Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders energized a new generation of politicos when he challenged (unsuccessfully) Hillary Clinton for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination.
This year, some of those new (or even just kinda new) Dems are looking to Sanders for his blessing in their June 26 primaries.
NPR looked at the Sanders endorsements last week, and concluded that it isn’t clear if they make much of a difference (even Sanders questioned the value of his backing).
In Colorado, Sanders’ highest profile recommendation goes to state Rep. Joe Salazar, who faces former Obama administration official Phil Weiser for attorney general.
Weiser boasts an endorsement from Gov. John Hickenlooper, who earlier this week gave that nod in response to Salazar’s refusal to sign (or follow) a clean campaign pledge.
Notably, Sanders isn’t a factor in the four-way Democratic gubernatorial primary.
UPDATED/CORRECTION: Sanders also endorsed Emily Sirota, who faces Ashley Wheeland in the House District 9 primary. Sirota’s husband, journalist David Sirota, once worked on Sanders’ congressional staff. Wheeland, meanwhile, has the support of Planned Parenthood Votes.
Meanwhile, Our Revolution, an offshoot of Sanders 2016 campaign, endorsed in two other Colorado contests:
- Bernie Douthit, who faces state Rep. Dave Young for the state treasurer nomination.
- Levi Tillemann, an entrepreneur running in the 6th Congressional District primary versus attorney Jason Crow. They seek to challenge GOP Congressman Mike Coffman.
It’s worth noting that Sanders’ seal of approval isn’t an easy get. He hasn’t endorsed his son, who is running for Congress in Vermont.
It’s also worth noting that the nod doesn’t come with accompanying cash.