Republican Congressional Candidate Ron Hanks Signs Pledge with Colorado Libertarian Party to Prevent Spoiler Candidates
Republican congressional candidate Ron Hanks has made a strategic move in the upcoming election by signing a pledge drafted by Colorado’s Libertarian Party. This unprecedented agreement aims to prevent potential spoiler candidates from the state’s largest minor political party in competitive races.
Hanks, a retired military intelligence officer and former state lawmaker, is one of six Republicans vying for the 3rd Congressional District seat currently held by Republican U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert. The agreement states that if Hanks wins the crowded GOP primary next month, the Libertarian candidate plans to withdraw from the general election ballot to avoid siphoning off votes from Hanks.
In a statement to Colorado Politics, Hanks expressed confidence in his chances, stating that without a Libertarian candidate on the ballot in November, he could potentially benefit from a “1-1.5% swing” in his favor. He believes that he can secure a wider margin of victory in the R+7 district compared to Boebert’s win in 2022.
Hanks’ primary rivals include State Board of Education member Stephen Varela and several first-time candidates. The GOP nominee will face Democrat Adam Frisch in the general election, who came close to unseating Boebert in the last election when the Libertarians did not nominate a candidate in the race.
The pledge signed by Hanks includes commitments to uphold the U.S. Constitution, reduce the size of government, and work towards abolishing U.S. intelligence agencies. It also includes pledges not to oppose presidential pardons for controversial figures like Julian Assange, Edward Snowden, and Ross Ulbrich.
This agreement marks the second time a GOP congressional candidate has signed the Libertarians’ pledge this year, highlighting the strategic alliances being formed in the lead-up to the election. The Libertarian Party of Colorado, despite its small membership, has the potential to influence tight races by garnering 2-3% of the vote in elections.
Overall, this agreement between the Colorado Republican Party and the state’s Libertarians reflects a strategic effort to promote shared goals and challenge the dominance of one-party rule in Colorado. As the election approaches, all eyes will be on the outcome of the 3rd Congressional District race and the impact of this unique political alliance.
