Racism saddens residents
Vandals spray paint a swastika on Barack Obama campaign sign
by Karen Boush
Herald Staff Writer

A large Barack Obama campaign sign erected east of Durango on Monday sparked two immediate, racist reactions.

The first occurred Monday morning, as Jeff Widen, a La Plata County Democratic Party volunteer, was installing the 8-foot by 4-foot sign near County Road 222 and U.S. Highway 160.
custom residential construction

On Tuesday, Jeff Widen, a volunteer with the La Plata County Democrats, looks at a Barack Obama campaign sign he put up the previous day near U.S. Highway 160 and County Road 222 east of Durango. It was vandalized overnight.

"A car drove by and (someone) yelled out the window 'No (racial epithet)!'" Widen said in a phone interview Tuesday. "I stopped, and I said, 'Did I hear what I think I just heard, in Durango, in 2008?' And yes, I did. I was shocked and, frankly, very saddened."

The second occurred sometime Monday night, when vandals used spray paint to draw a swastika on the sign and cover its lettering.

"I was angry and sad that something like this would happen in Durango, because we all want to believe it's a little fantasy land," Jill Somrak said of waking up and seeing the defaced sign the next morning.

Mrs. Somrak and her husband, Mike Somrak, asked to have the sign supporting the Democratic Party presidential candidate placed in their yard, where it would be highly visible to passing motorists.

Disheartened by the negative reactions, Mrs. Somrak said she thought, "'Come on guys, respect my opinion and I'll respect yours,'" she said in a phone interview Tuesday.

Ron Tate, La Plata County Republican chairman, also strongly condemned the actions.

"There's all sorts of extreme elements in society, in any group. This kind of behavior is unpardonable. This kind of behavior we don't condone at all," he said, also in a phone interview Tuesday.

Tate said he had to wonder if juveniles looking for attention carried out the vandalism.

Widen, however, questioned whether ongoing attacks made on Obama's character by Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain and his running mate Gov. Sarah Palin indirectly prompted the racist actions.

"I think some of the stuff coming out of the other side is really just fueling the fire for people doing stuff that is over the top," he said.

Mrs. Somrak said she hopes the Democratic Party will either replace or restore the sign, but she said she expects a positive outcome nonetheless.

"I can't help but feel there's going to be something good coming out of this negative thing. There are a lot of human beings who are intelligent and do respect each other's opinions, even if (they) don't agree," she said.

One neighbor has already offered to repaint the sign, and people have stopped to tape small Obama campaign signs to the larger, defaced sign.

As the parents of three young children, Mrs. Somrak said she and her husband are careful not to use the word "hate" around their children and simply explained the incident by telling them, "Somebody doesn't like Obama."

Widen said the acts left him more committed than ever to an Obama presidency.

"It just makes you want to work for Obama that much more, frankly," he said.

Matt Chandler, press secretary for the Obama campaign in Colorado, declined to comment on the actions and whether similar acts have occurred in other parts of the state.

kboush@durangoherald.com

Despite ballot battle, Gov. Ritter promotes natural gas
by Joe Hanel
Herald Denver Bureau

DENVER - Even though Gov. Bill Ritter wants to raise taxes on the natural-gas industry, he drove around Tuesday in a car powered by Colorado's most plentiful fossil fuel.

Gov. Bill Ritter leaves a renewable-energy conference in a Mercury Grand Marquis powered by natural gas. A company called Clean Energy loaned him the car for the day to promote natural gas as an alternative fuel in vehicles.

"You don't have to have a petroleum-based vehicle to get around. Natural gas is a cleaner-burning non-renewable resource. It emits fewer hydrocarbons," Ritter said.

The photo-op was a slight change in tone for the governor, who is quick to promote wind and solar power - he even wore a silver tie Tuesday that he had custom printed with a windmill design. But he often says Coloradans are "doing our part" in supplying natural gas to the nation.

Ritter is locked in a multimillion-dollar battle with the gas industry over his Amendment 58, which would eliminate a tax credit for gas and oil companies.

