Allard stumps in town during campaign swing
Staff Writer
U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard made a grassroots visit to Glenwood Springs Monday and Tuesday, campaigning door-to-door in the city’s downtown neighborhood.
Allard campaign manager Dick Wadhams said the incumbent senator spent the night in Glenwood Springs Monday night before continuing his campaign bus tour to Grand Junction, Delta and Montrose.
In contrast to last Friday’s park rally by Democratic candidates, including Allard opponent Tom Strickland, the visit was low-key and quiet.
Ron Milhorn, news and sports director for KMTS radio, interviewed the senator in the studio Tuesday morning.
During the interview, Allard discussed the conflict with Iraq over weapons production, and talked about negative campaigning.
“We need a secure America,” Allard said, “and we need a more modern military that’s adequately equipped. Since we have a volunteer army, we have to provide a good pay scale.”
Milhorn said his 18-year-old son is thinking about joining the military.
“I think ROTC or the Air Force Academy is a great way to go,” Allard replied. “I strongly encourage him.”
He acknowledged that now is a particularly uncertain time to join the armed forces.
“Obviously, there are some risks. Even a veterinarian assumes some risks,” said the senator, himself a former veterinarian.
“But it’s a great way to serve your country. Plus the military provides a great education for high-tech careers such as radio or computer fields,” Allard said.
Allard said his recent vote giving President Bush clearance to use force against Iraq was about peace.
“When we signed that resolution,” he said, “it was a resolution for peace. We wanted to send a strong message to Hussein to knock it off, producing weapons of mass destruction. If we delay, it will be that much more serious.”
Milhorn also asked about the negative campaigning between Allard and Strickland.
“I support the idea of a positive campaign,” said Allard. “But my record has been distorted and fabricated. When we were attacked, we saw the polls go down. When our polls drop we have to respond.”
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