Cory Gardner Latest News

Thank You

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:13:00 GMT

Now that the last ballots have been counted, I wanted to thank each and every one of you for the significant contributions you have made to my campaign.

This victory is shared by all of the volunteers and countless supporters.  Thank you for your many hours of hard work, phone calls, financial support and well wishes.

It is hard to believe that over a year ago I made the decision to get in this race.  Since then, I have traveled all across the district and met so many remarkable people.  Regardless of party affiliation, it quickly became apparent that we all want the same thing: a better, stronger America.

This office is an enormous responsibility and one that will never be taken lightly.  It is the responsibility to deliver a nation to generations yet to be born, and it is our obligation to ensure these future Americans are blessed with even more opportunity than those we have been blessed with.

In order to accomplish that, I believe we must cut spending, put an end to the wasteful disregard of the taxpayers’ dollar, get government out of the way and let America work.

Although the campaign has ended, our work is just beginning.  Republicans are not going to compromise with our principles this time around.  We will not increase taxes or go down the path of earmarks that have symbolized everything that is wrong with Washington D.C.

But it is time for Republicans and Democrats to work together to balance the budget and cut spending.

I look forward to working with you in the future as well to restore our nation’s greatness.  Please know that my door will always be open, and I will never forget my roots.

Thank you and God bless,

Cory

Gardner defeats Markey in 4th District

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:10:00 GMT

Republican challenger Cory Gardner, a state lawmaker from Yuma, defeated Democratic Congresswoman Betsy Markey in her bid for re-election in a district that for decades has voted Republican. Gardner carried 51.2 percent of the vote to Markey's 42.8 percent.

Markey broke the GOP streak in 2008 when she unseated U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave in 2008 in the 4th Congressional District.

Even if this year weren't rough for Democrats nationally, pundits say she would have a fight on her hands against Gardner.

Gardner has hammered the Fort Collins Democrat as being too pro-Obama and too big-government. Markey countered she is independent and voted against several big spending bills, including Obama's budget.

At a polling place in Fort Collins today, Brad Davies, 49, said he voted for Gardner.

"In the last election I voted for Betsy, but she let me down," he said, adding he was upset that the congresswoman voted for the health-care reform law.

Gardner and Markey were on pace to spend unprecedented levels for a 4th District race. By Sept. 30, Markey had raised more than $3.1 million and Gardner $1.95 million.

By Lynn Bartels at The Denver Post
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_16506117

Colorado Civil Justice League announces 'Common Sense in the Courtroom' awards

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:20:00 GMT

48 lawmakers honored for votes to curb lawsuit abuse

DENVER — Colorado Civil Justice League today announced 48 state lawmakers from both parties who have earned the Common Sense in the Courtroom award for their votes to curb lawsuit abuse.

"CCJL awards legislators who take a stand against abusive lawsuits," said Jeff Weist, lobbyist for CCJL.

Winners will be honored at CCJL's Annual Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 7, at the Westin Tabor Center in Denver.

Senators honored by CCJL include: Sen. Greg Brophy (R-Wray), Sen. Bill Cadman (R-Colorado Springs), Sen. Ted Harvey (R-Highlands Ranch), Sen. Ken Kester (R-Las Animas), Sen. Keith King (R-Colorado Springs), Sen. Mike Kopp (R-Littleton), Sen. Kevin Lundberg (R-Berthoud), Sen. Linda Newell (D-Littleton), Sen. Shawn Mitchell (R-Broomfield), Sen. Josh Penry (R-Grand Junction), Sen. Scott Renfroe (R-Greeley), Sen. Mark Scheffel (R-Parker), Sen. David Schultheis (R-Colorado Springs), Sen. Nancy Spence (R-Centennial) and Sen. Al White (R-Hayden).

