December 19, 2017 12:21 PM UTC

Rep. Young Advances Toward Dem Treasurer Nomination

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• by: Colorado Pols

A press release from Rep. Dave Young of Greeley today positions him as the anointable frontrunner in the Democratic primary for Colorado Treasurer in 2018, announcing a potentially field-clearing bevy of endorsements from some of the biggest Democratic names in the state:

Congressman Ed Perlmutter explained why he is endorsing Dave Young, “Dave has taught Colorado students for over 20 years, and he knows firsthand that Colorado needs to do a better job funding our schools. I am supporting Dave for Colorado State Treasurer because he will advocate for increased public education funding and key investments to support the next generation of Coloradans.”

Governor Bill Ritter said, “I am proud to endorse Dave Young for Colorado State Treasurer. Dave will work to increase transparency at the Treasurer’s office so Coloradans know how their taxpayer money is being spent, and work to ensure our tax dollars are invested wisely.”

Former Congresswoman Betsy Markey added, “I am strongly supporting Dave Young for Colorado State Treasurer. Dave has a record of standing up for middle class families, rural Colorado and progressive policies at the state legislature, and will continue do so as State Treasurer.”

In addition, Dave has gained the endorsements of Rep. Jeni Arndt, Rep. Jeff Bridges, Rep. Janet Buckner, Rep. James Coleman, Rep. Jessie Danielson, Rep. Daneya Esgar, Speaker Mark Ferrandino, Rep. Mike Foote, Rep. Joann Ginal, Rep. Millie Hamner, Rep. Chris Hansen, Sen. Rollie Heath, Hon. Josie Heath, Rep. Edie Hooton, Rep. Dominique Jackson, Sen. Daniel Kagan, Sen. John Kefalas, Rep. Chris Kennedy, Sen. Andy Kerr, Rep. Pete Lee, Rep. Susan Lontine, Rep. Barbara McLachlan, Rep. Dafna Michaelson-Jenet, Rep. Jovan Melton, Sen. Dominick Moreno, Rep. Dan Pabon, County Commissioner and Former House Minority Leader Sal Pace, Rep. Brittany Pettersen, Rep. Dylan Roberts, Former Sen. Pat Steadman, Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp, and Sen. Nancy Todd.

Dave Young stated, “The response to our campaign message of increased transparency, accountability, additional funding for education, and reprioritizing investments to help the middle class has been overwhelming. I am honored to have the support of so many Democratic and progressive leaders throughout Colorado and look forward to continuing to share our campaign message throughout the state.”

Such broad support would seem to do it from our vantage point, although Rep. Young won’t be alone in the Democratic primary with Bernard Douthit and most recently Charles Quin Scheibe, longtime state CFO who was originally appointed by former Democratic Treasurer and 2018 gubernatorial candidate Cary Kennedy also in the running. With that said, today’s endorsements definitely position Rep. Young as the candidate to beat.

And yes, one other would-be candidate in this primary no longer rates a mention. It’s not an oversight.