THORNTON — Manny Rutinel put meat where his mouth is.
The Democratic state representative running in the 8th Congressional District stopped by a taco truck in Thornton on Wednesday evening to mingle with voters and sample some carne asada.
For most any other politician, the event would have been delicious but otherwise unremarkable. For Rutinel, it was a chance to prove that he does in fact eat meat after many years as an outspoken vegan animal activist.
Rutinel ate his beef taco while being interviewed and filmed by the guys behind Denver Foos, a Latino-centric social media channel that highlights local food and culture.
“Good flavor. Unbelievable flavors,” he said while eating the taco. “Very well seasoned.”
Rutinel, running in what could be called Colorado’s agricultural capital, has brushed off criticism about his past statements as an animal activist. He once said “animal agriculture is a horrific, exploitative industry” and that “the globe must dramatically shift away from animal products and toward fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts.”
In since-deleted Reddit posts, he voiced support for a movement that aims to put animals on the same legal footing as humans and in turn prohibit their slaughter for food and other uses.
Rutinel says he now eats meat and that his past statements were the views of someone less informed.
“I’ve grown a lot, and I’m glad that I have,” he told The Colorado Sun a few weeks ago.
But the taco truck visit Wednesday, which comes as Republicans are trying to label him “meatless Manny,” is a sign that Democrats see Rutinel’s past activism as a vulnerability heading into the November election in the 8th District, which is one of the nation’s most competitive U.S. House races.
The outcome of the election may determine which party controls Congress.
The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union endorsed Rutinel’s GOP opponent, U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans, because of Rutinel’s past statements. The union backed a Democrat over Evans in the district last election cycle.
The GOP attacks on Rutinel’s veganism and animal rights positions have been relentless.
Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters, visiting Colorado last week to support Evans, painted Rutinel as an extremist for his past views. “The guy is nuts,” Gruters said.
Evans, during a news conference Thursday, said the animal protection policies Rutinel once supported would crush farmers and ranchers in the 8th District.
Rutinel didn’t address the criticism Wednesday. Once he was done eating a taco — The Sun can confirm he did in fact eat it — he addressed a small crowd of supporters about how the cost of healthcare and gasoline have risen under Evans and President Donald Trump.
“Donald Trump and Gabe Evans have made things impossible for working families across the district,” he said, pointing to a nearby gas station advertising gas for $4.29 a gallon.