Ex-member of Colombian army joins race to unseat Rep. Tancredo
By Karen E. Crummy
Denver Post Staff Writer

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_3545148

Republican Juan Botero, a consultant who once served in the Colombian army, announced Friday that he is running against U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo for the 6th Congressional District seat.

And while he says he will conduct a positive campaign, that isn't stopping him from coming out swinging at his opposition.

"Tom Tancredo is a one-trick pony that is obsessed with the issue of immigration," Botero said. "He has neglected many of the other issues in his district and that's what makes him one of the worst legislators of our time."

In a statement, Tancredo, who was elected to Congress in 1998, responded by saying: "That's the great thing about America. Anybody can run. The more the merrier."

Botero said his campaign will focus on a number of issues, including education, health care, reducing the federal deficit and getting rid of the death tax. But illegal immigration - which has become Tancredo's primary focus over the years - is also expected to take a front position.

Botero said that undocumented workers with criminal records or those who are suspected terrorists or drug traffickers should be deported. However, people in the country illegally who are honest and hardworking should be able to pay a fine and remain in the country.

"We need to find a formula for restitution," Botero said. Botero was born in Washington, D.C., but grew up in Bogota, Colombia, and served a year in the Colombian army before moving to the United States in 1982.

As a communications consultant, he has specialized in cross-cultural marketing and public relations. Botero has also served as a strategic outreach director for U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard and as a part-time director of communications for Viva Bush in Jefferson County. Botero is on the board of directors of the Colorado I Have a Dream Foundation.

He and his wife, Lizzy, have four children.

Staff writer Karen Crummy can be reached at 303-820-1594 or kcrummy@denverpost.com.

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