Hickenlooper Wins Race for Governor

By Tara DeMuth

FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- Received by an applauding audience and a standing ovation, Gov.-elect John Hickenlooper took center stage at the Grand Hyatt in Denver to talk about building hope and economic recovery.

“I am honored and humbled by the decision Colorado voters have made and I have accepted the challenge that you have entrusted me to lead the state of Colorado,” said Hickenlooper. “But as we’ve said right along, this is not the end of our journey, this is the beginning.”

In the final percentages, Democrat Hickenlooper won with 51 percent of votes. Tom Tancredo, from the American Constitution Party, came away with 36 percent, while Republican Dan Maes, came in third with 8 percent.

During his campaign, Hickenlooper paid particular attention to the issue of unemployment. In his speech, again, Hickenlooper addressed this issue and what it has meant to the state of Colorado.

“Too many Coloradans are out of work and at risk at losing their jobs,” said Hickenlooper. “They’re struggling to find the money for their mortgages, for health care payments.”

Education, and its importance to the growth of Colorado, was also discussed.

“We can tackle the challenge of keeping our schools funded, including higher education, because the path to success is through a classroom door,” said Hickenlooper.

In his speech, Hickenlooper also addressed goals of making the government more efficient, conserving land and water, making Colorado pro-business and maintaining a full safety net for those in need.

Throughout the entire speech, a common theme was Hickenlooper’s call for a united approach in addressing the next step for Colorado.

“Starting tonight, we set aside our differences and work together to rebuild hope in our state and get this economy back on track,” said Hickenlooper.

Since the beginning of the race, Hickenlooper dedicated himself, and his staff, to running a clean campaign, which set the stage for his hopes of continuing to work together.

“You have made history tonight by showing you can win with a message of what you want to do, not who you're against,” said Hickenlooper. “We won the support of Colorado without one single negative ad.”

In the conclusion of his speech, Hickenlooper challenged his viewers to continue with the same goals of addressing Colorado issues as a united front.

“It’s gonna take all of us, whether you're a Democrat or a Republican or unaffiliated, American Constitution Party, we’re gonna have everybody working together and welcome them to the table,” said Hickenlooper. “Everyone has got to roll up their sleeves ... it’s time to set aside all those labels, everyone has got to be at our table.”