Election 2008

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