Pace offers his alternate version of reality in fourth Congressional debate

Press Release
October 15, 2012

Pueblo, CO - Congressional challenger Sal Pace was caught in two separate instances distorting Congressman Tipton’s record, as well as his own, during the fourth debate held on October 10, 2012, at the Sangre De Christo Arts Center in Pueblo, CO.

Early in the debate, Sal Pace charged Congressman Tipton with voting to end the senior property tax exemption. Though Pace did not question the charge that his vote to end the exemption cost seniors $90 million, he did allege Congressman Tipton voted to end it as well. However, Congressman Tipton voted against the third reading, known as ‘final passage’, of the bill. (Read more...)

Press Release
September 26, 2012

Pueblo, CO - Congressional candidate Sal Pace continues to hide his real positions from Colorado voters. Pace’s support for single-payer healthcare has been well documented and was frequently reiterated when Pace was serving in the State Legislature, but since he began running for Congress, he has avoided talking to Colorado voters about his ideas for their healthcare.

Pace has removed his support for a single-payer system from his new website. In his previous website text he has voiced his unequivocal support for a complete government takeover of our healthcare system saying, "He (Sal Pace) is a supporter of single-payer healthcare." (Read more...)

Press Release
September 18, 2012

Pueblo, CO - 3rd Congressional Challenger Sal Pace’s campaign ad titled “Real Life” depicts something that is anything but Pace’s real life. The ad shows Pace helping his father around the house, doing chores such as mowing the lawn and bringing boxes down to the basement. The problem with the ad is Sal does not do any of the tasks he is shown doing, and his dad, who possibly just moved to Pueblo, does not live at that house.

"This is not 'real life', this is Sal’s made-for-campaign life that he is trying to pass off to the voters of Colorado,” stated campaign manager Michael Fortney. "The word disingenuous comes to mind when you use a fake house and are doing fake chores in an ad about ‘real life.’ This misdirection is a perfect parallel to Sal’s campaign." (Read more...)

Press Release
September 12, 2012

Pueblo, CO—During the Club 20 debate held on September 8, 2012, Congressional challenger Democrat Sal Pace doubled down on his support of a Canadian-style single-payer healthcare system for the U.S. In a single-payer healthcare system, the government would be the sole provider of all medical services in the U.S.

During the cross-examination portion of the debate, where candidates are allotted a segment of time to ask questions of their opponents, Congressman Scott Tipton asked Pace whether he supports the U.S. moving to a single-payer healthcare system. After prodding, a reluctant Pace responded that he thinks a single-payer system would make sense. (Read more...)

Press Release
September 4, 2012

In a recent Craig Daily Press article Congressional candidate Sal Pace was quoted challenging Congressman Scott Tipton, saying “he would be happy to compare his record on taxes with his opponent, and CD3 incumbent, Congressman Scott Tipton, R-Cortez.” The Tipton for Congress campaign agrees that we should compare each candidates record on raising taxes, it’s a conversation voters deserve to hear.

“I welcome this comparison,” Congressman Tipton stated. “There is a great divide between Sal Pace’s rhetoric and record when it comes to raising taxes. He can continue to say he has stood up for families and small businesses, but that does not mean it's true.” (Read more...)

Press Release
August 15, 2012

Pueblo, CO—During last Wednesday’s 3rd District Congressional debate in Alamosa, CO, Democrat challenger Sal Pace gloated about his rating by the Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT). CUT ranks members of the Colorado State Legislature on key votes they make during that session to keep taxes low for individuals and business. During the debate he mentioned his CUT rating as a positive, to defend his claim of having a pro-taxpayer record in the Colorado Legislature. However, Pace has a 15.77 percent lifetime CUT rating.

The exchange took place when Congressman Scott Tipton called Pace on his record of raising taxes on small business and individuals, specifically citing the FASTER tax that raised taxes $250 million on individuals when renewing their automobile registration. Pace countered by referencing his CUT rating, saying he is proud of his record and stands by it.

Pace specifically mentioned his 2010 rating when he scored a paltry 20 percent. His lowest rating during his legislative career was in 2009, when he scored 3.33 percent. (Read more...)

Press Release
August 10, 2012

Pueblo, CO - Adams State University‘s Veterans’ Club hosted the first debate of the 2012 campaign for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District. Voters were given a chance to hear from both candidates on issues ranging from small business issues to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.

Pace avoided discussing specific policies for most of the night. In the few times Pace discussed specific policy points, such as EPA regulations, he simply recited back Congressman Tipton’s accomplishments, limiting EPA regulations of dust and spilled milk. The remainder of debate Pace talked about bipartisanship and political platitudes, offering voters no specifics or policy ideas. (Read more...)

Dems, career politicians targets in response to residents’ complaints

The Durango Herald
By Joe Hanel
July 28, 2012

WESTCLIFFE – U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton has learned from the past.

In 2010, he won his seat in Congress from Rep. John Salazar, who took criticism for holding too few public events during a summer that saw the early days of the tea party and angry town hall meetings across the country.