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Dems take lead in early voting
Herald Staff Report

DENVER - A quarter of Southwest Colorado's voters have cast their ballots already, according to the Secretary of State's office.
Democrats are getting to the polls slightly faster in all area counties, notably in La Plata, where 32 percent of the county's 12,249 registered Democrats have voted already, either by mail or in person. About 25 percent of the county's Republicans have voted early. Only 18 percent of the county's unaffiliated voters have voted so far.

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Massive crowd greets Obama
Estimated 100,000 attend rally near Colorado capitol
by Joe Hanel
Herald Denver Bureau

DENVER - One of the largest crowds of the 2008 campaign greeted Barack Obama at Denver's Civic Center Park on a cold, sunny Sunday morning.

Police estimated the crowd at 100,000. People packed into the block-sized park, into side streets and up the steps of the state Capitol.

"Do you ever have small crowds in Denver? Goodness gracious," Obama said as he took the stage.

Obama accepted the Democratic nomination in Denver two months ago before a crowd of about 85,000.

On Sunday, Obama responded to Republican John McCain's criticism of his economic philosophy. Earlier Sunday on "Meet the Press," McCain said Obama's response to a tax question from an Ohio plumber revealed the Democrat's very liberal ideas.

"We just figured it out with 'Joe the Plumber.' Americans just figured it out. He wants to spread the wealth around," McCain said. "He wants to raise taxes in a time of economic difficulties."

Obama defended his tax plan, saying he would not raise taxes on people who make less than $250,000 a year.

"If you make less than a quarter of a million dollars a year - which includes 98 percent of small business owners and 99.9 percent of all plumbers - you won't see your taxes increase one single dime," Obama said.

Then he repeated one of his campaign's main strategies - trying to tie McCain to President Bush.

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John McCain's Durango rally peaceful
by Ted Holteen
Herald Staff Writer

Bringing Republican presidential candidate John McCain to Durango was a challenge, but Durango Police on Saturday credited the local community and regional law-enforcement agencies for an incident-free event despite a politically divided crowd of nearly 8,000.

Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain and his wife, Cindy, walk out of their airplane Friday evening at the Durango-La Plata Airport. McCain was in Durango to give a campaign speech. His appearance generated a lot of buzz among supporters and drew his opponent's supporters out as well. The Durango Police Department said several law-enforcement agencies worked to oversee what was a peaceful event.

The police department estimated 6,000 people attended the speech at DHS, with an additional 1,000 to 2,000 left outside.

"There were no arrests - that is an amazing statistic for something like this," Capt. Micki Browning said.

McCain's visit placed him in three separate jurisdictions Friday night. The La Plata County Sheriff's Office was in charge when McCain's plane touched down and took off at the Durango-La Plata Airport; the Colorado State Patrol took over for the candidate's ride into and out of town; and the Durango Police Department oversaw his speech at Durango High School.

Browning said it will be a few days before she knows the exact number of law-enforcement personnel who worked the event. She said, though, that were at least 150 of them. In addition to local agencies, others that worked the event included the U.S. Secret Service, Federal and Colorado Bureaus of Investigation, Farmington and Ignacio police departments, Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado Mounted Rangers, Fort Lewis College, Transportation Security Administration and Durango School District 9-R.

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John McCain visits Durango

By Chuck Slothower

Herald Staff Writer

Republican presidential candidate John McCain, speaking Friday evening in Durango, sought to tie Democrat Barack Obama to higher taxes and a desire to “spread the wealth around.”

McCain’s speech, before an estimated 6,000 people at the Durango High School football field, repeatedly returned to the charge that Obama would raise taxes.

“Sen. Obama is more interested in controlling wealth than creating wealth,” McCain said.

Drawing perhaps the loudest applause of the night, McCain said he would cut capital gains and business taxes and “keep American jobs in America.” The line led the crowd to chant “U-S-A!”

