Ed Perlmutter: Congressman, Teammate, Cheerleader

by Chris O'Toole

FORT COLLINS, Colo.— In the wake of attack ads, outrageous claims, and accusations of foul play in the 2010 elections, Ed Perlmutter stood before a crowd to address his victory as an incumbent congressman. But, refreshingly, he didn’t focus on any individual; he focused on the group effort it took to get to Washington and the group effort that was required going forward.

“This truly was every single person in this room and so many others; this was their success,” Perlmutter said.

After thanking nearly everyone in his family tree, Perlmutter then recognized and applauded the efforts of the organizations that supported him. Among them were teachers, realtors, firefighters, labor organizations, and close friends who went to bat for his campaign. In return, Perlmutter promised to reciprocate the efforts.

“I try to make myself as available to people as possible,” Perlmutter said. “Whether it’s government at the grocery, walking precincts, or whatever it might be-- I mean that’s what the people of our district and the people of our country want from a representative.”

Perlmutter again stressed the theme of teamwork that allowed his candidacy to come to fruition.

“My ability to be accessible, to be knowledgeable, to have some success at being effective really is because I have the greatest people working with me in the world,” Perlmutter said. “You’re only as good as the people you work with, and I am so fortunate to have campaigned with all of you.”

Due thanks were doled out to all, but Perlmutter was wary of the challenges that still lie ahead. Most notably, the lack of jobs available in Colorado was an issue that he and his campaign planned to fix through a multi-faceted plan.

“It’s going to be jobs by people either getting credit more accessible to small businesses so that they can buy inventory and hire new people; it’s going to be about manufacturing things in the United States and not overseas,” Perlmutter said. “And it’s going to be rebuilding our infrastructure, whether it’s roads or telecommunications or the new VA hospital in Fitzsimons.”

At the risk of becoming a broken record, Perlmutter wrapped up a third speech on teamwork and asked the crowd to part with a Moses-like hand motion. His first action as re-elected congressman:

“I want to prove to you all that I can do a cartwheel,” Perlmutter said.

And cartwheel he did. Twice. His actions, if zany, demonstrated a willingness to break from the rote behavior of congressmen; a willingness his constituents hope will be taken with him to Washington.