Chris Romer wins Denver Post mayoral endorsement -- but does that mean anything?

Yesterday, the Denver Post officially endorsed former Senator Chris Romer in the Denver mayor's race, calling him a "dynamo of ideas" who would bring "the critical eye of an outsider" to the gig, since he's never worked for the city. But in today's shifting media environment, does the Post's blessing...

By Michael Roberts

April 4, 2011

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Yesterday, the Denver Post officially endorsed former Senator Chris Romer in the Denver mayor's race, calling him a "dynamo of ideas" who would bring "the critical eye of an outsider" to the gig, since he's never worked for the city.

But in today's shifting media environment, does the Post's blessing mean very much?

Zach Knaus, spokesman for the Romer team, says yes.

"It's a big deal for us," he confirms. "The Denver Post is a well-respected news source in the city, so it was important for us that they backed our campaign.

"It's something I think highlights his vision for Denver's future," he continues, "and we'll be using it in our ads."

Not that the endorsement will change the organization's strategy.

"Our plan continues to be the same," Knaus notes. "We're going to be going to as many meetings as we can, as many forums as we can, and we're continuing to reach out to every neighborhood we can."

The approach seems to be working. In a poll late last month, Romer was far ahead of his many rivals, with 22 percent support, compared to 10 percent for James Mejia and 9 percent for Michael Hancock. His opponents suggest the reason for his success has to do with his familiar moniker -- and Knaus acknowledges that "he does have the name recognition." But he believes there's more to the positive survey results than that.

"His vision has been resonating with the people he's meeting with," Knaus maintains. "His message of improving business and education is something I think people are interested in hearing."

And they'll get many more opportunities for a sample. Tonight, the campaign is holding an event to debut Romer's second television ad. Get the details in a release below, followed by his previous spot.

Romer press release:

ROMER TO HOST PREMIERE OF 2ND TV AD

Chris Romer will host a screening of his second 30-second television commercial tonight

(DENVER) -- Tonight, Monday, April 4, Denver mayoral candidate Chris Romer will unveil his new 30-second TV ad to an audience at the Cake Crumbs Bakery. Chris will be joined by bakery owner Denon Moore in hosting the event. Members of the press are invited to attend.

WHAT: Ad Premiere DATE: Monday, April 4th TIME: 7:30-8:15pm LOCATION: Cake Crumbs Bakery: 2216 Kearney Street

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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