I spent the last couple of days on the eastern plains of Colorado. My sister Barbara, who teaches high school in Virginia, came to Colorado this week to drive with me across the district. We started our trip last Saturday at the Bent County Fair Barbeque. Everyone we met was friendly and interested in learning more about my campaign. One gentleman told me "I've been a Republican all my life but 'm fed up. Next year I'm voting for Democrats, and you seem like a good person." 

As compared to the Front Range there are very few 4th CD constituents on the eastern plains.   As a rule people are extremely friendly and ready to help you at a moments notice. 

On Sunday we met with people in Otero County about the proposed, ill-conceived and just plain wrong, expansion of Pinon Canyon. From there we headed to Baca County, in the south east corner of the state, not far from the Oklahoma border. We spent the night in Lamar and Monday morning meet with people in Prowers County. Monday we also visited Cheyenne Wells and Burlington.  An 80 year old woman who still writes a column for the newspaper in Cheyenne Wells, and a lifelong Republican, told me how fed up she is with President Bush. She asked if elected would I vote to end the war in Iraq and bring out troops home.
 
Tuesday, we  joined State Party Chair Pat Waak, a representative from the Udall campaign and the Progressive Majority at the Yuma County Fair picnic and met with about 30 Democrats. I was glad to have had the opportunity to spend some time with the Yuma Dems. They are organized and energized about this election cycle. 
This is the best part of running for office, getting out to meet with people from around the district and hear their concerns about water, Farm Bill issues, rural economic development opportunities, healthcare and national defense. I learned a great deal on this trip. Everyone is tired of the bitter partisanship in Washington. Voters I meet with want someone who will seek solutions to the issues that affect their lives. I feel the same way. I hope that this campaign will bring a voice of reason and hope for change. 

Thanks for your interest in the campaign. I look forward to hearing your comments.
 
Betsy