press releases
Boebert Touts $250 Million in Colorado Funding She Voted Against
Highlands Ranch, CO — On Monday, Rep. Lauren Boebert’s office issued a press release touting her work with the U.S. Department of Energy to strengthen Colorado’s electric grid, highlighting a new $250 million award through the Department’s SPARK program.
There’s just one problem: Boebert voted against the law that funded the SPARK program.
The SPARK funding comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was signed into law on November 15, 2021. Boebert voted against the legislation and now, five years later, is taking credit for funding she tried to block.
“This is the kind of Washington politics people are tired of,” said Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher. “Lauren Boebert votes against investments in Colorado when the cameras are on, then takes credit when the money comes home. You don't get to vote against funding for our communities and then pretend you delivered it.”
Laubacher continued: “And it’s part of a larger pattern. She says she opposes foreign wars, but voted five times against ending U.S. involvement in the war with Iran. She voted against the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, but now wants credit for the investments it created. Her rhetoric says one thing; her voting record says another.”
“The people of this district deserve a representative who will actually do the work - not someone who votes no in Washington and shows up later to take credit for the results. If Lauren Boebert believed this investment was good for Colorado, she should have voted for it when it mattered.”
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Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher Earns Endorsement from Former Governor Bill Ritter
Highlands Ranch, CO – Today, retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher announced an endorsement from former Governor of Colorado Bill Ritter. Ritter served as the 41st governor of Colorado, from 2007 to 2011, focusing on energy, creating jobs, and expanding access to affordable health care.
“Governor Ritter understands what it takes to lead through tough times and deliver for Coloradans,” said Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher. “During the Great Recession, he stayed focused on creating jobs, strengthening Colorado’s economy, and making sure rural and agricultural communities weren’t left behind. That kind of steady, practical leadership is exactly what we need more of in Washington, and I’m grateful to have him standing with us.”
Governor Ritter earned a reputation for bringing people together to solve complex state challenges. By focusing on balanced budget management, rural healthcare access, and pragmatic workforce development, he proved that good governance means putting results ahead of partisanship. His track record reflects a steady commitment to accountability, fiscal responsibility, and delivering tangible progress for everyday Coloradans.
“Eileen Laubacher has spent her entire life in service to our nation, taking on tough challenges and delivering results,” said former Governor Bill Ritter. “Colorado needs steady, pragmatic leadership in Washington - someone who understands how to support our rural communities, strengthen our economy, and lower costs for working families. Admiral Laubacher has the experience, integrity, and discipline to represent the hardworking people of Colorado’s 4th District.”
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Raising over $2.6M in the Final Quarter before the November Election, the Laubacher Campaign Demonstrates Momentous Grassroots Support
Running a people-powered campaign, over 31,000 individual Coloradans have contributed financially to bring serious leadership to Colorado’s 4th District.
Highlands Ranch, CO – Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher’s campaign for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District has again proven its fundraising strength and seriousness, raising over $2.6 million this quarter. This is nearly $1 million more than she raised in the second quarter, demonstrating the incredible grassroots backing and momentum that continue to grow across the district, state, and country.
Nearly 200,000 donors nationwide, including more than 31,000 Coloradans, have contributed to the campaign, with an average donation of just $21. Laubacher continues to build the momentum, field organization, and financial resources needed to deliver common-sense representation for Colorado families. She stands alone as the candidate with the grassroots support, leadership experience, and proven credentials required to win this November.
“I am incredibly grateful to every person who has chosen to invest in this campaign. Every donation, from $5 to $500, is a reminder that people across this district believe in what we are fighting for and want real, serious representation. I will never take that support for granted. Unlike Lauren Boebert, I believe in showing up for the people, focusing on the needs of all constituents and meeting them where they are to listen,” said Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher.
Eileen has built a campaign powered by grassroots support. Throughout the campaign, Laubacher has made it a priority to listen directly to the people of Colorado’s 4th Congressional District, traveling across all 21 counties to meet with families, healthcare workers, farmers, small business owners, and veterans. She has visited all 14 rural hospitals and driven more than 33,000+ miles across the district, an area as large as the state of South Carolina. These conversations have shaped her commitment to lowering costs, protecting healthcare, supporting rural hospitals, and strengthening the local economy.
For more information, visit www.eileenforcolorado.com.
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laubacher promises to get the reckless spending under control; boebert votes to add $4 trillion to the national debt
Highlands Ranch, CO – Our national debt has surpassed $40 trillion and continues to climb. Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher recognizes the threat this poses to our country, and she wants voters to know that balancing the budget and bolstering a strong U.S. economy is a top priority for her. In a new ad up on air today, she compares her values to those of Lauren Boebert.
