Downs: Why I’m backing Dr. Shimon Blau in Denver’s House race

By John Downs | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Dr. Shimon Blau is running as an independent in Colorado’s First Congressional District, the seat currently held by Diana DeGette. He is running against Melat Kiros, a Democrat and a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

I have lived in Denver most of my adult life and have been a lifelong Republican. My political beliefs are grounded in individual liberty, personal responsibility, free enterprise, and respect for the Constitution. But my concerns about Blau’s Democrat opponent, Melat Kiros, go beyond political ideology.

The Boulder attack and the Politico interview

I was particularly troubled by Kiros’ interview with Politico’s Dasha Burns regarding the firebombing attack against Jewish demonstrators in Boulder.

Criticism of Israel’s government is not automatically antisemitism. But when Jewish demonstrators are targeted with violence, I believe public officials should address the possibility of antisemitic hatred directly. Kiros has also defended considering a one-state solution that would replace Israel’s status as a separate Jewish nation-state, without explaining how such a transition would occur.

Her emphasis on the political causes of violence troubles me. I believe understanding the causes of violence should never diminish accountability for those who commit it. In my book, she falls into the “hurt people hurt people” mindset. This type of reasoning risks turning an explanation for violence into a justification for it.

I encourage everyone to watch the Politico interview and draw their own conclusions.

Voting for Dr. Blau is a vote to save the Democratic Party

In the October issue of Imprimis, Kimberley A. Strassel’s article, “The Rise of Democratic Socialism,” describes a disagreement between Democrat strategist James Carville and Senator Bernie Sanders over socialist commentator Hasan Piker. Piker, the socialist provocateur, claims that “America deserved 9/11,” that the terrorist group Hamas is “a thousand times better” than Israel, and that communist Mao Zedong is “one of the great leaders of this world.” Piker ignores that Mao’s policies are estimated to have caused the deaths of 60 million Chinese people during his rule from 1949 to 1976.

Bernie Sanders’ response to James Carville reveals much about the growing ideological divide within the Democratic Party. As Strassel points out, Sanders told Carville that if he didn’t want to belong to the same party as Hasan Piker and other democratic socialists, he could start his own party.

Strassel highlights Sanders’ use of the phrase “my party,” particularly striking given his long history of criticizing both Democrats and Republicans for being beholden to special interests.

Equally noteworthy, Sanders did not challenge Piker’s inflammatory statements in that exchange. To me, this raises questions about the direction Sanders wants to take the Democratic Party and the growing influence of its socialist wing.

Melat Kiros does not shy away from her socialist beliefs; go to her website. Her positions on Israel, Palestinian nationalism, border security, prisons, national defense, and the causes of political violence reflect an ideological direction that I strongly oppose. I worry that the DSA’s growing influence could fundamentally change the Democratic Party and its traditional political priorities.

Voting for Dr. Blau could slow the DSA’s takeover of the Democratic Party.

Why Dr. Blau deserves consideration

Dr. Blau is a physician, small business owner, and independent candidate whose platform includes priorities I support. On health care, he wants to improve access to dependable, affordable care and explore interstate insurance competition. On the economy, he wants to encourage entrepreneurship, investment, and good-paying jobs without unnecessary regulatory burdens. On public safety, he wants to maintain safe neighborhoods where families, seniors, and businesses can thrive.

If elected, Dr. Blau intends to caucus with Democrats. I understand that decision, given Denver’s political makeup.

I probably agree with only half of his platform. That’s fine with me. I would rather have a representative with whom I can find common ground than one whose political philosophy fundamentally conflicts with our Constitution and separation of powers.

My family has fought for and defended the Constitution for generations. Those principles matter deeply to me.

I don’t expect political perfection or complete agreement. I value independence, practical judgment, and a willingness to work across party lines.

That’s why I support Dr. Shimon Blau for Congress.

John Downs founded Downs Digital Marketing in 2001 to help local businesses compete online through effective SEO and digital marketing strategies.

Based in Denver, John holds an MBA from Colorado State University and brings more than two decades of experience in SEO, website development, content strategy, and competitive market intelligence.

His approach is hands-on and data-driven. Clients work directly with John, benefiting from senior-level expertise, in-depth market research, and strategies focused on measurable results.

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.