In fact, former DSCC Chairman Michael Bennet even said that, “shutting down is not an option for Coloradans and it shouldn’t be for Washington.”
“It’s time for Senator Michael Bennet to break from partisan Senate Democratic leaders for once and take a stand against shutting down the government,” said NRSC spokesman Matt Connelly. “In the past, Senator Bennet has criticized the very strategy he is now employing and unless he denounces these tactics Coloradans will once again see his hypocrisy shine on a major issue of the day. It’s irresponsible and dangerous for Senator Bennet to hold troop pay hostage for almost 100,000 Colorado military personnel in an attempt to increase IRS spending.”
Bennet’s Democratic Leaders Are Threatening To Block Bills Funding The Government
The Washington Post: “After Almost Six Months In The Minority, Charles E. Schumer Says Senate Democrats Aren’t Afraid To Be Obstructionists, Detailing A Strategy Of Blocking Appropriations Bills And Other Republican Agenda Items Until They Get What They Want.” (Kelsey Snell and Paul Kane, “Democrats Prepare For Filibuster Summer,” The Washington Post, 6/10/15)
Bennet’s Democratic Leaders Are Threatening To Block Bills To Fund The Government, Including Funding For Defense And Veterans. “To maintain their leverage, Democrats have decided to block all spending bills starting with the defense appropriations measure headed to the floor next week. Durbin told reporters on Tuesday that there is also no ruling out a blockade of program authorizations, like upcoming votes on highway funding. … Schumer, joined by Reid and Senate Minority Whip Richard J. Durbin, (D-Ill.), set out in recent days to rebound from weeks of party division over White House-backed trade legislation to sell the image of Democrats as a single, unbreakable force. He said his colleagues are resolute and will not buckle when Republicans soon test their unity by bringing up for votes popular defense and veterans spending bills.” (Kelsey Snell and Paul Kane, “Democrats Prepare For Filibuster Summer,” The Washington Post, 6/10/15)
In 2013, Bennet Said It Was “Horrible Strategy” And “So Far Outside The Mainstream” To Threaten A Government Shutdown
In 2013, Michael Bennet Said “Shutting Down The Government And Threatening That The Country Wouldn’t Pay Its Bills Was Horrible Strategy.” “‘We never should have been here to begin with,’ Bennet told FOX31 Denver shortly after the Senate’s vote. ‘Shutting down the government and threatening that the country wouldn’t pay its bills was horrible strategy and you saw that tonight with 81 yes votes.’” (Eli Stokols, “Bennet, Udall Respond After Senate Passes Debt Deal 81-18,” KDVR, 10/16/13)
In 2013, Bennet Said “Shutting Down Is Not An Option For Coloradans And It Shouldn’t Be For Washington.” “‘Whether your job is to package some of Colorado’s finest beef products or to sell tractors to our farmers and ranchers, Coloradans are working hard to support their families and meet their obligations,’ Bennet said. ‘Shutting down is not an option for Coloradans and it shouldn’t be for Washington.’” (Sen. Michael Bennet, “Bennet’s "Coloradans Don’t Shut Down"? Tour Continues In Fowler, Alamosa With Stops At Meatpacking Facility, John Deere Dealership,” Press Release, 10/22/13)
Bennet Said “Back In Washington, They Might Think It’s Okay To Shut Down The Government And Threaten Default Just To Make A Political Point, But Coloradans Know How Important It Is To Meet Their Daily Responsibilities And Obligations.” “‘From our police officers that keep us safe, to our teachers instructing our kids, to the men and women working everyday on the assembly line, Coloradans do their jobs day-in and day-out,’ Bennet said. ‘Back in Washington, they might think it’s okay to shut down the government and threaten default just to make a political point, but Coloradans know how important it is to meet their daily responsibilities and obligations.’” (Sen. Michael Bennet, “Bennet Kicks Off ‘Coloradans Don’t Shut Down’? Tour, Busses Tables At Adams Mountain Café In Manitou Springs,” Press Release, 10/21/13)
COLORADO: 98,663 Total Military Personnel (2013 Demographics Profile Of The Military Community, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Accessed 6/5/15)
Fort Carson (Colorado Springs): 68,961 Total Military Personnel (2013 Demographics Profile Of The Military Community, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Accessed 6/5/15)