Candidates in Denver's crowded mayoral race who are newer to politics face a challenge in getting the requisite contributions because of the Fair Elections Fund date switch.
"It’s pretty bizarre to me, to be honest with you. I understand shifting just filing dates, but a whole qualifier, especially this close, you know, it seems like an insurmountable hurdle, unless you’ve been thinking about this for a really long time or you have a political block," Watkajtys says.
But while candidates who already have a strong political network might easily get enough qualifying contributions, those who are newer to politics may face more of a challenge in getting that many contributions, especially now that the date to show proof of the necessary number of contributions has been moved up.
After receiving his petition booklet to start gathering signatures on December 15, Watkajtys decided to wait until the holidays had wrapped up before asking for people's signatures."It didn’t feel right to be politicking when everyone’s enjoying their year," Watkajtys says. FEF candidates are required to make a separate bank account for the fund's money, and Watkajtys is hustling to get one set up. But he recognizes that his efforts might be too late, which would mean that he could be in a race where the incumbent,"I thought the Fair Elections Fund was supposed to help people like me that were not from politics, that were called to service, and to make it easier for them," Watkajtys says.
"We wanted to make sure folks weren’t surprised by this, even as it went through multiple council hearings and public comment, so we reached out before the holidays to candidates who intend to qualify. After over six months of runway to qualify, fifteen days isn’t much, especially when it gives us time for due diligence with this money," Wenegieme says.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Here’s every free day at Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Zoo, museums and other cultural hotspotsThe annual free days offered by the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District cover the metro area’s biggest nonprofit institutions, and they’re always family-friendly hits.
Read more »
Denver Mayor's Race: Return of the Twenty-Year BitchEvery twenty years, Denver voters go for change. But whch change this time?
Read more »
Denver weather: Partly sunny, cool Tuesday expectedDenver’s weather will improve Tuesday after a small snowstorm dropped about an inch of snow Monday night.
Read more »
Denver’s most underrated coffee shop is one of the city’s most beautiful cafes | OpinionCopper Door is one of Denver’s only woman-owned roaster and coffee shop, and its stunning location at Denver Botanic Gardens will quickly become your new favorite cafe.
Read more »
Denver Violent Crimes: The Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in 2022More than 7,000 violent crimes were reported in 2022, an increase over 2021, with central Denver showing the highest number. How does your neighborhood compare? DenverPolice crimes CrimeNews
Read more »
7 Denver art shows to look forward to in the new yearThe visual arts calendar is loaded with promising exhibitions in 2023, including big moves from the Clyfford Still Museum the Denver Art Museum, and a major collab between the MCA and RedLine.
Read more »