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Hello Friends,
I launched my candidacy for US Senate just over a year ago and I'm pleased to say that I am still hanging in there.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, prevented me from gathering the requisite numbers of signatures to petition on to the ballot, and the Secretary of State has found the signatures to be insufficient.
However, to seek an equitable resolution for my team's diligent effort to collect signatures before the pandemic struck, I have filed a Petition for Declaratory Relief with Denver District Court, asking the court to:
1. Place me on the primary ballot for the Democratic nomination for US Senate.
2. Stop all in-person signature gathering for candidates and ballot initiatives.
3. Permit online signature collection.
The reason that I am making this challenge is that I still have more work to do, and this problem demands an equitable resolution.
How we resolve the inequities in elections will determine how strong our Democratic process is.
First, I am a proponent for Ranked Choice Voting and I'm working with teams of people who are eager to make that a reality in Colorado.
Second, I want to continue pressuring Governor Jared Polis to stop all drilling. Fossil fuel extraction is not an "essential service" and it endangers people's lives. Most oil and gas extracted in Colorado is exported, and it has fallen to rock-bottom prices. It's long past time to leave it in the ground.
In Broomfield, Extraction Oil and Gas, Inc. has started the flowback phase, the most toxic part of the fracking process, while thousands of vulnerable residents are under lockdown nearby.
I'm fighting for Broomfield residents who have to keep windows and doors closed all spring and summer to protect their families from toxic emissions.
I'm fighting for kids who must stay inside because their health is at risk outdoors.
I'm fighting to stop fracking pollution that increases the chance of contracting Covid-19.
Last but not least, I'm looking forward to sponsoring virtual town halls about mental health issues related to staying resilient in this time.
It's time to come together and continue to push for Medicare for All, especially for a system that includes mental health services for all.
The court will make a decision about whether I will be placed on the ballot, but one way or another, I am in this fight for the long haul.
Take a look at an article I wrote this month about the climate emergency and Covid-19, and please consider contributing to my campaign. Every donation makes a difference for our shared success on these issues.
I recognize that this has been a very trying time and that we may have many more months of challenges ahead.
Thanks for taking the time to stay engaged in the political process and to support a Climate of Justice.
Stay safe and stay well,
Diana
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