McCain said he needed to win Colorado, a state with nine electoral votes that backed President Bush in 2004. Recent polls show Obama with an approximately five-point lead. Only 10 days remain until the Nov. 4 election, and early voting has been under way since Monday.

McCain has tried to close the gap with a populist economic message. He mentioned “Joe the Plumber,” an Ohio man who shot to fame when he confronted Obama about his tax plans. McCain exploited the theme in Durango, reading signs in the audience, “Joe the florist,” “Joe the carpenter,” “Lindsey the Realtor,” and “Darren the cabinet-maker.”

Matt Chandler, a Colorado spokesman for the Obama campaign, said the Democrat would cut taxes for 2.3 million middle-class taxpayers in Colorado.

“For the last eight years, we’ve tried it John McCain’s way,” Chandler said in an e-mail. “It hasn’t worked. It’s time to grow this economy from the bottom up. It’s time to invest in the middle class again.”

The crowd inside the rally was as enthusiastic as the protesters outside. McCain supporters waved dozens of signs with the campaign slogan “Country First,” and others thrust blue-and-red pompoms into the air.

But to get to Durango High, McCain’s motorcade drove by long stretches of Obama supporters on Main Avenue.

Cindy McCain, introducing her husband, said he had “served his country in many different ways.” She added that the McCain family and that of vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin have three young men serving in the military.

Longtime McCain ally U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., addressed the crowd, saying, “John McCain does all the things that Barack Obama talks about.”

Most in the crowd seemed already sold on the McCain-Palin ticket. One was Robert Whitt, who lives east of Durango and wore a National Rifle Association jacket to the rally. “I don’t want communism,” he said. “If Obama wins this election, they’ve won a big victory.”

Whitt said McCain respected the flag. “He’s a godly man, he’s a patriot, he’s an American.”

About 6,000 attended the rally, with 1,000-2,000 more left outside, said Durango police Capt. Micki Browning, citing the Secret Service.

Reporters were not given the opportunity to ask McCain questions, and plans for local leaders to introduce him were nixed.

Some attendees wore Obama buttons and T-shirts. One, Delia Bolster, a Durango High senior, said it was important “to see both sides.”

The last major-party candidate to visit Durango was John F. Kennedy, who addressed the state Democratic assembly on June 18, 1960. Green Party candidate Ralph Nader spoke at Fort Lewis College in September 2000.

McCain campaigned in Denver and Colorado Springs on Friday before coming to Durango. He was scheduled to appear in Albuquerque and Las Cruces, N.M., today.

McCain this week cut back his spending on TV ads in Colorado to about $63,000 a day from about $83,000 a day last week. But the Republican National Committee stepped in with independent ads at a rate of about $36,000 a day, more than making up the difference, according to data from TNS/CMAG, a firm that tracks political advertising.

Obama is still outspending the combined McCain-RNC effort with a rate of about $120,000 a day in the state, according to TNS/CMAG.

chuck@durangoherald.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Obama supporters out in force

By Shane Benjamin

Herald Staff Writer

John McCain could have done more to win over Durango.

“If McCain came here riding a bike and wearing a tie-dyed T-shirt, I’m pretty sure he would win this town,” said Earl Middlebrook, a Barack Obama supporter.

But McCain, the Republican presidential candidate, did neither. Instead, he arrived at 5:12 p.m. in a black sport utility vehicle wearing a suit and tie.

He was greeted by hundreds, if not thousands, of Obama supporters who lined Main Avenue in front of Durango High School. They chanted slogans, like “yes we can,” and held signs, like “McCain in Durango? Republicans must be desperate.”

It was a peaceful counter-rally with no arrests. Two Obama supporters were hit by a car while crossing the road at 25th Street and Main Avenue. The driver was blinded by sunlight as she made a left-hand turn out of the La Plata County Fairgrounds, police said. One man who tumbled over the car was taken to the hospital; a woman declined medical attention.

For the most part, Obama supporters were happy to have McCain in town. They said his visit generated interest in the election and unified Democrats shortly before Election Day.

