{"id":53415,"date":"2020-06-11T18:55:13","date_gmt":"2020-06-12T00:55:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/in-candidates-forum-rivals-call-out-rep-scott-tiptons-absence\/"},"modified":"2020-06-12T00:55:13","modified_gmt":"2020-06-12T00:55:13","slug":"in-candidates-forum-rivals-call-out-rep-scott-tiptons-absence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/in-candidates-forum-rivals-call-out-rep-scott-tiptons-absence\/","title":{"rendered":"In candidates\u2019 forum, rivals call out Rep. Scott Tipton\u2019s absence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Lauren
Lauren Boebert, who is running against Rep. Scott Tipton in the Republican primary for the 3rd Congressional District, participated in a League of Women Voters of La Plata County forum Wednesday. She was joined by Democratic candidates Diane Mitsch Bush and James Iacino.<\/span>Courtesy of League of Women Voters<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

As candidates prepare for the June 30 primary election, many are hoping to cast Rep. Scott Tipton as an out-of-touch millionaire more concerned with President Donald Trump than his constituents.<\/p>\n

\"Tipton\"
Tipton<\/span>du1-i-syn<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

In a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of La Plata County, upstart Republican candidate Lauren Boebert was given speaking time, but Tipton, her competitor, declined to participate or submit a statement by the deadline. A spokesperson for Tipton later told The Durango Herald<\/em> that he had a COVID-19 telephone town hall scheduled at the same time.<\/p>\n

\u201cScott Tipton chose not to be here today,\u201d Boebert said. \u201cI\u2019ve spent my time standing up for our Constitution and standing up for freedom.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Mitsch
Mitsch Bush<\/span>du1-i-syn<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

Democratic candidates Diane Mitsch Bush and James Iacino squared off in a back and forth as they vied for the Democratic nomination, while Boebert attempted to cast herself as a defender of personal liberties.<\/p>\n

The two Democratic candidates in the running to challenge Tipton focused on their progressive policies while touting their experience in the private and public sector. Mitsch Bush, a career public servant who unsuccessfully tried to unseat Tipton in 2018, touted the support she\u2019s received from the AFL-CIO and Planned Parenthood while excoriating Tipton\u2019s record of supporting Trump.<\/p>\n

\"Iacino\"
Iacino<\/span>du1-i-syn<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

\u201cScott Tipton and the other multimillionaires in Congress work effectively for the top 1%, but not for the rest of us,\u201d Mitsch Bush said.<\/p>\n

Tipton\u2019s net worth is over $6 million, according to OpenSecrets.<\/p>\n

Iacino, the CEO of family business Seattle Fish Co., emphasized the work he had done making his business more sustainable through responsible sourcing and his entrepreneurial background.<\/p>\n

\u201cI grew up working the business and working the docks,\u201d Iacino said. \u201cWe\u2019ve grown a proud Colorado company \u2026 by investing first and foremost in our workers.\u201d<\/p>\n

The district is considered solidly Republican by pollsters, and Tipton maintains a lead in fundraising with about $600,000 cash on hand. Mitsch Bush trails by about $200,000, with Iacino close behind. Boebert, who faces a tough challenge in unseating the incumbent during the primary, has $25,552 cash on hand, according to OpenSecrets.<\/p>\n

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