My name is Ken Gordon, and I am the State Senate Majority Leader here in Colorado.
I am also the Democratic nominee for Secretary of State.
I have dedicated much of my life in public service in preserving our democracy. Last year, I walked the breadth of Colorado, 350 miles, in support of a ballot measure that provided $4 billion in education and healthcare funding. And because I'm concerned about the disproportionate influence of money in politics, I have never taken a special interest (PAC) contribution.
I am running for Secretary of State because we need someone there who will work tirelessly to protect our democracy. So, when Governor Tom Vilsack invited me to deliver the 856 VOTES Declaration signatures from Colorado to the Secretary of State, I was happy to join the effort.
A crowd of about 25 supporters met today at noon in downtown Denver. I gave a short speech about the importance of reviving democracy--promoting fair, secure elections, but also increased citizen participation, more competitive legislative districts, and less reliance on big special interest money. From there, we marched to the Secretary of State's office to deliver the signatures and a message: fair elections matter.
I was flattered that so many people had turned out. It's a good sign. People are starting to realize that the secretary of state isn't just a clerical position. In fact, in key swing states, it might be the most important office of all. How different would America be today, if the Secretary of State in Florida in 2000 had been fair and honest?
Colorado will be a swing state in 2008. But don't take my word for it. Karl Rove agrees with me.
Governor Vilsack recognizes the critical role that secretaries of state play in shaping the outcome of important elections. This effort has already gained grassroots attention in every state around the country and media attention in Ohio, Florida, and here in Colorado.
The campaigns in each of these states will shape the kind of elections we will have for years to come. I have seen the effects of similar campaigns in my current position, and know that we need leaders at all levels dedicated to protecting democracy.
Last year, my Senate Bill 198 required that each voting machine contain a verifiable paper record so that election results can be checked when there is a dispute. This bill also required a post-election audit, which in 2005 found errors with opti-scan machines used in ten Colorado counties. The resulting hand-recount changed the result of two elections.
This is the kind of work that our secretaries of state across the country should be doing every day.
American democracy - the first in the modern era - was achieved at great sacrifice. Democracy does not just happen. It has to be fought for by every generation, every year, every day or else it will be lost by complacency.
That is why I am running for Secretary of State - to fight for democracy every day - and that is why we need more secretaries of state across the country who believe in having fair, honest, and impartial elections officials.
I believe, as do many of you, that these issues are crucial to the well being of our democracy. The importance of this race has led me to create one of the more unconventional campaign announcements in some time (hint: I jump out of an airplane). Take a look and enjoy my first video:
http://www.kengordon.com/...
Some of you have already helped my campaign, but we need all the support we can get. Please consider helping my campaign:
https://www.knowledgemessenger.com/...
Or go to Heartland's website to find another secretary of state candidate to help in your area:
http://www.heartlandpac.org
Thank you again for all your support and I hope you enjoyed my report of the day's activities.