For Immediate Release     Contact:  Anne Caprara
December 10, 2007        970-397-3837

GOVERNOR RITTER BACKS MARKEY FOR CONGRESS

Ritter: “Betsy Markey has the common sense and the character to be a voice of reason in Washington”

Fort Collins, CO – Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. today threw his support behind Betsy Markey, a Larimer County businesswoman and candidate for Congress in Colorado’s Fourth District. 

“Betsy Markey has the common sense and the character to be a voice of reason in Washington,” Governor Ritter said.  “As a small-business owner and public servant, Betsy has shown that she has the pragmatism and independence to get the job done. She has her priorities straight, and will bring Colorado common sense back to Washington. Betsy Markey is the right person for the job.”

“I am honored to have the Governor’s support in my campaign to bring independent leadership back to the Fourth District,” said Markey. “We need a Representative who understands how much is at stake for the hard-working families, farmers and ranchers of this district, and will do more than represent a narrow ideology in Congress. It’s time for a fresh perspective. It’s time to elect someone who will work through the gridlock to get things done – like a responsible transition out of Iraq, restoring fiscal accountability to government, lowering the cost of health care, and making our nation less dependent on foreign oil. I very much appreciate the Governor’s support and look forward to working with him on our shared priorities.”

“I know that Betsy will be a strong voice for Colorado families and businesses,” Ritter continued. “She understands this district, its people and its priorities, and will work tirelessly to ensure the federal government pays attention to them. Betsy Markey will be a Member of Congress we can all be proud of.”

Markey’s broad spectrum of supporters includes United States Senator Ken Salazar, United States Representatives Diana DeGette, Mark Udall, John Salazar and Ed Perlmutter, State Senator Bob Bacon, State Representative John Kefalas, former State Senators Peggy Reeves and Stan Matsunaka, and local community leaders. 

Markey is an accomplished businesswoman, having founded a successful high-tech business and a local retail shop. She most recently served as the Northern Colorado Regional Director for Senator Ken Salazar and was previously an official in the U.S. State Department. She has been involved in her community for years as President of the Larimer County Food Bank and founder of the Northern Colorado Democratic Business Coalition.

###