Name: Joe Whitcomb

Seat you are seeking: State Senate, District 23.

Age: 39

Why are you running for State Senate: Bringing common-sense priorities to Colorado's State Government is not going to be an easy task, but I am using the work ethic and skills that I learned in the military, and throughout my life as a community volunteer, to help me fight for a better State Government and a better Colorado. In order to focus on improving public education, expanding health care coverage to include all Coloradoans, cleaning up our environment, and fixing our sputtering economy, I will rely on the lessons that I have learned during my life, and on your help. Since I left high school, I have been seeking challenges; in this race, I have found one worth facing.

When I was 19 years old, I sought a major challenge. I enlisted into the United States Army, went to Airborne School and joined the Army Rangers as an infantry soldier. In December of 1989, I parachuted into Panama as part of the spearhead element for Operation Just Cause. After finishing my tour with the Rangers, I was assigned to Ft. Richardson, Alaska where I served with another Parachute Infantry Regiment.

In 1996, I took a six-year break from military service and worked as a finance manager. In February 2002, I re-enlisted into military service, this time as an Air Force Combat Communicator. During my Air Force tour I was stationed in Georgia, Korea and Italy. In Korea I was tasked with teaching Air Force personnel the skills I had learned as a Ranger, namely helping Airman to survive in combat situations. I also volunteered in an adopt-an-orphan program at the local orphanage. In 2005, I was medically separated from service for a hearing loss. Seeking another challenge, I started law school at the University of Denver in August 2005. I graduated in December of 2007, and started practicing law in June.

Also during law school, I volunteered at Safe House Denver offering legal assistance to battered women, and volunteered as a mentor to a wonderful young man who faced great challenges of his own. I worked with a local non-profit organization, helping abandoned and abused children gain permanent legal residence in the United States. My most recent position was working with a local non-profit helping torture survivors gain asylum in the US. During law school, I fell in love with the beauty of Colorado, and with the kindness of Coloradoans. I also fell in love with Carolee, and she agreed to be my wife.

Carolee and I were married in August of 2007 and Drake was born on July 6th of this year. He is healthy, strong, and the most amazing person I've ever met, and he poses a different kind of challenge. With your help, he will grow up and grow old in a Colorado that is better because we took this moment and decided that it was time to fight for common-sense priorities, and a government that is dedicated to service.

Family: Married to Carolee for one year, had Drake in the beginning of July.

Occupation: Attorney.

Hometown: Westminster, CO.

Your Web site: www.electjoewhitcomb.com

Favorite local place to hang out: With my baby boy Drake in the living room.

What do you like most about living here?: When I moved here with the military, I fell in love with the mountains, and the people. People in Colorado are down to earth, and all of them are looking for a better life.

Interests & hobbies: Power lifting, martial arts and reading.

Favorite TV show: Boston Legal.

Favorite Web site:

People who inspired you (and how): FDR. During a time of crisis, FDR was able to lead a country that was hurting to the greatest success of the nation's history.

How you have contributed to the community: I have volunteered with a battered women's shelter and as a mentor for at-risk youth.

What are the biggest issues facing your constituency now: The economy is hurting everyone. We have to put this mess back together. There is no single way to do that. We have to use a multifaceted approach. We have to invest in Colorado's schools and infrastructure, as well as fight to bring down the price of everyday goods like gasoline and food. We must also invest in small businesses by putting them in a position of tax parity with larger corporations.