A scandal plagued Republican Party is giving Libertarians a possible opening at winning a seat in the Colorado state legislature. Enter Libertarian Timoth Menger, a man in the right place at the right time. Unfortunately, the Libertarian candidate in Colorado’s 54th state house district isn’t raising or spending any money on his campaign. However, the local party has stepped up and is attempting to push Menger over the finish line.
A victory would be huge for the LP. Only a handful of Libertarians have ever been elected to state legislatures, and never in Colorado. Currently there is only one Libertarian state representative in office, Dan Gordon from Rhode Island. Gordon was originally elected as a Republican, but switched parties and earlier this year he failed to qualify for a spot on the ballot in his attempt to seek re-election.
via LP.org
Republicans in Colorado’s 54th state house district can’t seem to keep their records clean.
The incumbent, Republican Laura Bradford, was asked by her party to step down after trying to use her position to avoid being cited for driving under the influence.
Jared Wright, the Republican who’s running in her place, was caught lying about his termination from the Fruita Police Department where he was chronically late for work. He was also caught lying about his reason for filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, blaming it on bad investments. It turns out he had racked up $74,000 in personal debt. Two of the three vehicles he bought on loans were repossessed.
Enter Libertarian Timothy Menger of Mesa County, a model of fiscal prudence.
“My wife and I have never made over $55,000 in one year, yet we put two kids through college, we own three vehicles paid off, and one year ago we paid off our ranch mortgage,” he said. “Who would you rather have control over your tax dollars?”
With no Democrat in the race, Menger and Wright are the only two candidates on the ballot.
Tim Menger opposes new taxes under any circumstance and is determined to carefully monitor state spending. He aims to make the Colorado state government lean and to leave more money in the pockets of its residents. He supports legalizing marijuana and concealed carry.
Running for office for the first time, his grassroots campaign relies on homemade signs and word of mouth.
The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel endorsed Libertarian Tim Menger, stating, “We don’t agree with everything Menger espouses, but…he would be a far better representative for Mesa County than Jared Wright.” The paper also notes that Menger “has at least a shot at actually winning.”