“Our message tonight for everybody is ‘be like Barack Obama,’” said Britt Bassett, with the La Plata County Democrats. “If you’re confronted, stay cool, unflappable, positive and friendly – no matter what.”

On the issues, Obama supporters said their candidate has a more-inclusive plan that will help the middle class and end the war in Iraq.

McCain spoke of Joe the Plumber at DHS, but outside, Tom Cramer of Durango held a sign: “Tom the carpenter voted Obama.”

Cramer, a carpenter for 25 years, said four out of five carpenters can’t afford to live in Durango. But with Obama’s health-care plan, Cramer said more could afford to live here.

McCain’s temperament and his choice of Sarah Palin as a running mate is worrisome, Cramer said.

“Obama is obviously very intelligent, and he has a calm, diplomatic, reserved approach to dealing with issues,” Cramer said. “To see McCain get in there and then see him kick the bucket and Palin get in there – the world is going to pounce on us so quickly if that happens.”

McCain carries an attitude that America is the best, but to Keta Seibel of Durango, that is an arrogant way of thinking. America is a “very good country,” she said, but lately it has adopted some “very bad” policies.

The group Veterans for Obama praised McCain for his military service, but they faulted him for being a professional soldier and living on the public payroll for so long.

Jim Callard, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, held a sign that read “I’m with Colin Powell and Obama.”

“Obama has the right judgment to be president of the United States,” Callard said. “John McCain talks about fighting for us, but he doesn’t talk about winning anything for us.”

Callard also expressed bewilderment over McCain’s visit to Durango – a city he called the most progressive on the Western Slope of Colorado. It is another example of the Arizona senator’s poor judgment, he said.

“I can’t figure out why he came here,” Callard said. “It’s kind of like (Vice President) Dick Cheney going to a Grateful Dead concert in Telluride.”

shane@durangoherald.com

Republicans announce support for Udall

By Dale Rodebaugh

Herald Staff Writer

Three well-known Republicans in Southwest Colorado said Friday they are supporting Democrat Mark Udall’s bid to replace Sen. Wayne Allard in Washington, D.C., because they admire his bipartisan approach to issues and effective work on behalf of the region.

Linda Campbell, wife of retired U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, former state 59th District Rep. Mark Larson and Archuleta County Commissioner Bob Moomaw said Udall’s forthrightness and cooperative approach to issues are more important than hewing to party lines. Udall, who has represented the state’s 2nd District in Congress since 1998, is opposed by Republican Bob Schaffer, a former three-term representative in the nation’s capital. Allard is not seeking a third term.

“Mark is a long-time friend, and his bipartisan approach is the only way we’re going to bring government back to its senses,” Linda Campbell said in an interview Friday. “He has the same values for Colorado that I do.”

The cross-party endorsements were also evident Friday on the national level. Former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld, a Republican, endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president. Obama also picked up endorsements from former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson and Scott McClellan, former press secretary to President Bush.

In Durango, Campbell announced her endorsement of Udall at a get-out-the-vote rally Thursday. Udall visited the area accompanied by U.S. Rep. John Salazar, D-Manassa, who is seeking re-election.

Larson, a former Cortez resident who represented the 59th District for eight years in the Colorado Legislature, focused on Udall’s willingness to work with both parties and his willingness to change his opinion.

“I like the way he reaches across the aisle the way I did,” Larson said by telephone from Denver where he is executive director of the Colorado/Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association. “He also came out and admitted that he made a mistake in opposing drilling in the offshore coastal shelf and that he now supports the proposal.”

Larson said his endorsement of Udall is personal. The petroleum marketers association is supporting Schaffer.

Moomaw announced his support for Udall and Salazar after discussing a local issue with Salazar on Friday in Pagosa Springs.

Salazar has won 100 percent of Payment in Lieu of Taxes compensation for Archuleta County, whereas prior payments averaged 50 to 60 percent, Moomaw said. The PILT program compensates counties with extensive federal land for lost property taxes.

