Defend Colorado Now welcomes John Andrews aboard

Brings bipartisan leadership to initiative effort

News release: March 7, 2006

March 7, 2006 (Lakewood, CO) Defend Colorado Now has welcomed former State Sen. John Andrews onto its leadership committee. He will co-chair the organization with Fred Elbel. Andrews, a Republican from Centennial, is the immediate past President of the Colorado Senate. He is now a fellow of the Claremont Institute, a conservative think tank.

"The Defend Colorado Now campaign is absolutely as urgent as its name implies, and I am proud to be part of it," Andrews said. "Citizens are flocking to support our ballot issue stating that tax-paid services should only benefit legal residents."

The Defend Colorado Now initiative was filed in December, 2003 by Congressman Tom Tancredo (R-CO) and was managed by Republican William G. Herron in 2004 and 2005. In December, 2005, the initiative was turned over to former Governor Dick Lamm, Waldo Benavidez, Director of the Auraria Community Center, and Fred Elbel - all registered Democrats.

"The Defend Colorado Now initiative clearly cuts across party lines," said Waldo Benavidez. "Our voter research shows that Democrats, Republicans and Independents are all very concerned about illegal immigration. This is a fundamental American issue."

Dick Lamm stated, "The Defend Colorado Now initiative is a bi-partisan effort. We are pleased to welcome the leadership of John Andrews who we know has great experience, skill and talent, and will further the success of the initiative."

Contact:
Fred Elbel, Defend Colorado Now
PO Box 280289, Lakewood, CO 80228

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