John Salazar

Below is a transcript of remarks made by U.S. Rep. John Salazar (D-Manassa) at the Democratic National Convention Thursday evening, as prepared for delivery.

U.S. Rep. John Salazar at the Democratic National Convention: Getty Images PhotoBarack Obama will be a friend to the American farmer, while John McCain will continue failed Republican rural policies, U.S. Rep. John Salazar (D-Manassa) told Democratic National Convention delegates in a speech Thursday afternoon at Invesco Field in Denver.

“We need a president who understands the contributions of rural America,” Salazar said. We need a preside who understands (people) who are up at 5 a.m. to make sure there’s food on the table.

“Barack Obama will be that president,” Salazar said.

“And all that John McCain is offering is more of the same,” Salazar said, citing McCain’s long-time opposition to the Farm Bill and federal nutrition programs.

DENVER – U.S. Rep. John Salazar (D-Manassa) hosted a Wednesday evening fundraising reception for the Blue Dogs, the coalition of conservative House Democrats.

The event, held atop the Hyatt Regency and overlooking the city, kicked off after the evening’s official convention proceedings came to a close.

Attending the event was several members of the coalition, including U.S. Reps. Jane Harman (D-Calif.) Dennis Cardoza (D-Calif.), John Tanner (D-Tenn.), U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd (D-Fla.) and several Blue Dog-endorsed candidates, including Colorado 4th District Congressional candidate Betsy Markey, Nevada 2nd Congressional District candidate Jill Derby, and Florida 13th Congressional District candidate Christine Jennings.

With the Democratic National Convention being held here this week, Salazar is the coalition’s hometown boy. The congressman has represented the Western part of the Centennial State for two terms. 

At least six Coloradans are scheduled to speak at the Democratic National Convention this evening on the final day of the convention.

DENVER – Here in Denver, it was Colorado politicians that controlled the podium at the VETPAC forum for military veteran congressional candidates. The reception, which was hosted by a slate of elected veterans and their supporters in Congress, was keynoted by U.S. Rep. John Salazar (D-Manassa).

Salazar gave a passionate, and at times, emotional address focusing on his commitment to veterans that stemmed from the pride his late father had in serving his country.

The 3rd Congressional District Democrat told of his hardscrabble childhood and how, later in his life when his father, who was suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, asked to be buried in his military uniform.

“The reason I tell this story is that it is difficult for veterans,” Salazar said, noting that his father in his old age had forgotten many things, including simple day-to-day activities. “But there are two things he never forgot. He never forgot how much he loved this country, and how proud he was of his service to this great country."

U.S. Rep. Mark Udall (D-Eldorado Springs) will deliver an address at Invesco Field on Thursday as the final member of several Colorado Democrats to speak.

Udall will speak for about four minutes on Thursday about the spirit of individuality in the West and working in a bipartisan way to get things done, said Tara Trujillo, Udall's U.S. Senate campaign spokesperson.

While Udall's exact speaking time has not yet been determined, Trujillo said, he's slotted in the middle of the Thursday speakers' queue.

The Fourth of July is about fireworks, barbecuing, parades and -- of course -- politicking.

After the jump, check out where Colorado candidates for U.S. Senate and Congress will be on America's birthday.

It's time once again for our monthly update of the Top Ten Power Positions by the Inside Edge's very own Wally Edge. This month we get a new player on the board and Dick moves up one spot!

COLORADO SPRINGS -- The day before the state Democratic convention, thousands packed a Colorado Springs hotel for three Democratic congressional assemblies - even though none of the assemblies were competitive.

The large crowds Friday led to long delays and logistical snafus during the assemblies.

Delegates turned out in record high numbers, waiting in line for hours to register for the CD-3, CD-4, and CD-5 assemblies, in which John Salazar, Betsy Markey and Hal Bidlack were set to be approved uncontested.

As we do at the first of every month, today we update our Top Ten Power Positions in Colorado politics. Tom Wiens dropped off our board because he announced he won't be running for re-election. And the brother of another Top Ten politicker made our list for the first time.