Representatives receiving accolades: Rep. Cindy Acree (R-Aurora), Rep. David Balmer (R-Centennial), Rep. Randy Baumgardner (R-Hot Sulphur Springs), Rep. Laura Bradford (R-Grand Junction), Rep. Edward Casso (D-Thornton), Rep. Kathleen Curry (U-Gunnison), Rep. Brian DelGrosso (R-Loveland), Rep. Bob Gardner (R-Colorado Springs), Rep. Cory Gardner (R-Yuma), Rep. Cheri Gerou (R-Evergreen), Rep. Daniel Kagan (D-Denver), Rep. Jim Kerr (R-Littleton), Rep. Steve King (R-Grand Junction), Rep. Kent Lambert (R-Colorado Springs), Rep. Larry Liston (R-Colorado Springs), Rep. Beth McCann (D-Denver), Rep. Wes McKinley (D-Walsh), Rep. Frank McNulty (R-Highlands Ranch), Rep. Tom Massey (R-Poncha Springs), Rep. Mike May (R-Parker), Rep. Carole Murray (R-Castle Rock), Rep. Kevin Priola (R-Henderson), Rep. Joe Rice (D-Littleton), Rep. Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley), , Rep. Ellen Roberts (R-Durango), Rep. Christine Scanlan (D-Dillon), Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg (R-Sterling), Rep. Ken Summers (R-Lakewood), Rep. Amy Stephens (R-Monument), Rep. Spencer Swalm (R-Centennial), Rep. Scott Tipton (R-Cortez), Rep. Glenn Vaad (R-Greeley) and Rep. Mark Waller (R-Colorado Springs).

"At CCJL, we are grateful for the bipartisan coalition of legislators who understand the importance to Colorado's economy of a court system that promotes fairness and follows the rule of law," Weist added.

CCJL is the only organization in Colorado focused exclusively on stopping lawsuit abuse while preserving a system of civil justice that fairly compensates victims of wrongdoing.

This year, the General Assembly confronted several attempts to increase litigation costs, including legislation that would provide new incentives for employees to sue employers, tenants to sue landlords, and customers to sue store owners.

In addition to honoring lawmakers, CCJL's Awards Luncheon will feature keynote speaker Sherman "Tiger" Joyce, president of the American Tort Reform Association. For more information, go to www.CCJL.org.

Farmers and Ranchers Rally Behind Gardner

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:57:00 GMT

Fourth Congressional District challenger Cory Gardner announced the newly formed Coalition of Farmers and Ranchers that are backing his bid to unseat Democrat Congresswoman Betsy Markey.

“As I continue to tour the 4th congressional district, I am humbled by the support and words of encouragement from the farming and ranching community,” Gardner said.

Members of Farmers and Ranchers for Gardner speak out:

-“Cory Gardner has stood shoulder to shoulder with farmers and ranchers while in the Colorado State House. I have no doubt he will continue to fight for farmers and ranchers in Congress,” said Lester Hasart, of Stratton.

-“It has become very apparent to me that Betsy Markey is more interested in the concerns of Nancy Pelosi then she is with farmers and ranchers in her district,” said Christopher Bledsoe, of Flagler.

-“Betsy Markey voted for cap and trade, which will only lead to higher taxes and more government regulations for farmers and ranchers. I don’t see how any farmer or rancher could support Betsy Markey,” said Doyle Riley, of Vernon.

-“Cory is a fifth generation Coloradan with a farming background from Yuma. He understands the concerns of the people of eastern Colorado and the 4th congressional district,” said Gordon Sonnenberg, Sterling.

-“Cory has shown the type of leadership and judgment that would make any farmer or rancher proud,” said Howard Wickham, of Fort Morgan.

