Colorado Democrats gathered at the offices of LiLUNA Local 720 in Denver for a show of unity after a divisive primary season. U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser, who could be the next governor of Colorado, praised one another and promised to work together.

Unity After Division

U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, who faced a primary challenge from state Sen. Julie Gonzalez, said, “It gets a little bumpy sometimes, but I respect what she brought to the table.” Hickenlooper continued, “I respect what her team did. And after every election, win or lose, I am determined to make sure we succeed.”

Shad Murib, chair of the state party, said, “The same Democratic Party that can nominate John Hickenlooper and Melat Kiros is a healthy, diverse, and inclusive organization that’s ready to win and deliver results for working people.” State Sen. Jeff Bridges, who is running for state Treasurer, emphasized that disagreements are a part of life and a big tent party.

However, Republicans are attempting to paint Democrats as supporters of socialist policies. President Donald Trump described them as “the biggest threat to our nation there is.” Closer to home, GOP Rep. Gabe Evans said he was confident he’d be reelected to protect Colorado “from the absolute socialist insanity that my Democrat opponent is delivering.”

Melat Kiros focused less on labels and more on the ideas that led to her victory, such as affordability, fairness, and getting money out of politics. “That’s an issue that actually tracks not just within our own party, but across party lines. Ninety percent of Americans want to get money out of our politics. I think it would behoove the Republicans to get on board with that message,” Kiros said.

Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.