Why I'm running

Dear Friends,

Colorado has and always will be a state of opportunity and unmatched beauty. I am privileged to wake up every morning with the Rockies to my west and the rolling plains to my east. I want to live here forever, and I want to make sure my children and yours are given the same opportunity.

I believe that the best is yet to come for northern and eastern Colorado. My campaign is about you, the people of Colorado.  You deserve a candidate who reflects the basic values that have made you and America strong - hard work, integrity, patience, discipline and an unyielding spirit. My campaign will be open and devoted to a positive future for Colorado.

I grew-up the sixth of seven children in a close-knit Catholic family. My father dropped out of high school to support his mother and sisters, so he made sure that his children received a good education. We all worked our way through college. I was a waitress, cashier, secretary, babysitter and telemarketer. My mother insisted that young women needed to go the extra mile, and my three sisters and I now hold advanced degrees.

I have grown two successful businesses. I understand first-hand the challenges of meeting a payroll and providing healthcare for employees. I know the value to the community of creating good jobs for hardworking people. I have volunteered with non-profit agencies because I value the important work that is accomplished when businesses and non-profits partner to solve problems.

As a public servant I learned that government is most effective when it plays a supporting role and promotes success for everyone who is willing to work hard. I know that it is difficult for businesses and individuals to navigate through the federal bureaucracy, and I also know that we can change that. 

Most recently, I have had the opportunity to understand first-hand the issues and challenges that face the citizens of the 4th Congressional District as the Regional Director for U.S. Senator Ken Salazar.

Our form of government is second to none and at its best when our elected leaders put the interests of the people above the poison of partisanship.  I want to take your interests and your values of hard work, integrity and discipline to Washington because Washington needs those values now more than ever. 

I will earn your vote, and if elected, I will repay your trust with hard work. Help me help Colorado. If you share my love for this land, you are already halfway there.

Sincerely,

Betsy Markey