This list represents an initial group with more joining every day. The members of the Farmers and Ranchers for Gardner Coalition are as follows:

Jennie Brown - Yuma, Jeff and Martha Bieber - Fort Morgan, Howard Wickham - Fort Morgan, Joan Peterson - Eaton, Gordon Sonnenberg - Sterling, Mark Harms - Cheyenne Wells, Richard Rochlitz - Julesburg David Hunt - Platteville, John Deering - Yuma, Curt and Michelle Christensen - Fort Morgan, John Justman - Fruita, John Hardwick - Vernon, David Lillich - Yuma, Lester Hasart - Stratton, Marion and Hazel Chapman - Wray, Greg Brophy - Wray, Steven Wells - Gill, Bill Jerke - La Salle, Stanley Cass - Eaton, Doyle and Becci Riley - Vernon, Maryjo Warren - Englewood, Mary Waitman - Stratton, Jim Hendrix - Wray, Betty Kirchenschlager - Yuma, Max and Joan Olsen - Yuma, Mark Hillman - Burlington, Christopher Bledsoe - Flagler, Don and Betty Joe Seedorf - Yuma, Hazel Gardner - Eckley, Quentin Vance - Akron, Maurice Sunderman - Otis, Wayne and Alice Skold - Haxtun, Clair and Mary Hickman - Yuma, Gerald and Cindy Wernsman - Fleming, Laurel Knudsen - Arapahoe, Brian James - Ordway, Bob Beauprez - Lafayette, Rick Benish - Akron, Bob and Becky Bledsoe - Wray, Darlene Young - Akron, Jay Jolly - Hugo, Don and Myrna Andrews - Idalia, and Scott and Jean Johnson - Kit Carson.

Gardner Owns 4th CD Debate

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 17:20:00 GMT

Challenger Cory Gardner hammered Democrat Rep. Betsy Markey for her record of deficit spending and growing government in the first debate in the race for the 4th Congressional District.

Audible hissing and booing could be heard when Markey tried to defend her record on healthcare. The audience also cheered loudly when Gardner repeatedly told Markey she needed to "read the bill" that is the centerpiece of her latest misleading attack ad.

"This debate presented a clear choice: do the people of the 4th CD want a candidate who favors deficit spending and more government intrusion in our lives, or do they want a candidate who will cut taxes and cut government and get the economy back on track," said Rachel Boxer, spokeswoman for the Gardner campaign.

Pueblo Chieftan Endorses Gardner for the 4th CD

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:27:00 GMT

From the October 17th Endorsement:

"State Rep. Cory Gardner, a Republican from Yuma on the Eastern Plains, is a perfect fit to represent Colorado's 4th Congressional District. We strongly urge the voters to elect him in the Nov. 2 election.

Widely regarded as a rising star in politics, Rep. Gardner is the ideal choice in Colorado's 4th Congressional District."

Click Here to read the Entire Endorsement.

Greeley Tribune, Longmont Times-Call and Loveland Reporter-Herald all endorse Gardner for 4th CD race

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 16:35:00 GMT

The Greeley Tribune, Longmont Times-Call and Loveland Reporter-Herald piled on the praise for challenger Cory Gardner, saying he is the candidate that would do the best job representing Colorado's 4^th Congressional District.

The Tribune endorsement notes that Gardner’s strong agriculture roots make him the most suited to represent the political views of farmers and ranchers. They also lauded him for taking a strong position for the Northern Integrated Supply Project, a water storage project supported by most agriculture groups in Northern Colorado.

Democrat Congresswoman Betsy Markey has failed for three years to even take a position on NISP.

The Times-Call and Reporter-Herald wrote about the dynamics of the 4^th CD, saying that the people traditionally have an independent to conservative approach to national issues. “This would tend to support the candidacy of Gardner, who is more likely to resist vast federal spending that Markey has been involved in….” the papers wrote in the endorsement. “This is a region where people still believe that hard work, determination and ingenuity will pay dividends for themselves and their communities in the future.”

Journal-Advocate weighs in on 4th CD race: Gardner gets our vote

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:20:00 GMT

Support for 4^th Congressional District GOP challenger Cory Gardner keeps coming, with the latest endorsement from Sterling’s newspaper the Journal-Advocate.

"The Journal-Advocate recognizes the importance of sending someone to Congress who understands how vital a strong agriculture economy is to the future of this state and country. I will work tirelessly to represent the people of eastern Colorado."

