Protective Order Granted Against A Colorado Congressional Candidate Over 2021 Conflict

Neighbors of Republican candidate Russ Andrews, who is running for Colorado's 3rd Congressional District, filed for a protection order against him in 2021, according to court documents.

The initial motion for a civil protection order stated that the complainants had endured ongoing noise issues from Andrews, including frequent cursing, yelling, and screaming. The neighbors had previously reported these incidents to their homeowners association.

Tensions between Andrews and his neighbors reached a breaking point on October 7, 2021, when a verbal altercation prompted the neighbors to contact authorities. Court documents reveal that the protection order was sought after Andrews allegedly made threatening remarks towards his neighbors, causing them to fear for their safety, especially in the presence of their 7-year-old daughter.

Eric Harpootian, Andrews' campaign manager, believes that the dispute originated in the summer of 2020 when Andrews displayed a sign supporting former President Donald Trump's presidential campaign on his lawn. Harpootian suggested to online publication Newsline that the response from the neighbors may have been politically motivated.

As a result of the protection order, the Garfield County Court granted a one-year temporary order that prohibited Andrews from contacting his neighbors or coming within 50 yards of their property. Andrews complied with the requirements of the order, which included undergoing counseling and temporarily surrendering his firearms, according to court records.

Harpootian also was quoted saying that Andrews completed the necessary classes and has learned from the experience, emphasizing that the matter is now in the past.

Upon the expiration of the temporary order, the neighbors did not pursue further action. Harpootian says that Andrews is currently focused on his campaign, aiming to listen to voters across the Western Slope and keep the seat in Republican hands.

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Russ Andrews, a businessman from Carbondale, has been involved in community organizations such as the Independence Pass Foundation and the Aspen Camp of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. His campaign platform includes increasing funding for local roads and seeking common ground with other lawmakers on proposed legislation.

The 3rd District Republican primary became contested when current Rep. Lauren Boebert announced her intention jump seats to run for the 4th District instead. Boebert faced a strong primary challenger in political newcomer Jeff Hurd, who garnered endorsements from prominent Colorado Republicans. It was widely speculated that Boebert may have faced a challenging primary race and potentially a tough general election against a Democratic candidate.