Several GOP candidates recently have advanced in the GOP’s Trailblazer Program, which was created for the 2012 election and emulates the National Republican Congressional Committee’s successful “Young Guns” program. The program helps candidates run smarter, more effective campaigns.
Achieving the “Trailblazer” status, the highest level of the program, is House District 3 candidate Brian Watson. Colorado GOP Chairman Ryan Call had this to say about Watson’s campaign:
“This is a milestone achievement for Brian. As the first of many great candidates to achieve this level of success, Brian’s accomplishment is a true showing of commitment and hard work in one of Colorado’s most critical races. Democrats should be warned—Brian means business.”
Watson has started numerous businesses across Colorado and is the majority owner of two Denver-based companies that manufacture their products locally, as well as an event rental company that employs over 75 individuals annually.
Reaching the program’s “Contender” status are Senate District 26 candidate Dave Kerber and House District 28 candidate Amy Attwood. Call also praised Attwood and Kerber saying:
“Amy and Dave are exactly the type of candidates Colorado’s struggling families and employers need in the Statehouse. Both are successful small business owners that know how to meet a pay roll, balance a budget and create new economic opportunities across the state. Their progress in our Trailblazers Program is a testament to their strong work ethic and commitment to the people of Colorado.”
Attwood is a Colorado native, born and raised in Lakewood. She is a successful small business owner and the CFO for Clemons Construction, her family’s business that she’s worked for since the age of 14.
Kerber is a veteran and graduate of the Air Force Academy. He and his family live in Greenwood Village, where Kerber served four years on the Greenwood Village City Council before announcing his candidacy for SD 26.
Finally, Brian Vande Krol has made “On the Radar” status in the Trailblazer program. Call noted:
“Brian is a dynamic candidate with a proven record as a job creator and community leader in Adams County. We’re excited to welcome him into our Trailblazers Program.”
Vande Krol is an Adams County small business owner, as well as an avid rock climber, skydiver, and ironman athlete.
These four join other candidates who are part of the Trailblazer program, including “On the Radar” J. Paul Brown and Lang Sias, and Contender candidates Rick Enstrom, Jennifer George, and Ken Summers.