Press release
March 27, 2008

For more information contact Joyce Foster at 303-343-6868

GOP District 35 Senate Candidate Refuses Spending Limits

DENVER - With the Democratic majority in the Colorado State Legislature at stake, Republican Robert Lane’s refusal to adhere to campaign spending limits for Senate District 35 has forced Democratic candidate Joyce Foster to withdraw from the voluntary spending limits.

Foster will continue to decline contributions from political action or special interest groups.

Colorado law allows candidates to release themselves from the state’s voluntary campaign spending limit within 10 days of an opposing candidate refusing to accept the same limit. Foster’s campaign informed the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office today of her decision.

Foster, a former Denver City Council member, garnered nearly 70 percent of the delegate vote at a multi-county assembly earlier this month but Rep. Alice Borodkin, D-Denver, is continuing her candidacy on the Aug. 12 primary ballot. Republicans Lane and Hollis Tidwell are running for the Republican primary.

“I am deeply disappointed that money plays such an important role in elections,” Foster said. “Unfortunately, that is the reality I’m forced to face. Republicans will fight hard to regain this seat, now held by Democrat Ken Gordon, and will likely pour vast amounts of money into the campaign for the Republican candidate.”

“I agreed to the voluntary/voter approved campaign spending limits earlier this year with the sincere hope all candidates would do the same,” Foster said. “I only ask for an even playing field and cannot allow my candidacy to proceed at a disadvantage when so much is at stake.”

Foster spent 10 years as a consensus-builder on the city council during an unprecedented growth spurt for Denver, including the opening of Denver International Airport, redevelopment of the Platte Valley, expansion of light rail and several successful bond elections.

She served as council president, chaired or co-chaired every city committee and successfully led the redevelopment of University Hills Shopping Center and construction of Denver’s Youth Skate Park.