Three police unions and a rapper who works with prominent hip hop duo OutKast this week endorsed Mark Barrington, the Republican challenging six-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter in Colorado’s suburban 7th Congressional District.

“Mark’s commitment to law enforcement is a breath of fresh air for those in the profession,” said a representative of Lakewood Police Union Local No. 303 in a statement. “Mark takes the time to meet with officers in order to fully understand the challenges facing law enforcement today.”

The Denver Police Protective Association and Aurora Police Association also threw their support behind Barrington, a salesman, in the race.

Calling Barrington his “homeboy” and his “No. 1 man,” DJ Cutmaster Swiff – whose given name is Archie Hall – made his endorsement official in a video posted online by the Republican’s campaign.

“I ask people to imagine what we can accomplish if we set aside personal differences and come together in a shared purpose and relentless pursuit of common ground,” said Barrington said. “When folks realize how much we can achieve by working together, it excites them. They see so much more is possible and enthusiastically partner together to make things happen they could never do alone.”

Barrington added that he plans to “bring together a wide array of folks such as law enforcement, members of minority communities, faith leaders, and anyone else interested” to tackle issues such as criminal justice reform.

Here are some of the other Colorado candidate and ballot measure endorsements announced recently:

? Former Gov. Bill Owens, who won election to the first of his two terms 20 years ago, is supporting Proposition 109, a transportation funding measure colloquially known as “Fix Our Damn Roads,” the initiative’s supporters said.

The measure, its sponsors said, is modeled after a successful referendum backed by Owens during the first year of his administration, which authorized the state to borrow more than $1 billion in Transportation Anticipation Revenue Notes, or TRANs bonds, but would not raise taxes.

“Everyone said it couldn’t be done,” Owens said in a statement. “But voters saw the value in investing in road infrastructure without raising taxes. The measure passed, the notes were issued, and the projects were completed on time and on budget.”

? U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet this week endorsed fellow Democrat Stephany Rose Spaulding, who is challenging six-term incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn in the 5th Congressional District.

“Stephany’s innovative thinking and unparalleled work ethic provide a fresh perspective and new energy for the district,” Bennet said in a statement. “Her collaborative spirit, vision, and passion for public service make her a champion for the people of the region.”

Spaulding, who teaches women’s and ethnic studies at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, has also won formal endorsements from the other three Democratic members of the state’s congressional delegation – U.S. Reps. Diana DeGette, Ed Perlmutter and Jared Polis, the party’s nominee for governor.

? The Log Cabin Republicans of Colorado, a GOP group advocating for gay rights, announced this week that it’s endorsing the four Republicans at the top of the statewide ticket: gubernatorial candidate Walker Stapleton, attorney general candidate George Brauchler, state treasurer candidate Brian Watson and Secretary of State Wayne Williams, who is seeking a second term.

The group also announced endorsements in other state-level races. Candidates winning the group’s support, all Republicans, include: Ken Montera for University of Colorado regent at-large; Glen Gallegos for CU regent in CD3 ; Chance Hill for CU regent in CD5; Debora Scheffel for State Board of Education in CD4; state Sen. Don Coram in Senate District 6; state Sen. Tim Neville in SD 16; Christine Jensen for SD 20; state Sen. Beth Martinez-Humenik in SD 24; former state Rep. Kit Roupe in House District 17; Mary Elizabeth Fabian in HD 18; and state Rep. Cole Wist in HD 37.

? Denver Mayor Michael Hancock has formally endorsed Denver’s Caring 4 Denver ballot initiative, which would add one-quarter of 1 percent to the city’s sales tax – 25 cents for every $100 purchase – to fund mental health and substance disorder treatment.

“Improving the well-being of our community and supporting those who need our help the most has been one of my top priorities as mayor,” Hancock said in a statement. “I care about the people in our great city and I support Caring 4 Denver on this November’s ballot. We have the power to take care of those in need.”

The ballot measure’s campaign also won the endorsement of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, organizers announced.

Won an endorsement or handed one out? Let us know at news@coloradopolitics.com.