I consider myself a progressive and an independent thinker, but I don’t agree with Paul Jones’s “independent” candidacy against Barbara McLachlan. Speaking Saturday in Durango, Jones said he voted for her in 2016 and that he admires her work as both an educator and a legislator, but that he wants to claim her seat to create more bi-partisanship. As every bill McLachlan passed was bi-partisan, that doesn’t make sense.
While Paul Jones seems like a genuine man, I am concerned with the fact that he is wholly owned by a special interest group called Unite Colorado – he’s raised $26,000 for his campaign (over $5,000 from Unite America, the parent group), but they’ve put in an additional $150,000 to create all ads, mailers, a canvassing team, etc. Unite Colorado is currently being investigated for the level of support they’re giving candidates – soft, outside money is supposed to bolster a campaign, not run it.
Unite America is running campaigns across the US; their goal, they say, is to level the playing field for more independent voices. That’s actually a commendable goal, but not when Unite Colorado targets only Democratic incumbents.
Please, vote for our truly honorably, bi-partisan legislator, Barbara McLachlan. She works hard for us all.
Werner Heiber
Durango
