Candidates Emerge in Race to Succeed Schafer

(Promoted by Colorado Pols)

On January 13th, the same day that HD 24 Rep. Sue Schafer announced she would not seek reelection, Edgewater Council Member Kristian Teegardin filed as a candidate. The next day, America Votes state director Jessie Danielson announced she would seek the seat as well. 

Both campaigns are already interviewing for paid campaign staff positions and it appears that this race will be intense. 

Kris Teegardin is involved in the effort to expand the Jefferson County Board from 3 members to 5 and works as a Vocational Counselor at the Jefferson Center for Mental Health in addition to serving on the Edgewater City Council. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Wheat Ridge Business Association and a lifetime member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He has written a number of articles for the local "Neighborhood Gazette" which give a detailed picture of his stance on issues. And he studied English Literature and Classical Studies at Ball State University in Indiana (Class of '97). He has not yet announced a website.

Jessie Danielson is the Colorado State Director for America Votes. Before returning to Colorado, she was the AV State Director for Minnesota. She has also worked as the Political Director for NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado and as the Housing Coordinator for "Connections for Independent Living", an organization focused on assisting people with disabilities. She has also worked several campaigns and will have no trouble organizing. Her family owns a farm in NE Colorado and she went to college at the University of Colorado. Her website will be jessiedanielson.com, but it's not live yet. 

Both of these candidates seem to be solid Democrats and experienced campaigners. If I were betting, I'd put money on Jessie, given her national and statewide connections, but Kris's local touch shouldn't be underestimated. 

House District 24 covers Wheat Ridge, Golden, Edgewater, Applewood, Fairmount, Mountain View, Lakeside, or West Pleasant View, and small parts of Lakewood and Arvada.

I support People, not Parties. I support Ideas, not Ideologies. I am an independent voter.

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