SandBoxBlogs: Craig Daily Press "Twentymile’s presence at Romney event part of shifting focus"

Photo Credit:  Mary Austin (Craig Daily Press)

Joe Moylan:
"Pat Sollars, vice president and general manager of Peabody Energy’s Colorado operations, said the company has historically kept information about operations under wraps.

But, with stricter U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations on the horizon targeting methane gas emissions at coal mines, and new rules on greenhouse gas and mercury emissions at coal-fired power plants, Sollars said Peabody recently decided to take a more aggressive position focused on public education.

That new strategy is what motivated Sollars to pull 148 Twentymile Mine workers to the surface to attend Tuesday’s Mitt Romney presidential campaign rally at Alice Pleasant Park in Craig.

More than 300 weekend shifters, friends, family members and vendors joined the miners in an effort to show industry support.

“We hope we made an impact,” Sollars said of the event. “I think we were able to show the community how many people are involved in the coal mining industry.

“When you have 2,000 people show up for an event and 450 of them are associated with one area coal mine, I think that makes a statement and they all know how vital coal is to our livelihood.” ..."
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"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"

SandBoxBlogs: Craig Daily Press "Miners for Mitt"

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SandBoxBlogs: Craig Daily Press "Spokeswoman: Presidential candidate to discuss energy, job creation during Craig event "

Joe Moylan:
"Romney is expected to cite Craig and Moffat County’s abundant natural resources and dependence on the energy industry in his speech about the economy and job creation.

“We’ve heard a lot of promises from President Obama that he simply hasn’t followed through on,” Pompei said. “We’ll be talking to people across the country from now until Election Day about the governor’s ability to create jobs and his vision for moving the country forward.”

On Saturday and Sunday, local officials and law enforcement met with members of Romney’s campaign staff and U.S. Secret Service agents to discuss logistics of the event.

Visitors will not be allowed to gain access to the event until 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to a Romney campaign news release.

The first 1,300 people will be routed to a special, up close viewing area, Craig Police Chief Walt Vanatta said.

Residents hoping to take advantage of the special section are encouraged to arrive early.

However, because the secure area will be accessed through magnetometers, the Romney campaign will not grant secure area access to anyone carrying a backpack or weapons — even pocket knives will not be allowed, Vanatta said.

Cameras and camera cases are permitted.

Although the event does not open to the public until 7:30 a.m., Vanatta said city staff will begin closing streets as early as 5 a.m. to provide Romney campaign staffers enough time to set up.

Among the road closures are Yampa Avenue between Victory Way and Seventh Street; the 500 block of Breeze Street; the alley between the 500 blocks of Yampa Avenue and Breeze Street; and Sixth Street from Breeze to Russell streets.

In addition, the Moffat County Department of Social Services parking lot will be closed beginning at 5 a.m., as will the city parking lot south of Alice Pleasant Park.

The area will be closed to all vehicle traffic, Vanatta said.

Those attending the event will be routed down Breeze Street to the entrance, which will be located at the Department of Social Services parking lot.

Romney is scheduled to appear at 3:35 p.m. in Las Vegas following the campaign event in Craig, Pompei said.

Although the GOP contender has received invitations from local elected officials and energy operators for tours and meetings, Pompei could not confirm Sunday how much time he would spend in Craig after the public event, if any...."  (Read more?  Click title)

SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "Routt County Republicans ready for Romney"

Scott Franz:
"Steamboat Springs — Yampa resident Gary Burkholder plans to leave his home at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday to drive to Craig and see something rare.

“I’m 65, and this is the first time I can remember getting to meet a presidential candidate in this neck of the woods,” Burkholder said as he described why he’s excited to attend Mitt Romney’s scheduled campaign stop in downtown Craig. “We’ve never had this before. I’ve never seen a candidate this close. I really would like to get to know a little more of the personal side of him and get more information than you get on the networks.”

Steamboat Springs Republican Jack Taylor has followed presidential campaigns closely for 40 years, but the former state senator also can’t recall a time a presidential candidate stopped close to Steamboat.

“We’re part of the Colorado scene, and they’re finally realizing it,” Taylor said Sunday. “I’m excited. We’re getting on the map, and that’s good.”

