Colorado Sports Icons Could Have Some Pull With 'Indifferent Voters'
By Tom Mustin
DENVER (CBS4) - It's common to see actors and singers out campaigning for candidates. Now more sports figures are also getting involved in the political season, including two Colorado sports icons -- former Broncos quarterback John Elway, and former University of Colorado and NBA star Chauncey Billups.
Both stars are lending their celebrity status to the campaign trail -- Elway in support of Amendment 71, a push to make it harder to change the Colorado constitution; and Billups in support of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
On Monday Billups appeared in Park Hill alongside former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb stumping for Clinton.
"I'm obviously not a politician, nor do I have the desire to be one, but I'm a conscious citizen," Billups told CBS4's Tom Mustin.
Billups says he decided to endorse Clinton because of her track record, and after hearing Donald Trump's so-called "locker room" talk.
"To be bragging about sexual assault is just flat out disgraceful. I've never been part of a locker room like that nor will I ever be," said Billups.
CBS4 political analyst Dick Wadhams says both Billups and Elway pull a lot of weight in Colorado.
"Both Chauncey Billups and John Elway are seen as pillars of the community, so in many ways they kind of transcend sports," said Wadhams.
But do their endorsements make a difference? Wadhams says for regular voters, probably not, but for sports fans, maybe.
"These are voters that don't pay much attention to politics. So for them to pay any attention, this probably accomplishes that.
Wadhams says Elway and Billups may also be able to convince some previously indifferent voters to head to the polls.
With the clock ticking toward the election, Wadhams admits between Billups and Elway, there's no one better to have on your team.
"Both of these individuals kind of transcend politics."
Tom Mustin is CBS4's Weekend Anchor. He has been with CBS4 since 2002, and is always looking for great story ideas. Connect with Tom on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @TomCBS4.