“Like any family, we budget,” said Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher. “And a budget tells us a lot about our values. Lauren Boebert’s votes tell us about hers. She is willing to spend billions of dollars on foreign wars and the priorities of her donors, while voting to cut essential services and continue the tariffs that are raising prices for everyday Americans. We need leaders in Congress who understand the severity of our situation, and will work together to address it.”
Since Boebert took office in January 2021, the national debt has increased by about $12.35 trillion, or almost 45%. Our national debt is now larger than the U.S. economy. Costs continue to climb for hardworking Americans, and rather than looking for solutions to bring down prices and make life more affordable, the federal government has spent billions of dollars on the Iran War and tariffs that drive up costs.
Our gross annual interest payment is on track to hit $1.4 trillion this year – more than we spend on our annual defense budget and Medicare each year. The size of the debt and the interest we owe means the government is forced to pay around 19 cents on the taxpayer’s dollar just paying off interest, rather than spending on other priorities that would support Americans.
“As a former intelligence officer, I am gravely concerned about the threat our national debt poses to our national security,” said Laubacher. “This debt will crush our country if we don’t act now, get the reckless spending under control, and re-evaluate our tax base to begin paying down this debt in a meaningful way. I refuse to leave this to my children and grandchildren to solve.”
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Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher Earns Endorsement from Former U.S. Senator and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar
Highlands Ranch, CO – Today, retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher announced an endorsement from lifelong public servant Ken Salazar. Secretary Salazar, who is a former Colorado Attorney General, United States Senator, and Secretary of the Interior, spent much of his career working as a champion for rural Coloradans, a strong federal partner on water issues, and a fighter for expanded health care for veterans.
“Ken Salazar has spent his career proving that you can stand your ground, work across the aisle, and still get big things done for Colorado,”said Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher. “From protecting our water and supporting farmers and ranchers to fighting for veterans, he has never forgotten who he works for. I’m proud to have his support and to carry that same Colorado-first approach forward - putting service over politics and results over partisanship.”
While in office, Secretary Salazar worked on a number of issues that are relevant to the challenges facing the 4th district today. He worked on water law and water disputes as Colorado Attorney General and worked to make water supply and conservation in the western United States an important Interior issue while serving as Secretary of the Interior. As a senator, he served on the Senate Agriculture Committee and worked on the 2007 Farm Bill.
“Admiral Laubacher is exactly the kind of leader Colorado needs in Washington, said Secretary Ken Salazar. “She has spent her life serving our country, bringing people together, and putting mission ahead of politics. In Congress, I know she will stand up for Colorado’s farmers and ranchers, protect our water, fight to make health care more affordable, and take on a broken system that too often puts powerful interests ahead of working people. Eileen has the experience, the courage, and the common sense to get things done—and I’m proud to stand with her.”
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RETIRED REAR ADMIRAL EILEEN LAUBACHER Endorsed by national security leaders for america
National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A) – a non-partisan network of former military and civilian leaders from across the political spectrum – endorses Eileen Laubacher.
Highlands Ranch, CO – Today, retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher announced a key endorsement from National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A), a non-partisan coalition of over 1,400 former senior military, diplomatic, and national security officials committed to upholding democratic principles and protecting the integrity of U.S. national security.
“It’s a great honor to be endorsed by this esteemed group of national security experts who understand implicitly the challenges our democracy is facing, and the importance of working outside of party lines to deliver for the American people,” said Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher. “Now more than ever, we need leaders who will put people over partisanship, which is exactly what I will do when I get to Congress.”
NSL4A recognizes that Eileen is a candidate uniquely qualified to represent this district, as someone who swore an oath to protect and uphold the Constitution and takes that oath seriously, who understands the importance of strong national security, and who will work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to defend American democracy.
“NSL4A supports candidates who demonstrate sound judgement, commitment to public service, respect for the Constitution and the rule of law, and an understanding that elected office carries obligations greater than personal or partisan interests,” said NSL4A in their endorsement statement. “Eileen Laubacher has earned our endorsement because we are confident she will bring those principles to the United States House of Representatives. The challenges facing our country demand serious leadership. America’s security depends on strength at home and abroad: a resilient economy, safe communities, a capable military, strong alliances, support for those who serve and their families, and institutions worthy of the public’s trust. Laubacher is prepared to meet those responsibilities.”
Titles, ranks, and military service are used for identification purposes only and do not imply endorsement by the Department of Defense.
