BY FREDA MIKLIN
GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER
On January 25, the Colorado GOP sponsored a forum for announced candidates for the Republican nomination to challenge incumbent U.S. Senator Michael Bennet in November. The event was held at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood.
Candidates participating in the event were Eli Bremer, former head of the El Paso County GOP and a former Olympian, Gino Campana, a multifamily residential developer and former Fort Collins city council member, Deborah Flora, former Miss Colorado and radio announcer, Ron Hanks, current Colorado State Representative from Fremont County and a 32-year U.S. Air Force veteran, Greg Moore, professor of global studies and politics at Colorado Christian University, and Peter Yu, a first generation American and sales executive. Candidate Joe O’Dea, construction company owner, was not at the event due to recent back surgery.
According to published reports, “none of the candidates were challenged directly or made to field uncomfortable questions,” and all agreed on the issues of immigration and support for police and the military.
A straw poll of those who attended produced the following results:
- Gino Campana: 55 Votes (29%)
- Deborah Flora: 43 Votes (23%
- Eli Bremer: 37 Votes (19%)
- Ron Hanks: 31 Votes (16%)
- Greg Moore: 12 Votes (6%)
- Peter Yu: 11 Votes (6%)
- Joe O’Dea: 2 Votes (1%) Note: O’Dea did not participate in COGOP debate due to back surgery
- Total Votes: 191
After tthe event, Colorado GOP Chair Kristi Burton Brown said, “I want to thank all of our Senate candidates for stepping up, putting their name in the ring, and participating in our system. Michael Bennet has failed in representing our state for so long, in 2022 we will restore balance and elect a Republican who will actually fight for Colorado.”
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