Memorial Day weekend in Colorado Springs should include a stroll down Colorado Blvd in Old Colorado City,taking in the food and frivolity of Territory Days. The oldest city in the Pikes Peak Region, Old Colorado City was selected as the first territorial capitol of Colorado in 1861, although its reputation for being a rowdy place for gold miners and disputes among several area Indian tribes facilitated moving the capitol shortly thereafter. On Saturday, Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, Ken Buck, walked the streets of Old Colorado City, visiting with locals and tourists alike. The Weld County District Attorney was right at home in this historic community which reflects a true flavor of the Old West.
We were able to meet Ken Buck and hear him answer questions from other passersby about the economy and the general direction the country is heading. Our distinct impression was that he's alot more about listening than simply dominating conversation with talking points and platitudes. The street noise was much as it may have been back on a Saturday night in the Gold Rush Days, yet Mr. Buck leaned into to hear what people needed to tell him. He looks people in the eye and extends a confident handshake. We heard him ask people what issues matter to them right now and how their families are coping with the current economic climate. He listened intently as people talked about being unemployed or having returned recently from overseas military duty. In between smiles and shared humor, a sobering expression would quickly come over his face as he learned about a very difficult situation a person is having.
As Ken Buck strolled through the huge crowd, meeting and talking with people from all walks of life, all ages, all political persuasions and all economic backgrounds, he was definitely quite comfortable being amongst the cross section of people that make up the great state of Colorado. His demeanor, as well as his stand on conservative issues are clearly playing a big part in his popularity with the grassroots and tea party constituents.