The paper highlights Gardner for his ties to the local community and for his deep understanding of how national issues impact the local community, which is comprised mostly of agriculture and small businesses. “We choose Gardner because of his history in the region, of working a family business within the rural economy, and of traveling the area first as a state legislator,” the Journal-Advocate wrote in its endorsement. “We choose Gardner because we see him as having the best understanding of the needs of eastern rural Colorado. “

Click here to read the whole endorsement.

Denver Post Endorses Cory Gardner For Fourth Congressional District Seat

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 23:08:00 GMT

The Denver Post announced today that they are endorsing State Representative Cory Gardner over incumbent Betsy Markey in the Fourth Congressional District race. The Post editorial board cited the fact that "the Yuma Republican has a better agenda for the district." They also believe that Cory "will be a thoughtful conservative in the model of Hank Brown, and ultimately will be a better fit." The Board concluded: "We hope to see Gardner take his message of fiscal discipline to Washington and restore balance to his district and Congress."

Link to full text: Denver Post Endorsement

The Gardner Report - September 2010 Campaign Newsletter

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:53:00 GMT

Check out our August campaign newsletter to get the latest on Cory Gardner and his campaign for Congress.

Read it here.

US Chamber of Commerce Endorses Gardner

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:02:00 GMT

Cory Gardner, GOP candidate for the 4^th Congressional District, welcomed the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, yesterday.

“It is a great honor to receive the endorsement of the U.S.Chamber,” Gardner said.  “It says that I’m recognized as a leader on issues important to small businesses and our national economy.”

More than 96 percent of the chamber’s members are small businesses, which makes this endorsement especially significant.  Gardner’s Democrat opponent, Congresswoman Betsy Markey, has unsuccessfully tried to paint herself as a “small business” candidate when the opposite is true.

Markey’s support of the government takeover of healthcare will create an avalanche of new tax burdens for small businesses.  For example, two key changes to how 1099s are used will require millions of additional forms be sent out each year.

Gardner supports creating a business environment where companies want to invest and grow.  Right now, there are trillions of investment dollars sitting on the sidelines because businesses are too scared of the economic uncertainty.

“Our nation must be able to compete,” Gardner said.  “This starts with getting rid of burdensome regulations and eliminating economic uncertainty.”

As part of Gardner’s 2010 Plan, he proposes using trade agreements to jump start job creation and lowering the corporate tax rate.  The U.S. has one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world, and it discourages the expansion of U.S. jobs.  Cutting the corporate tax rate will free up much-needed financial capital and give businesses the funds to hire more workers.

Click here to see the endorsement letter from the U.S.Chamber of Commerce.

The National Federation of Independent Businesses has also endorsed Gardner.

Gun Owners of America Endorses Cory Gardner For Congress

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:04:00 GMT

Rep. Markey inconsistent on Second Amendment

(Springfield, VA)—Gun Owners of America Political Victory Fund is proud to endorse Cory Gardner for Congress in Colorado’s Fourth District. Tim Macy, Vice Chairman of Gun Owners of America, issued the following statement o members and supporters:

“As a state representative, Cory Gardner has never wavered in his support of the right to keep and bear arms. A firm believer that citizens have the right to protect themselves inside and outside of the home, Cory authored a bill to expand Colorado’s Castle Doctrine law.

“He introduced the “Make My Day Better” bill, which extends the same right of self-defense to people at businesses that are currently held by individuals in their homes. Cory introduced that bill five different times in the State House.

“He was also a strong supporter of HB-1180, which would allow a concealed carry permit to be a substitute for a background check when purchasing a gun. Cory Gardner is a proven fighter on behalf of the Second Amendment.

“Betsy Markey, the incumbent congresswoman, plays both sides of the gun issue and often sides with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. For instance, in 2009, she voted three times against a bill to repeal a gun ban in National Parks, before voting for the measure when it was certain to pass.

“Rep. Markey also helped Pelosi pass the federal takeover of health care, despite repeated warnings from GOA that the bill does not contain safeguards to prevent the federal government from using a medical records database to strip people of their Second Amendment rights.

