Colorado senator's campaign pays $45,000 to migrant laborer hurt in car crash

By Jim Greene

Published on September 22, 2005

On Nov. 1 of last year, a car driven by Thomas Olsen crossed the center line and ran head on into a car driven by Jesus Lopez, whose former supervisor said has since returned to Mexico. Lopez and Tom Downey, a passenger in Olsen's car who suffered bruised ribs, were both treated at a Colorado Springs Hospital. Olsen, who was not injured, was cited for careless driving.

A Salazar campaign official said the senator's campaign was behaving like many companies and organizations in compensating Lopez for his injuries after discussion between lawyers for both sides. According to records filed with the Federal Elections Commission, there was a $25,000 payment earlier this year, and the $20,000 balance will show up in this quarter's filings.

Roland Lee, Lopez' former supervisor in a construction company, said Lopez could no longer work in construction because of his injuries. Lee said Lopez returned to his wife and children in Mexico.

On the day of the accident, a storm had left snow and ice on several Colorado roads, as candidates and their workers wrapped up the last full day of campaigning.

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