Integrity, competency and the right stuff to be the next president of the United States.

Backers of GOP presidential candidates stressed those themes Tuesday at a breakfast in downtown Denver hosted by the Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Colorado.

Air Force Academy graduate Carl Bruning got the biggest laugh when he stood up and urged support of U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, of Texas.

"It's great to be here. I'm glad this isn't a Fox News debate because we actually got invited," Bruning said, referring to Paul's snub at some debates.

Former Congressman Bob Beauprez told the crowd he disagreed with some political pundits' assessment that Republicans have a weak field.

"I think the fact that we don't have a front-runner, that it is very competitive, speaks to the fact that we've got a bunch of qualified candidates," the Boulder County Republican said.

"You probably saw Hillary (Monday) night in the debate. Can you imagine a more polarizing figure in the White House?" Beauprez said, referring to Democratic contender Sen. Hillary Clinton.

In addition to Paul, various Republicans urged support of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee; former New York Mayor Rudy Giulani; U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.; and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

Here are excerpts of what supporters had to say:

* Bob Martinez, former chairman of the Colorado Republican Party, on Mike Huckabee:

"I could identify with him. His background isn't much different than mine. He was the first person in his family to graduate from high school. He also was the first person in his family to graduate from college. His mother and father were working people that sacrificed to have him better himself."

* Fred Ramirez, Adams County sheriff's candidate in 2006 and a former New York City police officer, on Rudy Giulani:

"This is a man who has taken a city that was on the edge of decay, that many considered ungovernable and turned it around. Many of (you today) have spoken about real-life managerial experience. I submit to you that Rudolph Giulani has real- life experience."

* Marti Allbright Whitemore, state attorney general candidate in 2002, on John McCain:

"I had the opportunity to work for Sen. McCain for two years. Never did I hear him say, 'Gosh, what are the polls going to say?' before he determined what his position was on an issue. John McCain is the man for the job."

* Bruning, Colorado and Wyoming coordinator for Ron Paul's campaign:

"Ron Paul is a real conservative. Real conservatives have always . . . advocated humble foreign policies. Today we have an empire with troops in 130 countries worldwide. We are spread so thin that we have too few troops right now to actually guard our country. We can continue to fund and fight these no-win police actions, or we can actually secure America."

* Beauprez, 2006 gubernatorial candidate, on Mitt Romney:

"I think the way you've lived your life, the way you treat your wife, your kids, I think it matters greatly. This is a good decent man. The United States should be so fortunate."

From:

Presidential candidates have local champions

By Lynn Bartels, Rocky Mountain News (303-954-5327)
Wednesday, January 23, 2008