Victor Marx names George Markert as running mate in race for Colorado governor
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Victor Marx. Photo: Timothy Hurst/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images
Victor Marx, the Republican nominee for Colorado governor, on Friday tapped fellow Marine veteran George Markert as his lieutenant governor, rounding out the GOP ticket with another political newcomer.
Why it matters: The selection offers the clearest signal yet of what a Marx administration would look like: one built around military and private-sector leadership over elected experience.
State of play: Marx said the pick followed months of interviews, calling it "the first big decision" about his potential administration.
- "Colorado doesn't need more political theater," Marx said Friday morning on the "Jeff and Bill" show on 710KNUS. "It needs experienced leaders who know how to execute."
Context: Markert, a Broomfield resident, moved to Colorado about three years ago after retiring from a 30-year Marine Corps career, the Colorado Sun reports.
- Marx highlighted Markert's experience in logistics, public safety, infrastructure and budgeting.
- Marx repeatedly emphasized that Markert, like himself, is "not a career politician," arguing executive leadership is a better preparation for governing than holding office.
What they're saying: Markert said he stepped up because he believes Colorado has been "on the wrong track for quite some time."
- He pointed to his family's multigenerational military service dating to World War II, as well as his unsuccessful U.S. Senate campaign this year, which deepened his understanding of Colorado's political landscape.
The big picture: Marx and Markert will face Democratic nominee Phil Weiser, the state's attorney general, and his running mate, Jefferson County Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper.
- The race pits a Republican ticket of political newcomers against a Democratic ticket led by two longtime Colorado officeholders.
What we're watching: Whether voters will see the two sides face off.
- Marx said this week he'll participate in a single debate against Weiser — only if there's no moderator. It's unclear whether the lieutenant governor candidates will debate.