Former state Sen. Gail Schwartz, a Democrat who used to live in Snowmass Village, is challenging Republican Rep. Scott Tipton of Cortez in the race for Colorado’s Third Congressional District.
This district, which includes the Roaring Fork Valley, spans a wide section of the state, from Craig to Grand Junction, and Durango to Pueblo.
Earlier this month a group of western Colorado counties hosted a debate between the two candidates. One key topic is oil and gas development in the Piceance Basin.
“Why wouldn’t we grasp that opportunity?” Tipton said during the debate.
Schwartz responded, “We do it in the right place, with the right oversight, and allow for balanced use of our public lands.”
The candidates also discussed Social Security, immigration, health care and more.