Betsy Markey

Betsy Markey

US House, Colorado - District 4

  • An exciting Democratic takeover
  • A leader with political savvy
  • An experienced small business owner
  • A true representative of the district

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About Betsy Markey

Holding onto a Republican-leaning seat

In 2008, businesswoman Betsy Markey unseated one of the most far-right-wing Republicans in Congress, Marilyn Musgrave, in Colorado’s fourth district. As soon as she was sworn in, Markey became a target for the GOP, who made recruiting a top challenger a priority. They have spared no expense going after Markey in a flurry of press releases, emails and robocalls -- attacking her more than any other first-term congresswoman. This is one of the most GOP-leaning districts held by a Democrat in Congress: Republicans have a 44,000-vote registration edge here, and voters chose McCain over Obama for president.

A courageous, hard-working leader

Markey is a moderate whose unique blend of business experience and political acumen appeals to mainstream voters eager for change. Before running for Congress, she developed the first computer security training program for the State Department, owned and operated two small businesses, and served as former U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar’s regional director. She’s a dynamic and hard-working leader, fighting in Congress to help small businesses secure capital and voting for historic energy legislation that will create green jobs in Colorado. Politico called her a “a pint-sized powerhouse” with a “hefty legislative agenda,” and the Fort Morgan Times praised her for making sure her rural constituents benefit from the federal economic stimulus package.

A Republican advocate for Big Oil

To challenge Markey in 2010, GOP leaders favor Cory Gardner, a conservative state representative who chaired Musgrave’s 2008 campaign. Gardner shares Musgrave’s far-right views on social issues: he sponsored a bill to ban abortion in Colorado and opposed a program that provided pap smears and cancer screening to low-income women. Gardner dismisses efforts to bring renewable energy development to Colorado in favor of more drilling for oil and gas. Considered “a rising star,” by national Republicans, Gardner raised more than $200,000 in just two months for his congressional campaign. Markey is counting on support from EMILY’s List members to raise the $3.5 million it will take to overcome Republican attacks and keep this seat in Democratic hands.

November 17, 2009

First Lady visits

Denver Daily News

First Lady visits

Speaking to students in Denver yesterday, First Lady Michelle Obama said it is never too late or too early to become a mentor.

Focusing on young women, the White House initiative brought national and local women leaders to Denver for the first of a series of events aimed at promoting mentoring programs. The First Lady and other women leaders such as actress Susan Sarandon and Reps. Diana DeGette and Betsy Markey toured local schools where these powerful women shared their stories, discussed their careers and answered student questions.

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November 4, 2009

Markey amendment to credit card reform bill passes

The Tribune

Markey amendment to credit card reform bill passes

A measure aimed at freezing credit card rate hikes and fee increases sponsored by U.S. Rep Betsy Markey, D-Colo., passed the House Wednesday in the form of an amendment to H.R. 3639, known as the Expedited CARD Reform for Consumers Act of 2009.

The bill passed 331-92, according to a Markey press release.

Markey's amendment provides a market-based incentive for any card issuer that imposes a moratorium on increases in rates, fees, and terms and conditions of a contract on purchases made between the date of the bill's enactment and Feb. 22, 2010. Card issuers who agree to freeze rates and fees would be exempt from the accelerated date for the provision requiring an issuer to apply a customer's payment in excess of the minimum amount due, to the highest rate balance.

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October 28, 2009

Markey introduces credit card legislation

Greeley Tribune

Markey introduces credit card legislation

U.S. Rep. Betsy Markey, D-Colo., has introduced the Credit Card Rate Freeze Act, designed to immediately freeze interest rates on consumer credit card accounts.

“I've heard disturbing stories from Coloradans across my district that their credit card companies are suddenly and unfairly hiking their interest rates before the Credit CARD Act takes effect,” Markey said in a press release from her office.

“These are exactly the kinds of abuses this law will prohibit, but before the ink was dry on the bill, credit card companies were looking for ways to get around the critical protections that Colorado families demanded. I totally opposed bailing out these Wall Street banks, but American taxpayers were still forced to come to the rescue, only to have their credit card companies turn around and stick it to them. It's absolutely wrong and I'm fighting it,” she said.

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