Chris Romer's new yard signs with Meija's name point to power of Latino vote in Denver mayoral race
Denver mayoral candidate Chris Romer has printed yard signs that include the name of his one-time rival and now supporter, James Mejia. "Romer-Mejia: United For Denver," say the signs being distributed throughout Denver. "I have never seen anything like that," said Norman Provizer, a political science professor at Metropolitan State College of Denver. He said the move is indicative of the importance of the Latino vote in the June 7 runoff. "I can understand it," Provizer said. "If you needed a signal to how important the fight over the (Latino) vote is, this just kind of signals that." The Romer campaign offered a simpler assessment. "It means we have a team," said Laura Chapin, Romer's spokeswoman. "It means (Mejia) endorsed Chris Romer and has his name on some signs." Both Romer and his opponent, Michael Hancock, are battling for the Latino vote. Mejia, who finished third in the May 3 election, was successful in many Latino neighborhoods. Upon earning Mejia's endorsement, Romer named him chairman of his campaign and hired on many of his former staffers. Romer said he has not promised Mejia any jobs if elected, but has said he would be proud to have him serve in his administration. "The Romer campaign should be more upfront with what this is communicating to the Denver voters," said Hancock spokeswoman Amber Miller.