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retired rear admiral eileen laubacher and lauren boebert set to debate on 9news
October 12 Showdown Will Be Moderated by 9NEWS’ Kyle Clark
Highlands Ranch, CO — The live debate between Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher and Lauren Boebert is set for Monday, October 12, just 22 days before voters head to the polls.
For months, Laubacher has made clear she is willing to meet Boebert anytime and anywhere. After declining multiple opportunities to appear alongside Eileen, Boebert has finally agreed to a televised debate as the election enters its final stretch.
“I’ve said from the start: anytime, anyplace, anywhere. Lauren Boebert finally said yes,” said Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher. “For months, she has acted as if she could coast through this race while prioritizing her national brand over answering her constituents.
“Well, she can’t hide anymore.
“Lauren Boebert has spent nearly six years in D.C. while families have faced rising costs, agriculture producers have been squeezed, and rural healthcare has reached a breaking point. On October 12, she will have to stand on that stage and explain to the people of this district why she has been unable to deliver for them.”
The hour-long debate will be broadcast on 9NEWS starting at 6:00 p.m., with Kyle Clark serving as moderator.
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Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher Launches New Ad, Promising Decency, Common Sense, and Service
Highlands Ranch, CO —Today, Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher launched the first ad of her campaign for Colorado’s Fourth Congressional District, introducing voters to a different kind of leadership: less noise, more listening, and a commitment to decency, common sense, and service.
“A dysfunctional government serves no one, and we should expect better from Washington,” said Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher. “It’s time to send leaders to Congress who will treat each other with decency and respect, listen to each other and the people we represent, and work together to find common sense solutions to our shared problems.”
The ad draws a clear contrast between Ret. Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher, who served in the United States Navy for 34 years, and Lauren Boebert, whose brand of politics has been defined by confrontation, attention-seeking, drama, and failing to deliver for Coloradans in both the 3rd and 4th district.
The ad closes with “Less Talking. More Listening.” — a defining theme of Laubacher’s campaign and an approach she has put into practice across the Fourth District.
Laubacher has traveled to all 21 counties, visited all 14 rural hospitals, and held more than 75 meet-and-greets, along with meetings with farmers, veterans, small-business owners, local leaders, and community groups across the district.
“People are tired of politicians who are more interested in being heard than in listening,” Laubacher said. “I’m running to listen, serve, and get things done.”
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Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher Visits All Fourteen Rural Hospitals in Colorado’s 4th District
Highlands Ranch, CO – Last week, Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher visited Kit Carson County Hospital in Burlington. The visit marks her fourteenth rural hospital visit, and means that she has now traveled to and met with every rural hospital in Colorado’s 4th District.
“When I visited my first rural hospital in this district over a year ago, I was told by the CEO there that when you’ve visited one rural hospital, you’ve visited one rural hospital, because each hospital is unique,” said Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher. “Since that visit, I’ve made it a priority to get out to each rural hospital to hear directly from them about the challenges they’re facing, the needs they have, and the ways their representative in Congress can better serve them. And, although they are all unique, they share many of the same pain points that can be addressed through good, bipartisan legislation.”Laubacher heard about many of the struggles rural hospitals are having, including those that come as a direct result of H.R.1, which Lauren Boebert supported and touts as a good thing for rural hospitals. The cuts to Medicaid in H.R.1 are actively bleeding these hospitals, in a “death by a thousand cuts,” which leaves rural hospitals weaker than ever. Medicaid is a critical source of revenue for rural hospitals and clinics, and these cuts will only increase uncompensated care.
And many of the federal programs that have been proposed as funding solutions actually trap these hospitals – they’re structured by requirements that prohibit badly needed repairs or restorations to existing parts of the hospital. The Rural Health Transformation Program is one such example, with significant restrictions on funding and requirements that funded activities be innovative; a standard which means a damaged roof or general building repair is not approved, and larger development projects can’t be saved for over a longer period of time.
“Something I’ve heard across the board is that the federal government spends too much time telling rural hospitals how they should be run, and too little time listening to the hospitals themselves,” said Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher. “These are people who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities and caring for everyone who comes through their doors. They know more about the rural health care system than politicians in Washington ever will. We should be listening to them about what they need and what they want. And if what they want is to save five years’ worth of funding to break ground on a new hospital building because the current one was built in the 1930s, they should have the opportunity to do that without so many restrictions.”
Laubacher also heard about the need for serious reform when it comes to insurance and pharmaceutical companies. Rural hospitals face higher costs and less bargaining power than their larger hospital and health system counterparts do when it comes to negotiating with insurance companies, and antitrust legislation is used against them to keep them from forming groups to collectively bargain.
