February 14, 2012 12:54 AM UTC

Hancock Lends Support to SB-2

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• by: Colorado Pols

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock has been using his office (and communications shop) to comment on public affairs ranging from tuition equity to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

True to form, today Hancock announced his steadfast support for Senator Pat Steadman’s civil unions bill.

DENVER – Mayor Michael B. Hancock today encouraged the Colorado state legislature to approve Senate Bill 2, the 2012 Colorado Civil Unions Act, sponsored by Denver lawmakers Sen. Pat Steadman.

“We must always push to provide the same basic rights for every Coloradan, because residents deserve the same opportunities to take care of their loved ones, strengthen their families and enjoy critical legal protections.

“Adopting Senate Bill 2 will ensure committed couples are afforded long-overdue legal rights and are no longer excluded from the benefits and protections provided to their fellow citizens.

“It’s now time for Colorado to move beyond a culture of tolerance to a culture of inclusivity, fairness and respect. I am proud to join other mayors from across the country in support of civil unions. I strongly urge the state legislature to put civil rights ahead of politics and to pass this bill.”

If nothing else, Hancock’s regular releases on civic issues affecting the lives of those who don’t live in city limits demonstrates his understanding of the power of the Denver mayor’s office. As mayor of Colorado’s largest and most prominent city (in the media, anyway), Hancock is uniquely able to inject his office into debates where he would otherwise yield little power.

It’s a smart move. Hancock will be able to come out and say that he was a vocal proponent of tuition equity and civil unions without risking any political capital in the process of sausage-making. In doing exactly that, he works to build his statewide and national reputation on progressive niche issues and likely staves off criticism from the left.