A Colorado representative is seeking a “fresh start” by switching districts for the upcoming 2024 election – an unprecedented move that led conservative candidates to describe it as a “trickery.”
A Fresh Political Start
Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert, representing Colorado, is shaking things up by changing her congressional district for the 2024 House nomination bid. Boebert of the 3rd District is eyeing the more conservative-leaning 4th Congressional District as a potentially good fit for her candidacy.
District 4: Boebert’s New Target
This Wednesday brought a surprising twist from Boebert, who declared she’s dropping her campaign to keep her seat in Congressional District 3 in favor of running for the open seat in Congressional District 4 that covers the Eastern Plains and is now represented by Republican U.S. Rep. Ken Buck.
Maintaining Conservative Voice
Boebert expressed in her Facebook video caption, “I wanted to let you, my constituents and supporters, hear directly from me about my plans for the 2024 election cycle and the importance of maintaining a conservative voice for Colorado in Congress as well as keeping our Republican House majority.”
Staying in the Fight
In her Wednesday announcement, the 37-year-old described her decision as a “fresh start,” further stating, “I promised I would do whatever it takes to stop the socialists and communists from taking over our country. That means staying in the fight but also not allowing Hollywood elite and progressive money groups to buy the third district, a seat that they have no business owning.”
Year After Fierce Election Battle
Her decision comes over a year following her narrow victory for a second term, a race marked by rather fierce competition from a Democratic opponent, who aimed to unseat her after only one term.
Potential Loss in District 3
According to CBS News Colorado’s political analyst Dick Wadhams, the decision by the American politician and businesswoman may stem from her anticipation of a loss in the 3rd Congressional District.
“This is unprecedented,” said Wadhams, “she knew she was probably going to lose in the 3rd Congressional District.”
“Does she think we’re that stupid?”
The decision did not sit well with State Representative Richard Holtorf of Akron, who criticized the move by saying, “Seat shopping isn’t something voters look kindly on.” He further expressed skepticism about Boebert’s intentions, asking rhetorically, “Does she think we’re that stupid? Does she think we’re going to be fooled by this trickery?”
Eastern Plains vs Western Slope
Holtorf pointed out the stark contrasts between the Eastern Plains, his area, and the Western Slope represented by Boebert. He further highlighted his long-standing connection to the land as a third-generation cattle rancher, cattle feeder, and farmer, saying, “I’m (part of) the fabric of this part of the state.”
Carpetbagging Claims
Some critics labeled Boebert’s move as mere carpetbagging. Former State Senator Ted Harvey from Highlands Ranch expressed his confidence in being a superior representative for Colorado conservatives.
Trust Issues in Congressional Race
Criticizing her decision, Harvey stated, “It’s sad, first and foremost, because she ran to say that she wasn’t going to be a career politician. She has lost the confidence of the conservative voters in the 3rd Congressional District, so much so that she was probably going to lose that seat. And so now she’s decided to cling to power and continue to be a career politician.”
Mixed Reactions
While Boebert’s unprecedented move drew some criticism, it also received a fair share of positive feedback and support. Former state senator Jerry Sonnenberg of Sterling expressed his enthusiasm, stating:
“I look forward to welcoming Lauren to the fourth district and representing her in Congress. I’ve lived, worked, and raised my family here and I’m blessed to have always called Eastern Colorado home. The fourth district is my home, and I’m going to continue to work hard to represent the principled conservative values of everyone who lives here just as I have always done.”
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