Dem to challenge for HD59

Former La Plata County Attorney and state solicitor general, Michael McLachlan, has announced his bid for House District 59 in southwest Colorado.

The Democrat, now in private practice in Durango, once served in the No. 3 spot in the Colorado Attorney General's Office under Ken Salazar, who now is secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior. He will challenge Rep. J.Paul Brown, R-Ignacio, for the newly redrawn district, which includes Archuleta, La Plata, Ouray, Hinsdale, San Juan and parts of Gunnison counties.

A Marine and veteran of the Vietnam War, McLachlan has lived in Durango for 38 years. McLachlan has been twice named one of "The Best Lawyers In America."

“I’ve worked locally and all over this region for years. I know the issues we’re facing, and I know how to solve problems and get things done,” McLachlan said. “I’m tired of seeing government gridlocked by partisanship and extremism. That’s why our mountain communities deserve new representation.”