An Interview with Mike Coffman

Article by Hannah Downey

With voting booths opening in just four short days, the candidates to represent Colorado in the United States Senate have had quite the ride.  Culminating in a heated debate on Monday, both Congressman Mike Coffman and Senator Michael Bennet are trying for a final push to get their messages out to voters.  Following the debate, I sat down with Congressman Coffman and discussed the issues important to him, Colorado, and the United States.

Downey: Congressman Coffman, in your opinion, what is the most pressing issue facing Colorado?  How do you propose to address it?

Coffman: Jobs. Jobs. Jobs. While our economy is slowly getting out of this recession, our job numbers are not where they were before the recession began in 2007. Our population has risen by 9.2% since the recession began. Had our jobs growth stayed consistent with the population growth we would be employing 2,567,200 Coloradans instead of only employing 2,379,700 (as of December 2013). I have addressed in this multiple ways: (1) supporting ENDA so all Coloradans are free to work; (2), H.R. 1412, the Improving Job Opportunities for Veterans Act, which would put our veterans to work when they come home; and (3) Lending For Jobs Act of 2012 which would allow Coloradans to obtain loans to start small businesses. 

Downey: With the ruling on the constitutionality of the Colorado gun restrictions currently being decided, do you think the gun restrictions on magazine capacity and background checks are Constitutional?

Coffman: I think there are two issues at hand here: (1) gun rights and (2) mental health. Safe and legal gun possession should not be removed because of the actions of mentally unfit people. I think we need to be more focused on keeping guns out of the hands of people who are not mentally cognizant enough to safely keep guns. Not trample the constitutional rights of law abiding citizens.

Downey: With the United States currently over $17 trillion dollars in debt, how do you propose to address the deficit?

Coffman: I wish we had more bold actions to bring our deficit down, but I think the Ryan Plan is a good start. The Ryan Plan removes our deficit spending within ten years. To my opponents who say these cuts are too severe I would has how do you realistically deal with a 17 trillion dollar debt crisis?

Downey: If elected, what is the first thing you would do in office?

Coffman: I would keep doing what I've been doing: supporting veterans, working to make a better economy for Colorado business people, and work to create a economy that is producing jobs for graduating college students.

Downey: In the debate’s closing remarks, he made a comment insinuating that you believe there is such a thing as “legitimate rape,” a comment which you had no formal opportunity in the debate to respond to.  What is your response to Bennet's statement?

Coffman: This is a complete and utter fabrication that is below the dignity of a Colorado Senator. This bill, HR 3 2011, does not support legitimate rape and neither do I. This is the kind of Washington word craft that is turning everyday Coloradans off of voting and participating in politics. This response was irresponsible and not an honest comment Coloradans should expect from elected officials. 

Downey: In no more than three sentences, what do you want to say to Colorado citizens going to the polls?

Coffman: If you want more jobs, better jobs, and a tried and true fighter for the blue collar community, I'm your guy. I want to force this government to get off your back and allow you to get back to work taking care of your family.

The polls open on Friday morning, so make sure to register to vote and cast your ballot.