In Southeast Denver primary, two challengers and a Bernie Sanders endorsement

Feb. 2, 2018

The Sanders endorsement:

“Emily Sirota stands for the progressive values and platform that we have all been fighting for — pay equity, paid family leave, protecting the environment, Medicare for all Americans, and tuition free colleges and universities. I know she will continue to fight for these values in the capitol for all Coloradans, and that’s why I am proud to endorse Emily Sirota for Colorado State House District 9.”

That was Sanders’ statement, according to a newsletter from Sirota’s husband, the journalist David Sirota. Sanders’ press team confirmed the endorsement.

Her campaign manager, Scott Merrifield, said that the endorsement was a result of her performance in her previous campaign for Denver school board as well as the Sirota family’s longstanding relationship with Sanders. David Sirota was an aide to Sanders 19 years ago, he said.

“David’s had a relationship with Sen. Sanders for years, decades (as press advisor). But, more importantly, on Emily’s part, was when she ran for school board in 2011, she had a couple of national interviews. One on MSNBC and one in print — those brought her to the attention of Sen. Sanders back then,” said Scott Merrifield, Sirota’s campaign manager.

“She really made her name known to Sen. Sanders on her own … So, when they did contact Sen. Sanders office, they knew who they were, they knew what she stood for, they knew what they were dealing with it already.”

https://www.denverite.com/southeast-denver-primary-48276/