“Salazar also supported us on opposing the Village at Wolf Creek and he supported the 1.5-mile buffer against drilling near the outcrop,” Moomaw said. “I endorsed Udall because he has supported Salazar’s efforts.”

daler@durangoherald.com

McCain opens Friday in Denver

By Joe Hanel

Herald Denver Bureau

DENVER – Republican presidential candidate John McCain spent Thursday night at Denver’s Brown Palace Hotel and began Friday with a rally at the National Western Stock Show arena.

Retired Broncos stars John Elway and John Lynch introduced McCain.

“Senator, it’s the fourth quarter,” Elway said. “Some pundits I watch on TV are already counting you out, but I know a thing or two about comebacks, and I cannot wait until Nov. 4 when you once again prove those pundits wrong.”

McCain began with a joke on water he has used in previous stops in Colorado.

“My friends, as a resident of the state of Arizona, thank you for the water. Please keep sending it,” he said.

Then he got serious on the topic.

“I will not renegotiate the Colorado River Compact. Colorado will keep its water, and that will not change,” McCain said.

The Arizona senator told the Pueblo Chieftain in August that the compact “needs to be renegotiated over time.” The compact protects Colorado from California and Arizona by reserving about half the Colorado River for the smaller upstream states.

McCain used most of his 25-minute speech in Denver to rip into Obama on taxes, slamming the Democrat for saying he would “spread the wealth around.”

Police ejected four protesters – two of them in wheelchairs – after the group chanted for the first five minutes of McCain’s speech.

Obama to make appearances in Denver and CSU this weekend
John Elway to join McCain in Denver
DENVER - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama plans to visit Denver and Fort Collins on Sunday in his latest trip to Colorado.

The Illinois senator will hold rallies for early voting in Civic Center Park in Denver and at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

The Denver rally will begin at 11:30 a.m. The rally at CSU is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m.

Both campaigns have been picking up appearances in Colorado with early voting under way.

Republican candidate John McCain is holding rallies today in Durango and Denver. In Denver, he will be joined by former Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway.

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Dems prepare for McCain's arrival
Obama supporters planning to assemble along Main Avenue
by Shane Benjamin
Herald Staff Writer
Barack Obama supporters plan to line Main Avenue for as many blocks as possible today to confront presidential candidate John McCain on his way to speak at Durango High School.

The demonstration is being organized by the La Plata County Democrats and other groups, including the Southwest Colorado Peace and Justice Coalition, Veterans for Obama, and Students for a Democratic Society.

"Show up whenever you can, and we will direct you to a position," a news release said. "We will rally until McCain heads out of town!"

Obama supporters will gather at 3 p.m. at Fassbinder Park, west of Main Avenue and 17th Street, and walk north to the high school at 2390 Main Ave.

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John Salazar and Mark Udall speak at Early Vote Rally

DA candidate refutes rumor
Risberg ally says Wasley demoted
by Shane Benjamin
Herald Staff Writer
Some Durango defense lawyers say that district attorney candidate Russell Wasley was demoted earlier this year - a rumor that Wasley denies.

If Wasley was demoted, voters in the 6th Judicial District deserve to know, said Eric Sanford, a former prosecutor and defense lawyer in Durango.

If Wasley couldn't perform his duties as a deputy district attorney, then voters have reason to question his ability to manage the entire office, Sanford said.

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As electoral passion builds, lawn signs take a drubbing
by Kathrine Warren
Herald Staff Writer
With election season in full swing, people are displaying political views on their front lawns and cars, but some have become the targets of vandalism.

On Saturday, a resident in the 2900 block of East Fourth Avenue reported to police that her sign supporting Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and vice-presidential running mate Joe Biden had been removed, burned and defecated on. Signs in front of a Durango church supporting Amendment 48 - which would define a person at the moment of conception - have been stolen and destroyed.

Velbeth Jones, the president of Southwest Republican Women and a volunteer with the La Plata County Republicans, said area Republicans have reported sign damage and bumper stickers being removed from cars.

