November 09, 2010 08:40 PM UTC

McNulty: Let The Games Begin?

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• by: Colorado Pols

As of this writing, control of the Colorado House is narrowly in the hands of the Republican Party, who according to unofficial results won a 33-32 majority last week. That result is still pending complete counts in two districts–HD-61 and HD-29, where final outcomes favorable to Democrats could still flip control back to them before the legislative session begins.

In either case, what you’ve got is an extremely closely divided House, where one would presume both sides would use care in apportioning all-important committee sizes, schedules, and partisan proportions that reflect this close division. Since Democrats retook control of the state legislature in 2004, there hasn’t been a major kerfluffle over committees–if anything, some partisan Democrats complained that leadership was being more accommodating to Republicans than Democrats would expect, or received themselves in the minority.

There are signs that presumptive Speaker Frank McNulty is about to prove their worst fears, belying any pledge he made in the last week to work in a bipartisan manner.

There’s nothing definite yet–what we’ve heard is that McNulty has been making inquiries about historical ratios of GOP to Democrats on committees, as well as his latitude to consolidate, rename, recategorize, and set the total membership of them. McNulty has reportedly let it be known that House committees may not necessarily be proportional, and could well through various changes be gamed toward partisan dominance. McNulty technically has the power to set committee categories to make participation in more than one by Democratic issue specialists impossible, and make unfavored committees so large as to be unwieldy. And all of that before we even get to what a difference a 6-3 committee makes over a 5-4 committee.

It’s not the power that’s the problem–it’s the misuse of it.

There is still the possibility that McNulty is merely putting out feelers to see what he can get away with here, and the final decisions he makes will be more reasonable than the scenarios described to us. But with the House the only chamber the GOP controls, and redistricting looming? Don’t count on anything, folks–and be aware of how bad this could get.

UPDATE: So it begins: McNulty just released his list of committee chairs (after the jump), revealing the names of the new committees. And apparently the words “Labor” and “Energy” have been excised from the Colorado House’s vocabulary? That doesn’t bode well…

Speaker Designee McNulty Names GOP Committee Chairs

Speaker Designee Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, today named his picks to head the committees of reference for the Colorado State House of Representatives.

“In these appointments, you will see a wide range of experience and leadership skills and a recognition of Colorado’s geographic diversity,” McNulty said. “These appointments send a strong message that the House Republican Caucus is committed to strengthening Colorado’s economy, reinventing government, and putting Coloradans back to work.”

“The House Majority leadership team and committee chairs represent all regions of Colorado and more than half of Colorado’s counties,” McNulty added. “As we take the reins of the House, Coloradans will notice that this is not time for business as usual at the Capitol and that will be reflected in our decisions on the important issues facing our state.”

The following is a list of State House of Representatives committees of reference with the newly appointed Chair:

House Agriculture, Livestock, and Natural Resources Committee

State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling

Vice Chair, State Rep. Randy Baumgardner, R-Hot Sulphur Springs

“Yes, I did appoint a real farmer as chairman of the Ag committee, there is no one better suited to head it up,” McNulty said. “As Ag Committee chairman, Jerry will be a tireless advocate for Colorado’s agricultural community and will capably navigate the complex natural resource issues Colorado faces.”

House Appropriations Committee

State Rep. Cheri Gerou, R-Evergreen

“Cheri will bring respect and concern for taxpayer dollars to her role as chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee,” McNulty said. “She will be a leader on the Joint Budget Committee and in the Appropriations hearings.”

House Economic and Business Development Committee

State Rep. Larry Liston, R-Colorado Springs

Vice Chair, State Rep. Spencer Swalm, R-Centennial

“As a successful businessman and one of the more experienced legislators in the House of Representatives, Larry brings extensive experience and knowledge to the table,” McNulty said. “Colorado’s current economic climate has made the House Economic and Business Development Committee an important piece of our economic recovery. I am certain that Larry will bring the same skills and leadership that served him well as a businessman to the decisions that will ultimately be of great importance to our economic recovery.”

House Education Committee

State Rep. Tom Massey, R-Poncha Springs

“Tom has earned a reputation at the capitol for being a strong advocate for education and also as someone who has a proven ability to bring together diverse groups in order to make great policy,” McNulty said. “Tom will be a strong advocate for Colorado’s education system as Chairman of the House Education Committee.”

House Finance Committee

State Rep. Brian DelGrosso, R-Loveland

“As a small businessman and entrepreneur, Brian has the experience and knowledge to evaluate complex financial issues and promote sound fiscal policy on behalf of Colorado families,” McNulty said. “Brian has proven himself to be a thoughtful and effective legislator who has always been concerned about the importance of the people’s role in our legislative process.  He will bring that same passion to his work as chairman.”

House Health and Environment Committee

State Rep. Ken Summers, R-Lakewood

“With his experience as a leader in the non-profit community, Ken will be a strong voice as we find solutions to Colorado’s health care challenges,” McNulty said. “Ken’s experience will be a great help in shepherding Colorado through what will be some of the most complex health care issues of our time.”

House Judiciary Committee

State Rep. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs

“Bob is a successful attorney and is known for his understanding of the law and his deep compassion for our fellow Coloradans,” McNulty said. “His background and experience will make him a remarkable leader of the House Judiciary Committee.”

House Local Government Committee

State Rep. Laura Bradford, R-Collbran

“Hailing from Western Colorado, Laura understands the importance of local issues and the consequences state level decisions have on local economies,” McNulty said. “Armed with that knowledge, Laura will serve as a strong voice for Colorado communities that make up the backbone of our state.”

House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee

State Rep. Jim Kerr, R-Littleton

“Jim has spent his time in the legislature cleaning up government, reducing waste, and promoting efficiency,” McNulty said. “This focus is exactly why I have appointed him to head up the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee.  He’ll bring that same focus and tenacity to his new post.”

House Transportation Committee

State Rep. Glenn Vaad, R-Mead

Vice Chair, State Rep. Marsha Looper, R-Calhan

“With more than 30 years working on transportation issues on behalf of Coloradans, Glenn is eminently qualified to head up our Transportation Committee,” McNulty said. “Glenn has always been willing to propose creative solutions to transportation issues and I am certain that he will bring that same creativity to his work as chairman.”

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