Embattled senator risks alienating Sanders supporters 

DENVER — For months, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet has refused to tell Colorado voters where he stands on ColoradoCare. ColoradoCare is a ballot proposal that would create a statewide socialized health care system.  The measure would also raise $25 billion a year through a 10 percent payroll tax on hardworking Coloradans to pay for the plan. 

In February, Compass Colorado called on Bennet to tell voters where he stands. This afternoon, the Colorado Independent reported that the does not support the measure, an announcement that will likely further alienate him from Bernie Sanders supporters. 

Earlier this year, Gov. John Hickenlooper announced that he also opposes ColoradoCare. 
Kelly Maher, executive director of Compass Colorado, released the following statement regarding Bennet’s opposition to ColoradoCare: 

“Michael Bennet is known for ducking the tough questions. For months, he has avoided telling voters where he stands on statewide socialized medicine, ColoradoCare, and the $25 billion tax increase that accompanies it. Now, the senator who cast the deciding vote for Obamacare will have to withstand the wrath of grassroots Democrats who are already upset with him for opposing their choice for president, Bernie Sanders.

“Just last week, grassroots Democrats drowned out the Bennet’s convention speech for ignoring their wishes and backing Hillary Clinton. Today’s announcement does little to alleviate the rift between he and Colorado’s rank-and-file Democrats.” 

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