Tipton, R-Cortez, faces re-election in November, and on Saturday, he held his 45th and 46th town hall meetings since taking office.

No. 45 happened in Westcliffe, a town an hour west of Pueblo that was celebrating its 125th birthday.

About 15 people attended, and although it was a quieter, smaller crowd than the raucous events of the 2010 campaign, people still expressed frustration with Congress.

Tipton laid much of the blame on the Democratic-controlled Senate.

“We have passed a lot of legislation through the House of Representatives,” Tipton said, including five bills he sponsored. “I regret to tell you, they’re sitting like cordwood on the steps on the United States Senate.” (Read more...)

Congressman Tipton votes to repeal, Pace voted against repeal in early 2012, won’t talk about it now

Press Release
July 11, 2012

Today the U.S. House of Representatives voted 244-185 to repeal President Obama’s government takeover of our healthcare system. Congressman Scott Tipton voted to repeal the law which some estimate to be a $400 billion tax hike on middle class families.

"Congressman Tipton stood up for seniors and middle class families today by voting to repeal President Obama’s takeover of our Country’s healthcare system," Tipton’s campaign manager Michael Fortney stated.

Sal Pace, who is challenging Tipton, has avoided giving voters a definitive answer to any questions surrounding the Affordable Care Act (ACA). He stated in a recent Denver Post article that he "did not know" how he would have voted on the original bill and in a Craig Daily Press article Pace continued his evasiveness saying that he could not speculate because he "was not there."

Though Pace has relentlessly dodged questions, refusing to give straight answers now that he is a candidate for Congress, his voting record says something completely different. Earlier in 2012, in the Colorado State House, Pace voted against HR 1003, a resolution urging Congress to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

“It is truly mind boggling that Sal Pace is on record voting against the repeal of ObamaCare, but now will not give anyone a straight answer on whether he would have voted to repeal it today. He is proving himself to have no core beliefs,” said Fortney. "Voters in the 3rd District will not buy into Sal’s political gamesmanship, they expect a candidate who is honest and upfront. Unfortunately for them, Sal has been anything but."

Voters left uninformed, Pace’s silence continues

Press Release
July 9, 2012

Pueblo, CO—The United States Congress is set to vote for full repeal of President Obama’s healthcare takeover, this Wednesday, July 11, 2012. With all the talk and questions surrounding the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, voters in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District are asking where Congressional Candidates stand on Wednesday’s vote.

“Congressman Scott Tipton will vote to repeal President Obama’s healthcare law, which some experts estimate is a $400 billion tax on the middle class,” Congressman Tipton’s Campaign Manager Michael Fortney stated. “Congressman Tipton has been very clear about his views on this issue. He opposed the law in 2010, voted for repeal in January 2011 and plans to vote, again, for its repeal on July 11, 2012.”

After being asked repeatedly, Sal Pace has still not told voters whether he would have voted “yes” or “no” for the Affordable Care Act in 2010 or whether he would vote for full repeal when it comes up for a vote on July 11, 2012.

“Its incredibly unfortunate that our opponent, Sal Pace, continues to talk around this subject and refuses to give voters a straight answer on this important issue.” Fortney continued, “Sal is just a typical politician who will not answer a direct question with a direct answer. He has signed petitions in support of healthcare reform and he is on record supporting universal healthcare. However, as a candidate for Congress, where if elected he will actually vote up or down on legislation, Sal Pace will not give voters a straight answer.”

Time to Work Towards Full Repeal

Press Release
June 28, 2012

Pueblo, CO—Today the U.S. Supreme Court, in a five-to-four decision, upheld President Obama’s government takeover of our country’s healthcare system. Congressman Scott Tipton’s re-election campaign issued the following statement on the ruling:

“It is unfortunate that the Supreme Court upheld a law that has stunted job growth and increased the cost of medical care for families and seniors across Colorado,” Congressman Scott Tipton’s campaign manager Michael Fortney stated. “Voters in the 3rd Congressional District can rest assured that Congressman Tipton will continue to fight for the repeal of this big government solution and pursue better ways to bring affordable and quality care to Coloradans.”

“Our opponent, Sal Pace, continues to support the government takeover of healthcare and will rally behind President Obama’s government-knows-best solutions.” Fortney continued, “Sal Pace, who has not made a single statement on the Supreme Court case, should now speak up and defend his original support for this bill and what has resulted in a government mandate or a punitive tax hike for families across Colorado.”

Where does Sal Pace stand on one of the most important Supreme Court cases of our lifetime?

Obama’s government takeover of America’s healthcare system is in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court and voters have no idea where Congressional Candidate Sal Pace stands on the case

Press Release
June 25, 2012

Pueblo, CO—As Americans wait for the United States Supreme Court to hand down their decision on the constitutionality of President Obama’s government takeover of healthcare, voters in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District are wondering whether congressional candidate Sal Pace believes the law should be repealed or upheld.

