Reagan Touts Colorado Jobs Through SDI

President Reagan told Coloradans today that his Strategic Defense Initiative could provide thousands of jobs in the state.

He also said the “Star Wars” program could “improve the quality of life in America” through technology spinoffs.

Reagan, who flew here this morning from South Dakota, campaigned for Rep. Ken Kramer, the GOP Senate candidate running against Democratic Rep. Timothy E. Wirth for the seat held by retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Hart.

The race is neck and neck, and Reagan’s pitch for Kramer was purely parochial. “He’s been central in our efforts to rebuild the nation’s defenses” and “Ken has been tireless in his efforts to preserve the environment,” Reagan said.

Research Center

Before his speech at the plush Broadmoor Hotel resort, Reagan signed a bill designating part of a Colorado river, the Cache la Poudre, as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, along with Saline Bayou in Louisiana and Black Creek in Mississippi.

But the emphasis was on “Star Wars” in Colorado Springs, Kramer’s home district, which would be the research center for the space shield.

“He helped convince the Administration to put the major research center that will be the brains of SDI right here in Colorado,” Reagan said.

“Just as America’s space program created new jobs and industries, SDI could open whole new fields of technology and industry, providing jobs for thousands right here in Colorado and improving the quality of life in America and around the world.”

Superfund Bill

Reagan also praised Kramer for leading the fight to re-enact the Superfund to clean up toxic waste sites, a bill Reagan signed reluctantly because of a provision to tax corporations to pay for the fund.

One of Kramer’s liabilities is that he is perceived as being less articulate and polished than Wirth. Reagan said Kramer’s advantage is that he “talks down-to-earth common sense” and is “the work horse, not the show horse.”

Wirth, Reagan said, “may try to sound like a moderate when he’s in Colorado, but . . . when he’s in Washington, he votes liberal with a capital L.”