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John McCain plans to visit Durango
GOP candidate's rally slated for Friday at DHS football field

Republican presidential candidate John McCain plans to visit Durango on Friday as he fights for Colorado's nine electoral votes.

The program begins at 5 p.m. at Durango High School's football field, 11 days before Election Day, according to McCain's campaign Web site. Doors open at 3:00 p.m. A campaign spokesman said the time and location are subject to change.

Reservations
Residents can register to attend a campaign rally for presidential candidate John McCain by visiting Colorado.johnmccain.com. Tickets will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Times and locations are subject to change.

Biden in Adams County: Kerry and Gore both had poll leads, too
by Joe Hanel
Herald Denver Bureau
COMMERCE CITY - Adams County stands out in Colorado for two reasons: it has lots of Democrats and lots of home foreclosures.

Both reasons drew Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden here Tuesday. Biden first urged Democrats to vote early and deliver the must-win Denver suburbs for Barack Obama. Then he launched into an attack on John McCain, saying the Republican candidate has had "one bad idea right after another" on the economy.

Obama and Biden are calling for Congress to return after the election and pass a new economic stimulus package, including a three-month moratorium on home foreclosures.

McCain said Tuesday that the crisis shouldn't be used as an excuse for Congress to wastefully spend more money.

Biden jumped on the comment.

"We need a package. It's no longer a partisan issue, except when it comes to John McCain. He's the only odd man out," Biden said. "How many more economic casualties do we need to wait and see before he's ready to act?"

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Joe Biden speaks in Greeley


Video by the Rocky Mountian News

Early voting begins in La Plata County
Colorado one of 31 states to offer it
by Karen Boush
Herald Staff Writer
Early voting opened in Colorado on Monday, attracting a steady stream of people to the La Plata County Courthouse.
"It's been busy all day long," La Plata County Clerk and Recor-der Linda Daley said in an interview at the courthouse Monday afternoon.

Early voting in Colorado will continue today through Oct. 31. Eligible voters can vote at either the La Plata County Courthouse from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or at the new Bayfield Town Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Election Day, Nov. 4, voters must go to their assigned precinct polling places, which will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Both paper and electronic ballots will be available at all polling places on Election Day.

For more information about the Nov. 4 general election in La Plata County, call the county clerk's election department at 382-6280. To download a mail-in ballot application, visit
http://www.co.laplata.co.us/clerk/documents/CombinationVoterRegMailBallot_040708.pdf

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Downtown debate
Neighbors argue politics by planting lawn signs
by Chuck Slothower
Herald Staff Writer

The election is hotly debated everywhere, but in few places do neighbors battle it out with more fervor than at Eighth Street and East Sixth Avenue. All four corners of the busy intersection sport an array of lawn signs, each pointed to catch drivers' eyes.
Obama-Biden signs compete for attention with a McCain-Palin sign. Mark Udall for Senate signs oppose a Bob Schaffer sign. No on 48 signs argue with a yes on 48 sign.

"We're still friendly. He's wrong, but he's a friend."
- Talford Davis, Durango resident

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Debate draws sharp contrasts
Schaffer, Udall know how to flatter each other
by Joe Hanel
Herald Denver Bureau
GREELEY - In their second-to-last debate in the race for the U.S. Senate, Bob Schaffer and Mark Udall got a new challenge: say something nice about each other.
The debate format also was new, featuring videotaped question from citizens. The content of the questions, though, was familiar. Questioners asked about the war, health care, energy and political partisanship.

In perhaps the most collegial moment of the campaign, moderator Troy Coverdale of radio station KFKA asked the two to say something nice about each other.

Schaffer, a Republican who served al-ongside Udall for in Congress until 2002, got the question first.

"Without a doubt, the most accomplished thing the Congressman (Udall) has ever done is marry Maggie," Schaffer said.

Schaffer also praised Udall for supporting him on agricultural issues.

Udall, in turn, said he and Schaffer had worked well together on funding for Colorado's universities. Colorado's nine members of Congress usually work well together, he said.

