U.S. Senator Wayne Allard (R):  "I’m pleased to join Aaron Harber for this series.  Coloradans will undoubtedly appreciate the increasingly rare opportunity for the candidates running to represent Colorado in the U.S. Senate to address the issues we face in great detail.  It takes more than political advertising and mailings to truly understand the values of the candidates.  This election comes at a historic time for Colorado and our nation and the stakes are high.  The more information voters have, the more informed their vote will be come November.  I look forward to playing a part in this process.”


Former U.S. Senator Bill Armstrong (R):  "In an era when the sound bites on TV seem to get shorter every year, it is really encouraging that Aaron Harber is planning a series in which candidates will have an extended opportunity to talk about issues in the 2008 campaign.  This is a valuable contribution to the process, an idea for which voters should be very grateful.  This is an initiative of historical importance, an idea that should be emulated through the nation.”


Former U.S. Senator Hank Brown (R):  ”The U.S. Senate series provides understanding --- not just soundbites.  I hope every Colorado citizen joins us for an in-depth look at the candidates.”


Former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R): "Political discourse has gotten more partisan and, in many ways, meaner over the last 20 years.  People have gotten to the point where they are turned off by paid political advertising, whose sole purpose seems to be tearing their opponent down instead of promoting vision for addressing problems that face us all.  The opportunity for well thought out, civil discourse addressing solutions to the issues of the day is of much more value to the American people than simple sound bites.  I have known Aaron Harber for over two decades and I am pleased he is providing a forum that will allow Coloradans an opportunity for thoughtful discussion of ideas to move our State and our Nation forward."


Former U.S. Senator Gary Hart (D):  “Aaron Harber intends to provide the most thorough briefing available anywhere in America to the voters of Colorado on their forthcoming U.S. Senate competition.  This is Jeffersonian democracy as it should be in the Media Age.  Now it is up to voters as to whether they wish to perform their duties as citizen by paying attention.”


U.S. Senator Ken Salazar (D):  “The outcome of this year’s election will have repercussions across Colorado and the nation for decades to come -– whatever steps we take to improve our economy, reduce our dependence on foreign oil or tackle our health care system – and Aaron’s upcoming series on Colorado’s U.S. Senate race is sure touch on these issues, the men and women affecting them, and more.  I look forward to working with Aaron and his other distinguished guests on this important series.” 


Former U.S. Senator Tim Wirth (D):  “Aaron, your Senate series is a real contribution --- congratulations, and keep up the good work!”

Former Congressman and current Republican U.S. Senate candidate Bob Schaffer:  "Colorado voters deserve a thorough debate on the issues and I look forward to participating in the forums sponsored by Aaron Harber that will give the voters that substance and specificity."

 

Congressman and current Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Mark Udall:  “I applaud Aaron Harber’s commitment to thorough, thoughtful coverage of the issues that Colorado families face and the choices they will have in this year’s Senate election.  I appreciate the opportunity to share in depth my vision for getting Colorado and our nation back on the right track.  When candidates get beyond soundbites and talk about their ideas, it’s the voters who win.”


Colorado State Democratic Chair Pat Waak:  "Once again Aaron Harber is on top of the most timely perspectives.  ‘The Senate in Balance’ will give Coloradans a great opportunity to meet this year's Senate candidates and see who best represents the concerns of the voters.  One of the most exciting and stimulating public affairs efforts consistently is presented by Aaron Harber.  He serves the interests of Coloradans and helps us to define the public service we expect from our candidates.  I believe this historical TV series will show Coloradans exactly what is at stake in the 2008 US Senate race.  I look forward to watching."


Colorado State Republican Chairman Dick Wadhams:  "In a year when too many candidates wrap themselves in feel-good rhetoric about being 'beyond partisanship,' this Senate series will present Coloradans with what elections are all about --- choices."


Scott Binder, Senior Vice President, COMCAST COLORADO:  “Comcast is proud to deliver the best television viewing experience with the combination of the industry’s leading video on demand service -- we offer unparalleled choice and control. ‘The Senate In Balance’ show is another example of Comcast’s commitment to provide compelling local programming that delights our customers.”

 

Joseph Koker, President, Television Station Group, ION MEDIA NETWORKS: "'The Aaron Harber Show' continues to win kudos from all sectors of the political spectrum.  The nonpartisan and non-confrontational forum he provides for a free flowing discussion of important issues of the day makes his show timely, educational and entertaining.  Aaron truly provides an invaluable community service, and we’re proud that KPXC is a home for ‘The Senate In Balance’."


John J. Sie, founding Chairman of Starz Entertainment Group, and Trustee of the Anna & John J. Sie Foundation:  “Anna and I are delighted to support this initiative which is so critically needed by our country -- a civil and in-depth debate of the major issues of the day.  We have known Aaron for over quarter of a century and are happy to support him for his deep sense of civic duty, his amazing intelligence, and his extraordinary integrity.  We would like to encourage others to get involved and aid this endeavor so all Coloradans and the rest of the nation can benefit from this ambitious initiative."


Moderator Aaron Harber:  "I hope the citizens of Colorado take the time to thank Bob Schaffer and Mark Udall for their extraordinary commitment to the democratic process.  I also want to thank Wayne Allard, Bill Armstrong, Hank Brown, Ben Campbell, Gary Hart, Ken Salazar, and Tim Wirth for their contribution to this series. Coloradans also should thank Scott Binder of COMCAST COLORADO and Robert James of COMCAST Entertainment Television for taking the lead in broadcasting "The Senate In Balance." 


They also should thank Joseph Koker and ION Media Networks as well as Tony Shawcross and Denver Open Media for their willingness to each provide a unique broadcast slot for the series so all voters have access to it.  And I also would like to thank Wick Rowland and everyone at my home station, KBDI-TV Channel 12 (Colorado Public Television), for their support. 


Most of all, I would like to thank Anna and John Sie and Michelle Sie Whitten, and the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation for providing the initial resources to bring these programs to the people of Colorado in a timely manner.  John, Anna, and Michelle are providing a public service of enormous proportion and should be recognized for their contribution to setting a new standard for informed, civil discourse in the political world.  I am honored and humbled by the support of so many wonderful people -- all of whom care so much about our country and its future."







(C) 2008 by USA Talk Network, Inc.  All rights reserved.   Reproduction, copying, transmission, or conveyance of any material --- in whole or in part --- including but not limited to print and electronic versions, is strictly prohibited without the express written consent of an officer of USA Talk Network, Inc.  “USA Talk Network,” “The Senate In Balance,” “Blind Justice,” and “The Aaron Harber Show ” are the registered trademarks and/or the proprietary products, tradenames, and/or properties of USA Talk Network, Inc. and/or Aaron Harber, Post Office Box 17143, Boulder, CO 80308-0143; e-mail: Producer@HarberTV.com; phone: 303-666-6161.   [Last revised:  09-02-08]

“The Senate In BalanceTM

QUOTES AND COMMENTS FROM PARTICIPANTS ABOUT

“THE SENATE IN BALANCE” SPECIAL TELEVISION SERIES