Kirkmeyer and Bottoms Face Off in First Live Colorado GOP Governor Debate
The journalist-led forum opens a three-debate stretch that gives voters a clearer look at the Republican field ahead of the primary.
Overview
- State Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer and State Rep. Scott Bottoms will meet in a live, journalist-moderated debate broadcast by CPR News, Denver7 and The Denver Post.
- Victor Marx declined to join this event, though all three Republican candidates are confirmed for two later forums at Colorado Christian University and the University of Denver.
- Organizers invited voter questions in advance, and moderators plan a fast pace that covers jobs, affordability, the environment and technology, according to co-moderator Bazi Kanani.
- Ballot access paths differ, with Bottoms earning the top ballot spot through the GOP assembly and Kirkmeyer and Marx qualifying by petition signatures.
- The race will choose a successor to term-limited Gov. Jared Polis, as Democrats Michael Bennet and Phil Weiser compete for their party’s nomination in a parallel primary.