Pictured from left to right are: Diane Mitsch Bush, Rene Brown Valdez, Donald Valdez and Ed Vigil.

MONTE VISTA— The Rio Grande County Democrats officially kicked off their midterm election efforts with the Second Annual John F Kennedy Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 6. Around 45 attendees enjoyed an evening in which they had the opportunity to meet with several candidates and hear a keynote address from the Minority Leader of the Colorado Senate Leroy Garcia.
Quoting the late President John F Kennedy several times, Garcia reminded attendees of the importance of voting to stand up for the rights they personally believed in. Garcia reminded the Democrats of Kennedy’s famous call to action and the civic duty every voter has to ensure the protection of democracy. The minority leader also spoke of several bills he had sponsored in Colorado which aided in the protection of important Colorado issues such as water and public lands. He concluded his speech by urging turnout on election day and support for all Democratic candidates down the ballot.
After Garcia gave the keynote address other candidates and their representatives addressed the Democratic dinner. Diane Mitsch Bush, who is running for Colorado’s 3rd US Congressional District against incumbent Representative Scott Tipton, marked her fifth visit to Rio Grande County on Saturday night. Mitsch Bush emphasized her commitment to representing western and rural Colorado values if she were to be elected to the United States Congress. She also alleged that Scott Tipton has built much of his financial support from corporate donors, while her campaign is powered by contributions from ordinary people. Mitsch Bush was one of two recipients of the Rural Advocate Award from the Rio Grande County Democrats. She was presented the award due to her many visits to the area.
The next candidate to speak was Representative Donald Valdez from House District 62, which encompasses the entire San Luis Valley and a portion of Pueblo. Valdez is facing Republican Scott Honeycutt in his bid for re-election. Valdez used his time to speak about local issues familiar to the San Luis Valley, such as access to affordable health care, Veterans benefits, and quality education. He also took a special moment to acknowledge the devastation caused by the Spring Fire and to thank the first responders who worked diligently to extinguish it.
Alvin Rivera who is running for CU Regent in District 3 was the final in-person candidate to address the dinner. Rivera explained the role of a CU Regent. He explained the regents set the budget and the mission of the largest university in the state of Colorado. As such he urged attendees to pay attention to a race that is often ignored and not as exciting.
Rio De La Vista spoke on behalf of Phil Weiser who is running for attorney general against Republican Greg Bauchler. Weiser who was unable to be in attendance was also awarded a Rural Advocate Award for visiting the San Luis Valley six times. Weiser sent in a letter of appreciation which was read by De La Vista. Weiser renewed his commitment to tackling the opioid epidemic, protecting water rights, defending public lands and working to use his office to improve the economy if elected.
The Rio Grande County Democrats also presented awards to individuals and organizations for their support of the dinner and the renewed efforts of the party to be competitive over the last 2 years. Award winners included Phillip and Christy Craig and the Pueblo County Democrats who were awarded the Treasurer’s Award, Indivisble Crestone/Baca who received the Chair’s Unity Award and Volunteers of the year Anna Alvarez and Jan Karol.