“This is not good-faith practice,” said Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher. “We need to work to level the playing field for rural hospitals, because they are taken advantage of time and time again. Independent rural hospitals should be allowed to band together and form groups so they have more ground to stand on when negotiating with insurance companies and medical suppliers. We need to ensure that reimbursement rates are fair, and that rural hospitals are given the same pricing point for medical supplies that their larger counterparts are given. And we need to seriously reform insurance companies, because the current system isn’t working for anyone – whether you’re a patient, a provider, or a hospital trying hard just to stay open.”
Something Laubacher has heard across the 4th district is the importance of keeping health care affordable and accessible. Programs like the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which makes prescription medications more affordable, are crucial for rural communities. “We have to work to preserve access to discounted medications that help rural hospitals and other safety-net providers stretch limited resources and continue serving their communities,” said Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher. “Every American should have access to the medications that keep them healthy, and the 340B Drug Pricing Program is crucial in making these medications affordable.”
Another key tool in keeping health care accessible, particularly in rural communities, is telehealth. “When I’m in Congress, I’ll work to protect and expand telehealth access and require meaningful insurance coverage so rural Coloradans can see specialists and other providers without traveling hours for routine appointments,” said Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher. “We need to make sure people are getting the preventative and routine care they need in a way that works for them, so that less people end up getting so sick they need emergency care.”
Several of the hospitals mentioned the importance of EMS to rural communities. Rural emergency services are often also under incredible strain, as they cover large service areas while dealing with insufficient funding, and staffing and equipment challenges. “Rural communities cannot function without reliable emergency medical services,” said retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher. “This is a matter of life and death. Federal policy should recognize EMS as essential infrastructure and provide sustainable support for staffing, equipment, and operations.”
Rural hospitals are the backbone of their communities, and are imperative for the survival of rural America – not just from a health care standpoint, but an economic one, too. These hospitals are frequently among the top three employers in their towns. They understand the unique challenges and needs that each of their communities face, to an extent that no Washington representative could ever attest to. Legislation that is proposed as support for them should be informed by the input of the hospitals themselves. And for Laubacher, their input doesn’t end after one visit.
“This is only the beginning of my relationship with these hospitals,” said Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher. “I’m making a commitment to keep these lines of communication open. When I get to Congress, I will set up a Rural Health Advisory Council and continue to work with the good folks at each one of these hospitals to ensure that legislation passed through the House reflects their needs and goals, and sets rural communities up for future success. I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to restore the cuts to Medicaid that threaten our rural hospitals, and pass good, bipartisan legislation that will enable our hospitals to not only survive, but thrive. Rural America and rural health care is not a Republican issue, or a Democrat issue – it’s an American issue.”
View Eileen’s plan to protect rural health care here
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retired rear admiral eileen laubacher calls for long-term water planning at colorado water congress
Steamboat Springs, CO — Last week, Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher spoke at the Colorado Water Congress in Steamboat Springs. She addressed the leadership problem contributing to the water crisis in Colorado, and stated that while much of this work appropriately belongs at the state and local levels, Colorado’s 4th District is in need of a much stronger partner in Washington.
“A real partner in Congress can help fund conservation and efficiency improvements in partnership with our communities here, not in opposition to them,” said Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher. “A real partner in Congress can protect Colorado’s interests when federal policy intersects with interstate compacts. And it can make sure that rural communities aren’t handed expensive federal mandates without the resources to comply.”
Laubacher has spent the last 15 months traveling all across the 4th district, visiting all 21 counties and meeting with farmers, ranchers, water providers, and local leaders to hear directly from them about the water problems that rural Colorado faces and “what Washington gets wrong, over and over again, about rural Colorado.” She pledged to continue working with communities and water managers to develop a list of infrastructure priorities and then aggressively and proactively pursue federal funding to support a long-term solution.
“I want to bring agriculture, municipalities, conservancy districts, water providers, and the state together and ask, ‘What does this base need for the next 50 years, and where can the federal government actually help us get this done?” said Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher. She continued that a Congressional office “should not just wait for communities to come asking for money — it should convene people, identify priorities, help navigate federal agencies, pursue authorizations and appropriations and make sure Colorado isn’t leaving federal resources on the table.”
Laubacher pledged to work on three goals while in Congress: keep Colorado farms producing, ensure that communities are supplied with safe drinking water, and build the infrastructure Colorado will need for the next 50 years. She also emphasized the need for strong bipartisan work on the issue of water: “Lauren Boebert has repeatedly opposed major bipartisan federal investments that included funding for water infrastructure,” said Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher. “I would take a different approach. I am willing to work with anyone and everyone who is serious about solving these problems, because we are already behind.”
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