“It is remarkable how silent Sal Pace has been on the issue of healthcare during his congressional campaign. He is on record supporting this law, which will strip $500 billion from Medicare, put healthcare decisions in the hands of faceless Washington bureaucrats and has left small businesses unsure and unable to expand and hire new workers.” stated Congressman Tipton’s campaign manager, Michael Fortney. “But where does Sal Pace stand on this monumental Supreme Court decision? Does he believe the Supreme Court should uphold the individual mandate? Voters in the 3rd District deserve to an answer before the Supreme Court issues it’s ruling.” (Read more...)

CONGRESSMAN SCOTT TIPTON REACTS TO PRESIDENT OBAMA'S CLAIM THAT THE "PRIVATE SECTOR IS DOING FINE"
Press Release
June 8 , 2012

Pueblo, CO—Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-3) released this statement on President Obama’s remark at a press conference on Friday, June 8, 2012 that the "private sector is doing fine.”

“It is upsetting to hear that our President is so out of touch with what is going on in towns across America and throughout the Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District that he thinks the ‘private sector is doing fine.’”

“Small businesses, the engine of our economy, continue to struggle with President Obama’s anti-jobs agenda. Under this President, we have seen a massive growth of regulation, the Dodd-Frank Act, and the government takeover of healthcare. All of this has left small businesses struggling and uncertain about what lies ahead.” (Read more...)

“Harness the Wind”; Rep. Scott Tipton Speaks With PPC About His Energy and Education Bill
May 4 , 2012
Peoples Press Collective
By Eileen McGuire-Mahony and Kelly Sloan

“Harness the wind” may sound like irritating far-left babble, the sort offered up by those more keen to loftily announce that a problem exists than to take on the work of solving it. However, on a sunny afternoon in Grand Junction, it summed up a solution to falling education figures, rising unemployment, and the deep unease many of us have with relying on unstable, hostile, or just plain loathsome governments for our oil.

Last week, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) took a break from the exhausting work of covering Colorado’s 3rd District to sit down with PPC for coffee and to chat about one of his bills. On the agenda was discussing his plan to revitalize American energy and put some of our staggering natural wealth into jobs and education – two beleaguered areas that are vital for bringing the American economy back to life. (Read more...)

Pro-fracking states drill Obama plan
Proposed federal rules focus of congressional field hearing
May 3 , 2012
The Pueblo Chieftain
By Patrick Malone

DENVER — Western state officials took turns bashing the federal government Wednesday at a congressional field hearing on proposed nationwide drilling rules on hydraulic fracturing.

Reps. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, and Diana DeGette, D-Denver, sat with the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Development that includes Reps. Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado Springs, and Mike Coffman, R-Aurora.

The hearing was called in response to last month’s announcement by the Obama administration that it would seek coordinated federal oversight of natural gas production. At the hearing, federal oversight was denounced by officials from Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.(Read more...)

Tipton, a Republican from Cortez, hosted a pair of roundtables for San Luis Valley employers to hear about their problems and come up with ways to dent the unemployment rate.

And the latter is no small problem in the San Luis Valley, where unemployment ranges from 9.2 percent in Alamosa County to double digits in Costilla, Rio Grande and Saguache counties, according to the most recent state labor statistics.(Read more...)

How I'm fighting for seniors in Washington
Glenwood Springs Post Independent
April 2, 2012
By Rep. Scott Tipton

The U.S. House of Representatives has put forward a bold plan fashioned through bipartisan efforts to preserve Medicare and other critical safety nets for seniors and future generations, while addressing the drivers of our country's debt crisis by making responsible budget reforms.

Our country is $15.4 trillion in debt, and this year our publicly held debt will reach 73 percent of our entire economy. If we don't act soon, the situation could reach a point at which government can no longer fund the programs that so many Americans rely on — programs like Medicare.

Republicans have passed numerous pieces of legislation to address this crisis and preserve Medicare, including a budget. Unfortunately, these solutions have been met by a Senate that is unwilling to pass a budget or even take up the bills for a vote. (Read more...)

OPINION: Federal Debt Reduction Required
Pagosa Daily Post
March 30, 2012
By Rep. Scott Tipton

Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed a bold plan that creates economic certainty by cutting wasteful government spending, and empowering American families and businesses to rebuild their savings accounts and create new jobs. Our plan stands up for seniors, businesses, American families, taxpayers and future generations.

The American people deserve more than the continued reckless spending put forward in the President’s budget proposal, which would bankrupt our country by expanding the national debt to $26 trillion over the next decade.
(Read more...)

GJ Gas Jumps 60 Cents in 3 Weeks
March 14, 2012
KJCT8.com
By Don Coleman

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- Drivers across the country are feeling the pain at the pump, but few are seeing a higher jump than those in Grand Junction.

Three weeks ago, we reported about Grand Junction's $3.03/gallon average being amongst the lowest in the country in this article. Exactly three weeks later, the city's average sits at $3.59/gallon.

Small businesses, for the most part, have been able to deal with the rising cost. But, as gas prices get closer to record levels, one local industry is preparing for the pinch. (Read more...)