Tipton receives District 58 Republican nomination

MONTROSE — Business owner Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, recently secured the Colo. House District 58 nomination.

"I'm humbled by this outpouring of unified support," Tipton said before the Republican assembly, according to an April 18 press release.

The nomination will put Tipton atop the Aug. 12 Republican primary election ballot. Incumbent Ray Rose, R-Montrose, is not seeking re-election. No other Republican candidates are vying for the nomination, according to the press release.

Tipton ran in 2006 for U.S. Congress but lost to incumbent John Salazar, D-Manassa, by 129,833 votes to 78,318 votes.

His central campaign themes include water issues, second amendment rights and private property rights. He also has expressed desire to support improved farm-to-market roads, affordable health care and government efficiency.

Tipton owns Mesa Verde Pottery in Cortez. He holds a political science degree from Fort Lewis College. He's been married to his wife, Jean, for 24 years and has two daughters who attend the University of Denver.

District Democrats will select their nominee May 3 at Columbine Middle School in Montrose. The event will begin at noon and is to be followed by a picnic.

Noelle Hagan, D-Montrose, announced her candidacy for the seat in July 2007, and is the only Democrat to do so. Her political experience includes serving on Montrose City Council and on the Montrose County Housing Authority board.

District 58 includes Montrose, San Miguel, Ouray and Dolores counties, as well as part of Delta and Montezuma counties.