Dr. Shimon Blau, a pro-Israel pain doctor, is making a last-ditch effort to enter the general election for Colorado’s 1st Congressional District. Blau announced his candidacy as an independent earlier this week, just days after Melat Kiros won the Democratic nomination for the Denver-based seat.

Blau is concerned about Kiros’s anti-Semitic rhetoric and her criticism of the Israeli government. Kiros has argued that anti-Zionism does not equal anti-Semitism, but Blau believes her rhetoric undermines Israel’s right to exist.

Blau’s Platform

Blau describes himself as a “true independent” who is socially liberal and fiscally conservative. He believes in human rights for everyone, healthcare reform, and fiscal responsibility. Blau also emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and is wary of government overreach.

Blau’s top priority is unity, and he hopes to offer a more moderate choice for voters. He has not yet released a detailed policy platform but plans to do so once he is on the ballot.

Kiros, on the other hand, has spoken with Jewish leaders across the spectrum to understand their stances on Israel. She believes that states have an obligation to listen to their constituents and that U.S. allies should uphold democratic values.

The Challenge Ahead

Blau faces a stiff challenge: he needs to gather 1,500 valid signatures from voters before a Thursday, July 9, deadline. On Tuesday, he and his supporters were gathering signatures at locations across Denver, including the East Side Kosher Deli.

Blau’s supporters believe that Kiros’s nomination is a threat to their community, and they want to make their voices heard. Blau agrees with Kiros on some big ideas, like the need for healthcare reform and childcare, but their biggest difference is on the issue of Israel.

Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.