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Thank You Colorado

Thank you for all the support you've shown me over the years.

A little while ago, I called Scott Tipton to congratulate him on a long and hard fought victory. We face many obstacles as a nation, and to overcome them we need to put our differences behind us and move forward as one. I told Scott that my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as he begins the next phase of his journey.

I didn't get into politics to see my name in the press. I have always shied away from the spotlight. But my parents taught all of us that you work hard and you try and make your community just a little bit better for your children.

I am a farmer, a rancher and a businessman. We didn't have a lot growing up but our parents made sure we appreciated what we had. My father put a shovel in my hand as a young boy and he made sure I knew how to use it. On our family's ranch, I learned many of life's lessons through sweat, blood and hard work. Working the land takes tireless effort, it takes putting aside differences to get the job done, and at times, it takes a lot of courage.

It also is where you learn to cherish the efforts of friends and the love of family. These are the lessons that my father instilled in all of us eight children, and though he is no longer with us, his love and effort can be found in every square inch of that ranch.

And I have taken what I learned on the ranch to my career in public service. I put a premium on hard work, on fighting for others, and for protecting those who need it. I have worked with anyone who was willing to roll up their sleeves and work to solve problems. Most of all, I have been proud to get real results for the people I represent. For the last six years I have given my heart and soul to the people of the 3rd Congressional District. I have no regrets and I want to thank my constituents for the honor of representing the most beautiful district in the country.

I have never forgotten who I am or where I came from and I am proud of the work we accomplished over the last six years. I fought to make sure the people of Colorado have clean and safe drinking water. I've fought to make sure Colorado veterans get the treatment they deserve. And I fought to make sure our farmers and ranchers have the freedom to do what they do best: put food on America's table.

I hope that our fight to protect the ranchers of Pinon Canyon does not end here and I will continue to support them any way I can.

This was a long campaign and so many people worked tirelessly on my behalf. I am proud of each and every one of them. They didn't back down from a fight. They stood tall in the face of adversity and they have a lot to be proud of.

From starting work on the Arkansas Valley Conduit in Pueblo to completing work on the Animas-La Plata project in Durango we have worked to make sure that the most basic need, for clean and safe drinking water, is a reality for the 3rd Congressional District. From the veterans clinics in Craig and Glenwood Springs to the veterans cemetery in Southern Colorado and to the Fitzsimons Veterans hospital, we have fought to make sure our veterans get the treatment and respect they deserve for putting their lives on the line to defend their country.

To each and every one of my supporters, my staff and all of our volunteers, I say thank you. Thank you for sending this farmer to Congress six years ago. Thank you for making all of our accomplishments over the past six years a reality.

My partner in life and on this campaign, Mary Lou Salazar, has stood with me every step of the way. From that first campaign in 2004 to this one, she drove with me all over this beautiful state to meet with voters. She stood by me every step of the way, and along with my three sons, was behind everything we accomplished. To my entire family, I want to say thank you for standing with me.

After six years of the fighting and bickering in Washington, I'm ready to spend more time with my family. I'll always be a farmer and rancher at heart. It's what I was born to do. Now it's time to pick up my shovel and go back to work.

Thank you,

John Salazar

Salazar tows stranded truck out of snowy ditch

Winning a tough campaign is all about the art of the possible. Last night, on his way to Silverton for a meet and greet, John Salazar rescued a flatbed truck after it had slid into a snowy ditch on Red Mountain Pass. Watch the video below!

From The Associated Press:

OURAY, Colo. (AP) — Democratic Rep. John Salazar was blocked on the campaign trail Monday when a flatbed truck ran into a snowy ditch during a mountain snowstorm.

Instead of missing the next stop, Salazar hitched the truck to his Buick SUV, towed the truck to safety and continued to the next stop.

Salazar is a farmer who plays up his rugged character with ads showing him riding a horse. He's facing a tough re-election fight against Cortez Republican Scott Tipton.

During campaign speeches, Salazar often blames Republicans for what he calls putting the economy in a ditch and then complaining when Democrats called for a large tow truck (the stimulus) to pull it out.

The Pueblo Chieftain Endorses John Salazar

On protecting the Arkansas Valley’s precious water supply, he’s been steadfast against further water raids by Aurora or any other entity. As a farmer himself who knows how it is to be at the end of an irrigation ditch, he will continue to defend Arkansas Valley farmers who want to maintain their way of life, of being suppliers of vital foodstuff for the rest of us.

The Durango Herald Endorses John Salazar

He got money for U.S. highways 550 and 160, funding to fix Mancos' water supply and millions for the Mesa Verde visitors center. He worked to improve health care in La Plata County and veterans' care nationwide. He supports federal payment of tuition for out-of-state Indian students at Fort Lewis. The full list is longer, but the point is simple: Salazar has paid attention to his district - not to partisan battles and culture wars.

The Aspen Times Endorses John Salazar

As evidenced by the Hidden Gems debate, Salazar has shown a willingness to sit at the table with both its advocates and proponents.

The Westcliffe Wet Mountain News Endorses John Salazar

Salazar, first elected in 2004, has proven to be a workhorse in matters that matter to his district and to us in Custer County. He's a Vietnam era veteran and is considered one of the House leaders when it comes to veteran affairs.

The Montrose Daily Press Endorses John Salazar

Our View: Tipton no match for centrist, independent rancher Salazar. Voters frustrated with incumbents and Democrats must recognize that U.S. Rep. John Salazar is no ordinary Democrat nor a typical incumbent.

The Denver Post Endorses John Salazar

Centrist Democrat John Salazar has been a reliable voice for his constituents, and has earned another term in Congress.

Watch John's new commercial!

Watch the new ad:

Salazar touts tuition bill

Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell joined Congressman Salazar during a ceremony at the new Ft. Lewis College Union on Wednesday.