Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The overwhelming popularity of President Bush bodes well for Republicans everywhere this election year, said a number of Republicans at the Lincoln Day Dinner Saturday at Steamboat Springs Airport.

Bush's high approval rating could trickle down to Republicans throughout the country and the state, giving the party a boost going into November.

"I think the Republican Party would tell you that President Bush and the Republican Party is doing a good job," said State Rep. Al White, R-Winter Park. "Let's not rock the boat.

"That's the Republican sentiment. Look to Republicans for stability."

Colorado will have some hotly contested races this year, with U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colo., forecasted by some media outlets and strategists to be a potentially vulnerable incumbent. Allard sent a representative, John Swartout, to the dinner. Allard will hold a Routt County town meeting in Steamboat Springs on Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Centennial Hall.

Juxtaposing Bush with former President Bill Clinton, Swartout said the party needed to show how it holds the moral high ground.

"We now have a President of the United States who our children can look up to," he said.

The evening was also highlighted by a silent auction.

The keynote speaker for the evening was Bob Beauprez, the chairman of the state Republican Party. Beauprez gave his interpretation of the historical basis by which President Bush can justify expanding the war on terrorism.

He said he thinks this country has to stand up for good and that "right makes might."

The audience gave Beauprez a standing ovation.

Olive Morton, the chairwoman of the Routt County Republican Party, said the people of Routt County are represented by only two Democrats County Commissioner Doug Monger and state Attorney General Ken Salazar.

Salazar is up for re-election this year.

County Commissioner Dan Ellison tops a list of local Republicans up for re-election this year that includes Sheriff John Warner, Coroner Doug Allen, County Clerk and Recorder Kay Weinland, County Assessor Amy Williams and County Treasurer Jeanne Whiddon.

Voters in Routt County decided in 2000 to do away with term limits for county representatives, so these candidates can run indefinitely.

Morton said she is optimistic Bush's popularity will filter down.

"I think it can only help our candidates both locally and statewide," Morton said.