Secretary of State Jena Griswold has rejected the petition of Republican Erik Aadland to qualify for the state primary ballot in the race for the 7th Congressional District saying he fell short of the required signatures.
Of the 1,973 signatures Aadland submitted, Griswold’s office rejected 519 cutting him short by six lousy signatures.
Ouch.
He’s taking it in good stride though, shifting gears to go the Republican assembly route in April.
True. To quote Mike Tyson: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Now I am proudly moving forward through the assembly process and excited to demonstrate to Republican delegates that I am the best candidate to represent Congressional District 7. #copolitics https://t.co/p6pTD9Rcxp
— Erik Aadland for Congress (CO-7) (@AadlandforCO) March 15, 2022
“I have always been a grassroots candidate,” Aadland said in a statement. “This is my opportunity to seal my approval with the delegates and show that I am the candidate best equipped to win this congressional seat.”
The seat is currently held by U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter, who like dozens of Democrats bound for minority status after the midterms elections has decided to retire.
Perlmutter and the party establishment have named the Democrat heir apparent as Mr. and Mrs. State Sen. Brittany Pettersen of Lakewood, who so far stands unopposed in that party primary.
Also campaigning to get on the GOP primary ballot are economist Tim Reichert, and Teller County activist Carl Anderson, who turned in their petitions last week, reports Colorado Politics.
Lawyer Brad Dempsey is gathering signatures and former legislative candidate Laurel Imer is also running.