Thirty Years Ago This Week: Considered a rising political star and significant prospect candidate by the Republican Party, Parker Mayor Greg Lopez and his wife Lisa held a media event to each officially change their voter registrations at a public ceremony at the Douglas County Courthouse.

The longtime Democrat was joined by Republican National Committeeman Jim Nicholson along with several county officers, including Clerk and Recorder Rita Crain. Lopez told The Colorado Statesman that, after many “soul searching discussions” with Nicholson and spending hours pouring over a copy of the GOP platform that Nicholson had given him, he had decided this was the best decision.

“Greg Lopez began to wonder why he was a Democrat after giving several speeches to school children, and when they asked him why he was a Democrat, he realized that he did not have a good answer,” said Nicholson. “He and I then began meeting and talking about Republican philosophy versus the Democrat philosophy. This led him to a real soul searching about what party he really belonged to.”

In other news, U.S. Senator Robert Bennett, R-UT, was in Denver to address the Lincoln Club and gave a press conference at the Colorado State Capitol.

Bennett had been named by Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole, R-KS, to serve as a moderator among Republicans to help their colleagues come to a consensus regarding healthcare.

“Don’t expect us to get anything at all done about reforming the nation’s healthcare system this year,” said Bennett. “There may not be enough time left to pass a healthcare bill to take the first step and enact insurance reform before the session ends in three weeks.”

Bennett said that the U.S. currently spent $3,200 per person every year on healthcare and that billions could be saved by restructuring the system.

“Ironically, we can afford it [healthcare reform] if we restructure our mind-set that insists on first-dollar coverage,” Bennett argued.

Ten Years Ago: Libertarian Congressional District 7 candidate Tyler Bagley dropped out of the race against incumbent U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter, and endorsed the Republican candidate, Don Ytterberg.

“Understanding this race is so close, I am honored to support Don Ytterberg,” Bagley said. “I believe his small business background and common sense solutions will benefit Colorado families. I ask third party and swing voters to throw their support to Don Ytterberg.”

Bagley said that after “analyzing Don’s agenda and meeting with him, it became apparent that we agree on most matters of importance to the people of Adams and Jefferson counties.”

After Bagley’s withdrawal, no other third-party or unaffiliated candidates remained on the ballot.

Phil Kelly, campaign manager for Ytterberg’s campaign, said that he was pleased to get Bagley’s support.

“Don Ytterberg will change the course in Washington, curtailing regulation, which will enable to economy to flourish and grow jobs,” Kelly said. “The race is closer than ever and certainly one to watch!”

“We don’t expect Mr. Bagley’s withdrawal to impact the race,” said Perlmutter campaign manager Chris Kennedy. “The hard working folks of the 7th CD know that Ed has consistently gone the extra mile for them, listening to them at the door and at the grocery store, and working hard to expand opportunities for them to live the lives they want.”

Two years previously Perlmutter trounced Republican nominee Joe Coors by 12 points and in 2010 beat Republican candidate Ryan Frazier by 11 points.