Over the last six months only the antics of Jersey Shore have rivaled the insanity of Colorado politics.
While many Republicans cling to their ballots still uncertain of who to support in Tuesday's wacky gubernatorial and U.S. Senate primaries, the lesser watched race for state Treasurer offers a clear and antic-free choice that voters should not overlook: Walker Stapleton.
At first glance, Stapleton's primary race with J.J. Ament admittedly bears the thrill of, say, televised bowling -- a lumbering battle between two white male thirty-somethings from Arapahoe County who seem a lot alike. That's presumably why The Denver Post recently proclaimed that this race will come down to personality.
This is a short-sighted analysis. There are differences here in experience, skill and understanding, and they matter. The better man deserves to win, regardless of any superficial similarities.
For full disclosure, I endorsed Stapleton months ago. I met him in 2004 when he actively supported my own State Senate bid. He is a man of character, and we agree on many political issues. Refrain from yawning (please don't turn the channel just yet!), as this isn't just about friendship or some political payback.
It's about getting to know the real Walker. Yes, his last name might ring a bell. Yes, he's cousins with the Bush family. While these attributes--which mirror Ament's, actually, just in grander ways--might provide political advantage in most election years, Stapleton has had to distinguish himself from the pack.
Distinguish himself he has. While Ament, the son of a long-serving state legislator, turned a childhood on the campaign trail into a career as a political vendor and insider, he has failed to demonstrate any distinct credentials proving business or economic acumen, much less conservative principle.
Stapleton, conversely, is not what you'd expect. When giving speeches, he still emits a nervous energy. While his birth merged two political families known for their glib charisma, he is not one for working a room.
No, Walker the political heir, is not a terrific politician. Ironically, this may just be his most appealing personal trait.
Ament kicked off his campaign boasting of his role as "banker" to the incumbent Democrat state Treasurer. He also supported Referendum C, the state's biggest tax increase to date, and his supporters include his big-government allies from that battle.
Stapleton opposed Ref C. That's why he's backed by more businessmen than politicians, more little guys than big guys, and why his marquee endorsements are from serious fiscal hawks like Congressman Mike Coffman.
If you buy the standard contemporary line that government creates jobs, you may just want to vote for Ament. Go ahead because Stapleton's not your guy.
If, however, you've ever run your own small business, or built a small business into a big business as he has, or had to know the agony of laying someone off, or had the even bigger blow of getting laid off yourself, you know who creates jobs. Stapleton gets this because he has lived this reality, making a name all on his own over the last decade as a successful entrepreneur.
Our state is broke. Our federal government is beyond broke. Every American born today will inherit $45,000 as their share of our national debt. More government spending or government "jobs" programs aren't the answer. Balancing our taxpayer checkbook is.
When I asked Walker to give me one last pitch for this column, I knew I wouldn't get something pithy.
"The idea of 'hope' doesn't build businesses or create jobs," he told me. "With unemployment still hovering at 8.3 percent in Colorado it's time Coloradans elect leaders with experience building businesses and creating jobs in the private sector. The private sector is where the rubber meets the road and decisions have immediate consequences not every four years when there's an election."
It's not the sexist quote. But it shows he gets it. Government doesn't create or sustain jobs. You and I do.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.