Nearly 200 electric cooperative representatives were in the audience when three candidates for governor and two candidates for the U.S. Senate addressed about 200 people Friday, August 27.

Gubernatorial candidates Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper (D), Dan Maes (R)  and former Congressman Tom Tancredo (American Constitution Party) each addressed the group, which had gathered at Tri-State Generation and Transmission in Westminster. Also appearing at the event sponsored by the Colorado Rural Electric Association were U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet (D) and his challenger, Ken Buck (R).

The morning was a two-way discussion with each candidate. Representatives of the electric cooperatives had an opportunity to explain to the candidates what co-ops are and how they fit into the utility industry that serves Colorado. It was a chance to remind the candidates that the co-ops, as well as Tri-State, their power supplier, are all not-for-profit entities working to provide reliable, affordable power in the difficult and far-reaching corners of the state.

The candidates also had an opportunity to present their positions.

Hickenlooper emphasized his business background. He also explained his plan to work with Colorado’s counties to establish local economic development plans and to work with regions of the state to bring more business to Colorado.

Maes spent a great deal of time reviewing his rural, Midwest roots and his business background. He explained that when he takes office he will downsize state government, strengthen the energy industry and cut taxes.

Tancredo discussed the problems with mandates when it comes to the electric industry, noting that there is too much government involvement in business with bureaucrats telling industry how to operate. He also noted that through his candidacy he will “force the issues that I think need to be discussed.”

In the Senate race, Sen. Bennet emphasized the need for the United States to gain its energy independence and he commended Colorado for its leadership in moving toward energy independence and more clean energy. And, while he noted that nothing like the U.S. House cap-and-trade energy bill is going to pass this year, he did say he supports a national renewable portfolio standard and a way to price carbon and include it in the price of electricity.

Buck told the audience that he would like to see less government and less government spending. There needs to be a balance to make sure people’s needs are met, he said, but government can’t keep growing the way it has. Government also needs to step back from its involvement in private industries. It shouldn’t be “picking winners and losers in the energy industry,” he said.

Each of the candidates presented his views and then answered questions from the audience.

The Colorado Rural Electric Association is the trade association representing the state’s electric cooperatives. Organized in 1945, CREA provides a variety of services for its member cooperatives including education, communication, safety training and loss control and legislative representation at the state and national levels. Through CREA, the individual co-ops share in the advantage of a larger utility operation but control and ownership is maintained at the local level.