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Ken Buck Easily Wins 4th Congressional District Primary

Weld County
Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck

Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck emerged as the winner in Tuesday’s four-way primary election to become the Republican candidate in the 4th Congressional District.

Buck easily defeated his rivals, state senator Scott Renfroe, Weld County Commissioner Barbara Kirkmeyer and former Rhode Island Mayor Steve Laffey.

“I am proud to have run with them they’re three great people and I look forward to working with them,” said Buck during his victory speech. “They have all offered to endorse me and I’ll also ask them for a contribution.”

Representative Cory Gardner’s decision to run for the U.S. Senate against democratic incumbent Mark Udall left the safely Republican district up for grabs. In the past Buck ran for the U.S. Senate in 2010, narrowly losing to democratic Senator Michael Bennet. He was running for the same seat before switching to the 4th District race.

Credit Brian Larson / KUNC
/
KUNC
Ken Buck makes a victory speech after winning the GOP primary in the 4th Congressional District, June 24, 2014.

“I think that I am the same candidate and I am a candidate that feels passionate and I’m going to speak my mind,” said Buck when asked if he is he is a different candidate this time around. “But for $40 million coming in against me, I am going to be successful in November and I look forward to being a conservative voice in Washington, D.C.”

Buck has served as District Attorney since 2004, being elected to the post three times. He is a “pro-life” candidate and has the backing of the Tea Party as well as Congressman Cory Gardner.

According to his campaign website, Buck says “bold action” needs to be taken on immigration reform, that “all fuels should have a chance to compete at the pump” – including the building of the Keystone Pipeline, and that “Americans needs a fresh approach to healthcare.”

“When we talked about the need to reduce the government overreach in our lives I think that resonated with people and that’s the message that we’re going to stick with.”

The 4th district encompasses the eastern plains including Weld and Douglas Counties. Given the conservative nature of the district, political analysts said Buck should easily beat his Democratic challenger Vic Meyers of Trinidad in the general election in November.

Email: brian.larson@kunc.org
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