This story was updated July 6, 4:15 p.m.
A Denver doctor is trying to run as an independent candidate in Congressional District 1, challenging Democratic Primary winner Melat Kiros and Republican nominee Christy Peterson.
Dr. Shimon Blau announced his intent to stand on July 5 and has been approved to collect signatures by the Colorado Secretary of State. He will need 1,500 valid signatures of registered voters in Colorado’s Congressional District 1 (Denver) by Thursday to appear on the ballot.
“I was saddened and alarmed by Melat Kiros’ recent victory for the Democratic nomination,” he wrote on his Facebook page, announcing his intent. “I am particularly concerned by what I view as Ms. Kiros’ anti-Semitic rhetoric and her refusal to meet with leaders of Denver’s Jewish community to address their concerns.”
Blau, who was born and raised in Denver, works as a medical doctor in the field of pain management. He is a registered independent and has said that he has voted for both Democrats and Republicans. On an interview Monday with the Mandy Connell show on KOA, Blau described himself as a unifying candidate who leans left on social issues and right on fiscal ones. The US-Israel alliance and healthcare reform are two issues Blau has said will be part of his platform.
Petition circulators are stationed at East Side Kosher Deli (499 S. Elm), King Soopers at 890 S. Monaco and Safeway at 200 S. Quebec. Further signature collection locations may be announced.
More information can be found on Blau’s Facebook page.
