has successfully reached out to mainstream America.

"Colorado is home to many things- from majestic mountains to roaring rivers to a great metropolitan city.  It is also home to some of the strongest, most independent- thinking leaders I have seen in a long time.  Leaders who work together and reach out to both sides of the aisle.  All of these leaders have one goal in common: to work together and do what is right for the state. I'm referring to progressive leaders such as Denver's city mayor John Hickenlooper, House Speaker Andrew Romanoff and Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald and my colleagues on the Hill, Congressman Mark Udall, Ed Perlmutter, Diana DeGette, and my brother in the U.S. Senate. 

"There is a reason that the DNC chose Colorado to host the Democratic National Convention and it was more than its spectacular scenery. It is because Colorado is the place to watch for more progressive leaders who are not only transforming their own state but are shaping politics on the national level."