Press Release - Dec 1, 2007
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SATURDAY, DEC. 1, 2007
CONTACTS
Laura K. Chapin, 303.866.6386, lchapin@capitol.state.co.us
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370, evan.dreyer@state.co.us
TEXT OF GOV. RITTER'S NATIONAL RADIO ADDRESS
Here is the text of Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter's national Democratic radio address, which aired on major broadcast networks at 9 a.m. Mountain time today in response to President Bush's weekly radio speech.
Colorado Governor Bill Ritter's Radio Address
Air Date: Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007
Good morning. I'm Governor Bill Ritter from the great state of Colorado. Earlier this week, I had an opportunity to listen first-hand to our strong crop of Democrats running for president of the United States. I'm proud to say they embody the best values America has to offer.
Our values are Western values. Like the people of Colorado, Americans are inventive and self-reliant, and they're looking for leaders who know how to solve problems, get results and make a positive difference.
Democrats are offering specific plans that capitalize on America's strengths, plans that intersect with where Americans struggle, and plans that get our great nation headed back in the right direction. Democrats have put forward substantive policies that address our nation's broken health-care system - a system that leaves millions of children and families without access to quality, affordable health care.
At a time when concern about our economy is growing and American families are struggling with high energy costs, Democrats have proposed policies that will take advantage of renewable energy resources like wind, solar and biofuels.
In Colorado, we call this the New Energy Economy. By creating a 21st Century energy policy, we are creating jobs, revitalizing the economy, protecting the environment and helping secure our nation's energy future.
Democrats know that Americans want a government that is frugal with the people's money. We are tired of the years of mounting deficits coming from Republicans in Washington. A Democratic president will be truthful with the American people about our economic health, stop playing games with the budget, and restore fiscal sanity.
Americans want government that works and not one that continues to follow a failed strategy - especially in Iraq. Democrats and a bipartisan majority of Americans want to end the war in Iraq, to bring our troops home as quickly as possible. At the same time, there are major security and international concerns that need a fresh look and new strategies - not the stay-the-course approach we hear from the Republican candidates.
In Colorado and throughout the Rocky Mountain West, Democrats are succeeding because we provide moderate, common sense leadership on issues most important to American families. Where Washington has failed to act, we are moving ahead on issues such as immigration, domestic-energy development, education and creating new jobs for hard-working Americans.
Americans are tired of Washington-style partisan gridlock. They want results - and they deserve leaders who can deliver. By sticking with our values, our party has made great gains in the West. I'm proud to be one of the growing number of Democratic governors and other elected officials in the Rocky Mountain West.
Beyond the West, from Kentucky to Virginia and New Jersey, Americans are embracing Democratic leadership. Last month, in elections around the country, strong candidates showed that Democrats can challenge Republicans on values and win anywhere when we show up and compete everywhere.
I am looking forward to hosting the Democratic convention here in Colorado next year where we will be showcasing our strong, can-do leadership and the important role the West will play in 2008. Our Democratic candidates offer new ideas, fresh approaches, optimism and a new direction. And, of course, voters in the West will help one of those candidates win the White House in 2008.
I'm Governor Bill Ritter from Colorado. Thank you for listening.