Romney, the presumptive GOP nominee, is scheduled to appear at 8:30 a.m. at Alice Pleasant Park in Craig. The Denver Post reported Sunday that Romney is expected to address the effects Environmental Protection Agency regulations have had on the U.S. energy industry under the Obama administration.

As media outlets announced Romney’s visit to Northwest Colorado, some labeled Craig an interesting stop for the candidate and were quick to note the city is a four-hour drive from Denver and major media markets.

Still, the news of Romney’s visit has excited Taylor and other Routt County Republicans. Routt County Republican Chairman Chuck McConnell said he has received phone calls from several area Republicans who, like himself, plan to attend the event.

“I think it’s going to bring energy to his base,” said McConnell, a candidate for House District 56. “I also think it will show independent voters that Northwest Colorado is not out of the limelight. Colorado could be the swing vote in this election. I feel pride that people at this level of the political arena consider Colorado a place they need to go.”...."  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Craig Daily Press "Mitt Romney … meet Craig, America "

Bridget Manley, Jerry Martin and Joe Moylan: 
"Frank Moe, owner of Deer Park Inn and Suites in Craig, sent Mitt Romney's presidential campaign a video earlier this year produced by Energy America.

The video, titled "The Perfect Storm Over Craig, Colorado," highlighted the community's economic dependence on the energy industry.

Along with the video was an invitation from Moe to the presumptive Republican presidential nominee to visit Craig.

"We (thought) this would be a good place for him to make the point that he is (in favor of) all forms of energy," Moe said.

On Thursday, Romney staffers called Moe and said the campaign was considering Craig as a campaign stop.

The trip was booked Friday. Romney spokeswoman Sarah Pompei said the former Massachusetts governor will appear for a public event at 9 a.m. Tuesday downtown.

It's believed the location will be Alice Pleasant Park.

Additional details of the visit could be released this weekend, Pompei said.

"When the Romney campaign called us, tears rushed over us because now Craig has the opportunity to tell its story to the entire nation," an emotional Moe said Friday night. "We all need to stand up and make our voices heard that energy can be done and done right."

Craig City Manager Jim Ferree said he and Craig Police Chief Walt Vanatta are scheduled to meet with Secret Service agents today to discuss the pending visit.

Two members of the Romney team are currently in Craig preparing for the event, Ferree said.

The local visit won't be without its challenges.

"They're looking to set up in Alice Pleasant Park, which presents some logistical concerns with Grand Olde West Days wrapping up Monday and closing down the highway, but we're going to work through it and make it happen," Ferree said. "This is a good thing for the town and for Moffat County."...."
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"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "Romney to visit Craig on Tuesday"

Remember not too long ago when the Garfield County Republicans and the Glenwood Springs Post Independent mocked the idea that any big candidate would hit the rural parts of the Western Slope of Colorado?

Remember how that made conservatives in the area feel, that extra-large dose of good 'ol boys and girls club arrogance?

All common folk Frank Moe, up in Craig had to do was send a video to the Romney team.

Mitt Romney will be in Craig on Tuesday.  If he's lucky, there won't be any GarCo GOP on hand for a photo op.  Well.....probably not.  Press and photo ops are pretty much the only thing GarCo  GOP can be counted on to do repeatedly and well.

Here's to you, Frank Moe and all the folks up in Moffat County!

via Craig Daily Press and Steamboat Today:
"Craig — Frank Moe, owner of Deer Park Inn and Suites in Craig, sent Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign a video earlier this year produced by Energy America.

The video, titled “The Perfect Storm Over Craig, Colorado,” highlighted the community’s economic dependence on the energy industry.

Along with the video was an invitation from Moe to the presumptive Republican presidential nominee to visit Craig.

“We (thought) this would be a good place for him to make the point that he is (in favor of) all forms of energy,” Moe said.

On Thursday, Romney staffers called Moe and said the campaign was considering Craig as a campaign stop.

The trip was booked Friday.

Romney spokeswoman Sarah Pompei said the former Massachusetts governor will appear for a public event at 9 a.m. Tuesday downtown. Additional visit details could be released this weekend, Pompei said.

“When the Romney campaign called us, tears rushed over us because now Craig has the opportunity to tell its story to the entire nation,” an emotional Moe said Friday night...."
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"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."