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Sarah Palin hits Obama on taxes
Characterizes his plan as 'socialism'
by Joe Hanel
Herald Denver Bureau
LOVELAND - If there's an "enthusiasm gap" between Democrats and Republicans, it was nowhere to be seen when Sarah Palin rallied her party's faithful Monday.
People waited in line for hours in the chilly morning to see the GOP vice presidential nominee.

Hank Williams Jr., clad in an orange John Elway jersey, warmed up the crowd with "McCain Palin Tradition," a rewrite of his country hit "Family Tradition."

Palin went after Democratic nominee Barack Obama on taxes, calling his plan "socialism."

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Colorado back in national spotlight
by Joe Hanel
Herald Denver Bureau
LOVELAND - Both presidential campaigns are flooding Colorado with high-level appearances this week.
Democratic vice-presidential nominee Joe Biden will make a two-day swing through Northern Colorado and the Western Slope starting today.
And Palin's husband, Todd, will campaign in Glenwood Springs, Eagle and metro Denver today.

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Democracy in action
Leigh Meigs, a Durango city councilor, speaks against amendments 46 and 48 to a crowd of about 20 people gathered in front of the La Plata County Courthouse on Monday. The rally was put on by the Latina Initiative to sway early voters to defeat the two measures. 

Photo by JERRY McBRIDE/Herald

Palin speaks in Loveland



Video by the Rocky Mountain News

More to election than McCain or Obama
Ballot boasts 16 presidential contenders

by Joe Hanel
Herald Denver Bureau
DENVER - Although two candidates have all the money and attention, Colorado voters will have their choice of 16 tickets in the Nov. 4 presidential election.

They include household names like Ralph Nader, century-old parties like the Prohibitionists and brand-new groups like Heartquake.

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Monday marks start of early voting
by Ted Holteen
Herald Staff Writer

With the Nov. 4 general election just more than two weeks away, La Plata County election officials hope voters will take advantage of early and mail-in voting to avoid a logjam at local precincts on Election Day.
Early voting will begin Monday and continues through Oct. 31. Eligible voters may vote at either the La Plata County Courthouse from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or at the new Bayfield Town Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Debate looks at loans
Schaffer, Udall duke it out in Denver
by Joe Hanel
Herald Denver Bureau
DENVER - Senate candidate Bob Schaffer raised a new financial fear Thursday - defaults on student loans.

Schaffer, a Republican, said the federal student loan program is "doomed to collapse" during a debate with Democrat Mark Udall at Denver television station KMGH. He compared student loans made by the federal government to the subprime home loans - many backed by the congressionally charted companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac - that caused the current financial crisis.

"It's important to note that we have a very similar precarious situation occurring in the country with respect to college loans," Schaffer said.

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Click here to watch debate at KMGH

Nonpartisan forum takes a look at ballot issues
Event looked to clear up questions about voting issues
by Karen Boush
Herald Staff Writer
More than 50 people attended the first of three Colorado ballot issues forums planned by the League of Women Voters of La Plata County on Thursday night.

The nonpartisan event was held in the Durango City Council Chambers, where a panel of five league members reviewed each of the 14 state and five local issues that will be on the ballot in November's general election.

Additional forums
The League of Women Voters of La Plata County will hold two more Colorado ballot issues forums next week in Ignacio and Bayfield: b From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Ignacio Library, 470 Goddard Avenue. b From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Bayfield Town Hall, 1199 U.S. Highway 160B (at the corner of 160B and Mill St.). For more information, visit the league's Web site at www.lwvlaplata. org/calendar.html

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Big hitters stump for Barack Obama
by Kathrine Warren
Herald Staff Report

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter and U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar on Thursday visited Carver Brewing Co. to pump up the local Democrats.

Neither Ritter nor Salazar is up for re-election this year, but they took time to stump for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama to a crowd of about 50 on the restaurant's patio. After the Carver stop, both headed for a ceremony commemorating the Animas-La Plata Project's near completion.

"The time has come for the people of this country to take America back," Salazar said. "Barack Obama is going to do that."

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