Colorado veterans endorse Bill Ritter

As expected, Colorado Veterans for America has endorsed Democratic candidate Bill Ritter for governor. From a press release:

"We believe Bill Ritter will serve veterans and their loved ones exceptionally well," said Larry Drake of Colorado Veterans for America. "Bill Ritter has been working for months with Colorado veterans to thoughtfully develop his positions on veterans issues, including solutions addressing problems and needs in the areas of health care; rehabilitation, education and training; benefits and services; and homeland security..."

"Colorado can do a better job taking care of its aging veterans and their families," Ritter said. "As governor, I will take a strong leadership role in making sure high-quality care and services are available across Colorado, not just in our urban areas but throughout our rural areas. We also must ensure that young military personal returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are prepared to re-enter the civilian workforce and are equipped to cope with the challenges ahead," said Ritter, whose father served in the Army during World War II and is buried at Fort Logan Cemetery.

Ritter criticized Congressman Beauprez for failing to represent the needs of America's veterans in Washington. "Congressman Beauprez has one of the worst veteran-affairs voting records of any member of Congress," Ritter said. "For the last two years, the Disabled American Veterans has given him a rating of zero. We can do better."

"I have the deepest respect for those who put their lives on the line in the name of public safety, whether here in Colorado or on foreign battle fields," said Ritter, who won the endorsement of the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Association last week.

Photo courtesy of Ritter for Governor.