February 20, 2015 11:36 AM UTC

Get More Smarter on Friday (Feb. 20)

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• by: Colorado Pols

The Colorado Pols Quadruple Doppler (with cheese) predicts anywhere from 2 inches to 17 feet of snow this weekend. It's time to Get More Smarter with Colorado Pols. If you think we missed something important, please include the link in the comments below (here's a good example).

TOP OF MIND TODAY…

► The Denver Post editorial board thinks that Colorado Republican legislators are playing "a dangerous game that must stop" by using the budget process in an attempt to derail legislation they don't like but don't have the votes to defeat outright:

Republicans should keep in mind that history has a way of turning the tables, particularly when it comes to political power.

The tactics they are using to thwart policies they disagree with could well come back to haunt them.

► Jefferson County students are not convinced that the conservative school board is really retreating on their attempts at rewriting history curriculums.

Get even more smarter after the jump…

SHOULD YOU FIND YOURSELF STANDING NEAR A WATER COOLER…

► Congressman Jared Polis (D-Boulderish) is expected to be appointed to the House Natural Resources Committee next week, which should strengthen Colorado's voice on federal land issues.

► Legislation that would make it a felony to repeatedly drive drunk is a priority for Gov. John Hickenlooper as it makes its way through the State Capitol. As Hickenlooper tells the Denver Post,"I think the basic principle of people having repeated DUIs and not having consequences — we are overdue at addressing that."

► Former State Sen. Steve King seems to be rather lost in addressing yet another ethics investigation regarding double triple-dipping with various state jobs. As the Grand Junction Sentinel reports, things are not looking good for "The Walking Ethics Violation." As we've noted in this space before, this story will likely only get worse for Republicans connected to Colorado Mesa University.

► The Colorado Springs Independent takes a look at the bizarre story surrounding the attempted recall of Colorado Springs City Council Member Helen Colins. If it involves Colorado Springs, Doug Bruce is connected somehow (of course he is):

First, there was the still-unsolved mystery about where money came from to pay out-of-state petition circulators. Then, early last week, an anonymous tipster delivered the Independent documents showing that Collins and anti-tax activist Douglas Bruce engaged in a land deal that neither will explain. Then, later in the week, an ex-con emerged as Collins' only potential replacement on the ballot — only to be disqualified because he's still on parole.

► Speaking of Doug Bruce, he filed a campaign finance complaint that involves the wife of the Opinion Page Editor of the Colorado Springs Gazette.

► According to Politico, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is no longer a top-tier Republican Presidential candidate. Multiple news outlets are reporting that Christie is fading fast.

► Republican State Sen. Laura Waters Woods is widely considered the top target for Democrats as they look to take back control of the State Senate in 2016…but will the GOP get rid of her first?

OTHER LINKS YOU SHOULD CLICK

► Ernest Luning of the Colorado Statesman has the most detailed look yet at the campaign finance scandals surrounding the State Republican Party.

► Steve House is challenging incumbent Ryan Call to become the new Chair of the State Republican Party, and the fact that the Coffmans are splitting their support has become a hot topic among Republicans. Attorney General Cynthia Coffman is backing House, while her husband, Rep. Mike Coffman, is standing behind Call. It's almost like Cynthia and Mike don't really talk to each other.

►Lawmakers in the Colorado State House passed legislation to make cyber-bullying a misdemeanor crime.

► At least one national conservative group considers former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush "unelectable" as a Republican candidate for President.

ICYMI

► The Colorado Secretary of State's office will be shutting down many of its online services this weekend in order to implement a complete system upgrade. Everything should be back online by 8:00 am on Monday.

► Jefferson County School Board Member Julie Williams thinks that it should be okay to carry concealed weapons in public schools. The other four board members disagree.