I see the upcoming showdown over the appointment to replace state senator Steve Johnson as a real testing ground: Do Republicans want well-qualified and proven fiscal conservatives of class and character – regardless of their views on social issues – or do they just want to toss officials overboard for their socially conservative views?
Estes Park’s Jon Nicholas gets it right: state representative Kevin Lundberg is the right person to fill Johnson’s seat. Especially if Nicholas’ observations (one technical error aside) about Lundberg’s less well-known rivals indeed are correct:
Limiting the growth of state government remains an area where the GOP can connect with Larimer voters, so the choice could prove crucial. Based upon a recent breakfast meeting where each of the three answered questions, rank-and-file Republicans want a fiscal conservative to be appointed. Kevin Lundberg has fought on behalf of limiting the growth of state government. He strongly supports the TABOR amendment. [Loveland business owner] Mike Lynch says he opposed Referendums C & D and favors TABOR. Still, Lynch says he favors unspecified changes to reconcile TABOR with Referendum C [sic – Amendment 23] (which requires automatic increases in spending on K-12 education).
[Windsor financial planner] Deborah Moeck openly criticized TABOR. Moeck believes we should rely upon our legislators to act responsibly and described TABOR as an “angry in-your-face limit on government spending.†Moeck isn’t the first to confuse the TABOR amendment with its sponsor, Douglas Bruce. But Moeck’s sincere criticism of TABOR put her at odds with most Republicans.
Taken these observed claims as facts, fiscal conservatives should have no reason to back Deborah Moeck. On the other hand, Mike Lynch at least might be worthy of consideration based on his stated positions. But to do so a really good reason first would be needed not to reward someone who has consistently proven his fiscally conservative credentials, character, and leadership.
Kevin Lundberg is one of the hardest-working and most responsible (and responsive) lawmakers in Denver, not to mention a competent and articulate spokesman for conservative principles. Lundberg regularly has some of the highest ratings from the fiscal watchdogs at the Colorado Union of Taxpayers. To see beyond his voting record, check out his website or listen to his recent appearance on Rocky Mountain Alliance Blog Talk Radio.
For whatever it’s worth, I am glad to give Rep. Lundberg my personal endorsement to be the next state senator from District 15. I hope others in Colorado’s Right-leaning blogosphere might do the same.
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