Last week I highlighted the burgeoning campaign of Affie Ellis for State House District 29 in north Jeffco, as she prepares to challenge vulnerable Democrat incumbent Debbie Benefield.
Another Republican woman who is changing the dynamics of the fall elections for the state legislature is Aimee Rathburn in Denver’s House District 1, a seat being vacated by term-limited Democrat Representative Fran Coleman. While it’s hard for the GOP to capture any seat in Denver, HD 1 is easily the best shot. And Rathburn, a candidate with gumption and good ideas, is set to make her mark, as this press release correctly indicates:
Aimee Rathburn, the GOP’s House District One candidate, is sending shockwaves through the Colorado political community through her strong first quarter fundraising performance.
Democrat and Republican leaders are now considering targeting the race for its potential to determine partisan control over the legislature in the 2007 session, with many top GOP leaders already voicing support for Rathburn’s candidacy.
“For years, Republicans have given up this seat without much thought to Democrats, but clearly the demographics are such that with the right candidate, the GOP can pick up this seat,” said John Zakhem, a Denver resident and counsel for the state Republican Party. “Aimee is clearly the candidate to make it happen, and she may just be the key to Republicans winning back the state legislature this year.”
Aimee Rathburn is a 20-year resident of House District 1, a non-profit development director, outdoorswoman and conservationist dedicated to protecting our water supply. She has been married for 18 years to a Denver Police officer.
House District 1 includes roughly 34,000 voters in southwest Denver and the City of Sheridan in Arapahoe County. Historically a Republican enclave in an otherwise Democratically-represented Denver, conservatives have made significant inroads in the district. Denver City Councilwoman Jeanne Faatz bested her opponent 4-to-1 here. The Rathburn campaign has already raised four times more than the previous Republican house candidate in House District 1.
Already, Rathburn is outpacing her potential Democrat opponents, with donations totaling nearly $13,000, and with more than $11,000 in cash remaining on hand.
Supporters praise Rathburn’s experience and devotion to local issues. “Aimee’s commitment to Denver’s neighborhoods is second to none,” said Bob Crider, former Denver City Councilman and City Auditor. “As my Aide at both City Council and the Auditor’s Office she not only stayed apprised of neighborhood concerns and issues, she stayed ahead of them.”
To contact the Rathburn campaign, call Brad Jones, her campaign manager, at 720-221-8412 or send an email to Brad@BradJonesLLC.com.
The Democrats can’t be enjoying the fact that another one of their seats is in play for the fall election.
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