Week 26: Who Gets to Say "The Die Is Cast"?

Dear Colorado Voter,

Tuesday was a big day! I spent the whole day with Colorado county clerks and elections staff at their summer conference. In the evening I spoke to Longmont City Council at second reading for two ballot measures to adopt ranked voting and to transition to a 3-winner at-large contest in 2029 and 3 separate ward contests in 2031. Both measures are headed to the ballot!

On the campaign trail, I meet many people who want me to win and be the next Secretary of State. Some of them are influencers whose endorsement could help my campaign. When I suggest that they endorse me, they often claim that they can't. Invariably, they are active in a major party. If they want support from their party or to have influence in the party in the future, they can't step out of line.

I was furious with Congressman Mark Udall in 2002 when he reportedly said, "The die is cast. We are going to war with Iraq." I wrote to him complaining that he could not say that. He had a vote on the war resolution. Maybe I, who didn't have a vote, could say "the die is cast," but not him! I feel similarly about fatalistic acceptance of an undesirable outcome by influencers who actually can make a difference.

If someone involved with elections publicly supports me and I don't win, will the newly elected Secretary of State exact revenge on my supporter? I would hope not, but do I want my supporters to take that risk?

Some people endorse candidates or donate money in order to gain favor or the ear of the elected official. They predict who the winner will be and support that person. In contrast, I believe it's more important to support candidates that need the help – who have a path to victory, but need a boost, not a miracle, to win.

I'm happy to report that major media are reaching out to my campaign as they begin surveying the general-election field.

I'm starting a weekly AMA (Ask Me Anything) on Google Meet. Campaign questions get highest priority. The first AMA is on Friday, August 14 from 2pm to 3pm at https://meet.google.com/sxe-iseb-jpt . They'll be different days and times each week and will be posted on my website's Events listing. I hope to see many of you this Friday!

With enthusiasm and purpose,

Celeste