“And recently, Markey joined a host of other anti-gunners in voting for the so-called “Disclose Act,” which puts severe and unconstitutional limits on GOA’s ability to hold individual congressmen accountable in the weeks leading up to an election.

“Cory Gardner stands in sharp contrast to his opponent. His views of the Second Amendment are consistent with those of the Founding Fathers and with the majority of Colorado voters.

“GOA-PVF encourages gun owners and sportsmen to stand with Cory Gardner in the November election."

For more information, or to make a contribution, please visitwww.corygardner.com.

Outside groups spend $2 million on Markey, Gardner still leads by double digits

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:00 GMT

According to a recent poll from American Action Forum Republican challenger Cory Gardner leads Democrat Congresswoman Betsy Markey by a 50 to 39 percent margin.

“Being a rubber stamp for Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama’s failed economic policies and healthcare takeover has taken a heavy toll on Betsy Markey,” said Gardner spokeswoman Rachel Boxer, adding that the majority of voters in Markey’s district strongly opposed to Obamacare.

The poll also asked voters whether Markey deserves reelection or should someone else have a chance. Fifty-six percent of voters said they believe someone else deserves a chance.

The Gardner Report - August 2010 Campaign Newsletter

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:46:00 GMT

Check out our August campaign newsletter to get the latest on Cory Gardner and his campaign for Congress.

Read it here.

Small business group endorses Cory Gardner

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 16:13:00 GMT

Fort Collins, CO— On Wednesday the National Federation of Independent Business, America’s leading small business association, announced its full support and endorsement of Cory Gardner for Colorado’s 4th District in the U.S. House of Representatives against incumbent Betsy Markey. The announcement was made at an event held at Ft. Collins PreCast, Inc., an NFIB member business.

In a highly competitive election cycle, this congressional seat will be a closely watched race. NFIB’s support puts the active grassroots and financial backing from Colorado’s small business owners behind Gardner, who is the proven small business candidate in this race. Throughout his life, Gardner worked for his family’s small business, Farmers Implement Co. Inc., a farming equipment dealership, and he has been an NFIB member since 1994. As a result, he is well-versed in small business issues and understands the obstacles small business owners face on a daily basis.

“Cory Gardner is the only choice for small business owners in this congressional race. In a time when there is a lot of discussion about helping small business, some leaders just talk about it and others work to find ways to deliver on it. Gardner is one of those leaders working for results for our nation’s job creators,” said Lisa Goeas, NFIB’s vice president for political operations.

Gardner is a strong leader who understands that small businesses are vital to our economic recovery. His positions on key small business issues align closely with those of NFIB. He is a vocal opponent of card check, stressing that a person’s right to a secret ballot should be preserved in union elections. Additionally, he advocates for meaningful solutions to address rising healthcare costs, the No. 1 issue for small business owners. Reducing the size and scope of government is top priority for Gardner, and his personal experiences have led him to strongly oppose additional regulations and mandates on small businesses.

“Cory Gardner personally understands the struggles small business owners face day in and day out. He especially understands what Colorado’s job creators are going through right now and he is committed to offering constructive solutions to their biggest problems,” said Tony Gagliardi, state director for NFIB/Colorado. “Gardner is exactly what we need in Washington to truly stand strong and take the tough votes on behalf of Colorado’s small businesses.”

There are 7,500 NFIB small business owners in Colorado, and even more small business employees and supporters, making this a significant endorsement in an important election year.

The endorsement comes from NFIB’s Save America’s Free Enterprise Trust, the association’s political action committee, and is based on positions on key small business issues including healthcare, taxes, and labor and regulatory issues. With this endorsement, Gardner gains the active grassroots and financial backing from Colorado’s small business owners.

Small business owners and their employees vote in high numbers and are known for actively recruiting friends, family members and acquaintances to go to the polls. NFIB will encourage Colorado’s members to help turn out the small business vote on Gardner’s behalf on Election Day.