DENVER – Republican Darryl Glenn is running for U.S. Senate because he is worried about the future for his two daughters.
Glenn sees national security as perhaps the greatest concern, pointing to terror fueled by radical extremists. With 21 years of military experience – retiring as an Air Force officer – Glenn says it’s time for a leader to step up.
“Things are so hyper-partisan, and we’re dividing this country,” Glenn said. “Someone needs to step up and come up with a plan for what’s in the best interest of this country, and for Colorado, and I believe I can do that.”
“Hyper-partisan” is an interesting term for Glenn to use, as he has been criticized for repeated statements that the problem with Congress is “Republicans wanting to just reach across the aisle.” But Glenn said his statement has been twisted.
“What I want to do is highlight the fact that the people who are using that (against me) ... what they want is someone to reach across the aisle to support partisan efforts, like the Iran nuclear deal and the Affordable Care Act.
“I am willing and will continue to maintain that I will work with anybody that wants to put the best interest of this country first. It doesn’t matter if they’re Republican, Democrat or unaffiliated. What I don’t want to do is continue to play these partisan games.”
Glenn had a monumental rise to the U.S. Senate race. Considered the underdog in the Republican primary, a rousing state nominating convention speech cleared a path for him to make the June primary ballot. He portrayed himself as an “unapologetic Christian constitutional conservative.”
He then defeated a crowded list of primary opponents – including establishment candidates – to win the party’s nod to take on Democratic incumbent Michael Bennet.
But Glenn has struggled to garner mainstream support in the general election, largely showing lackluster fundraising compared with Bennet’s overall contributions and trailing in the polls by double digits. What was supposed to be a competitive Senate race in Colorado turned into one that the national GOP has largely passed over.
But Glenn continues to paint contrasts between himself and Bennet to convince voters that the election is about leadership.
“What you’re going to see me doing is representing Coloradans, and then holding the administration and even my colleagues accountable to what we’re supposed to be doing under the Constitution,” Glenn said.
In addition to wanting to reverse the Iran nuclear deal and the Affordable Care Act – which sets him apart from Bennet – Glenn also believes in reducing Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
He is calling for a “market-based solution” to create energy independence as well as passing a balanced federal budget. Reducing overall government regulations is another priority for the El Paso County commissioner.
“I have spent my entire life serving,” Glenn said. “I have two daughters in this world, and I am concerned about some of the issues we’re facing – I really believe that my background and experience will help me to lead.”
pmarcus@durangoherald.com
