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Search Results for: civil unions

What 5 bills would you introduce?

Posted on by DavidThi808

Ok, with session about to start, if you were in the House what 5 bills would you introduce? I’ll start it off with my 5:

  1. Civil Unions
  2. Call for a constitutional convention. That will work as well as any of the other convoluted suggestions. And it will be quicker.
  3. Effective campaign finance reform. Either public financing or unlimited with full disclosure. Including Congressional elections in the state.
  4. Create a legislative research group who’s job is to measure the effectiveness and ROI of legislation, departments, etc.
  5. Invest in local start-ups. More jobs, better jobs, and the state turns a profit. What’s not to like?

Radio show illuminates, that, for GOP, the road to diversity is rough

Posted on by Jason Salzman

On KLZ’s Grassroots Radio Colorado , State Representatives Chris Holbert and newly elected Justin Everett said they and their allies have no interest in compromising on civil unions during the upcoming legislative session.

A caller asked the two GOP lawmakers, who was guest-hosting for regulars Jason Worley and Ken Clark, if the new Republicans at the state Capitol would fight harder against civil unions.

“I think that you’ll find that this incoming class is fairly well aligned against that,” replied Holbert. “However…we are in the minority, and I think that you’ll see the majority party move very quickly to pass that type of legislation.”

Holbert’s answer is no surprise, because most new Republican lawmakers, like them, are from safe Republican areas, which wouldn’t be expected to produce moderates.

The incoming Republicans aren’t as old as the people they replaced, Holbert pointed out on air, but they’re mostly ideologically similar.

And here’s the ironic part: the next day on the same radio show, representatives of the Rocky Mountain Black Conservatives and the Libre Initiative spent two hours  talking about how important it is for the GOP in Colorado to diversify.

The good folks on Grassroots Radio should ask themselves how they can possibly diversify the Republican Party if their leaders won’t budge on something like civil unions.

Denial: It’s More Than a River in Africa, Frank McNulty

Posted on by Colorado Pols

Former Speaker of the Colorado House Frank McNulty, as you know, did not even attempt a run for House leadership in caucus elections held a little over a week ago. The reason is pretty simple: McNulty presided over a disastrous and sweeping loss of the GOP’s House majority, ensuring through his ham-fisted bungling of reapportionment, and his thuggish mishandling of civil unions legislation that enjoyed majority support, a shriveled GOP minority with greatly diminished hope of recapturing a majority for years to come.

But as the Highlands Ranch Herald reported last week, there’s a different story McNulty tells himself–presumably out of denial, because we don’t know anybody who would buy it.

McNulty, who has served in the state House since 2006, was elected as speaker in 2010. And despite easily defeating Democratic challenger Gary Semro 63-37 in the election, the decision was made afterward that the Highlands Ranch incumbent would not seek a leadership role within his party this time around.

McNulty said that “maintaining and growing a majority is a much different proposition” than maintaining continuous leadership, and he pointed to the fact that he is term-limited as one reason he chose not run for the role of minority leader in 2013. Mark Waller of Colorado Springs, one of 10 Republicans who were elected without Democratic opposition, will fill that role…

“Regardless of the agenda that the Democrats push, our goal will be to work in a strong bipartisan manner,” McNulty said. “The people of Colorado don’t like gridlock, they are tired of gridlock and over the past two years we showed that we don’t have to have gridlock and that Republicans and Democrats can work together. Hopefully that will continue now even that the Democrats have the majority.” [Pols emphasis]

Got that, folks? “Maintaining and growing a majority” is more important than having the same leadership! So naturally, McNulty didn’t see the need to stick around.

Now is not the time to point out that McNulty neither maintained nor grew his majority.

Because, you see, Republicans will “work in a strong bipartisan manner.” Because “the people of Colorado don’t like gridlock” and “over the past two years we showed that we don’t have to have gridlock!” Hopefully this Golden Age won’t end now that the Democrats are back in charge.

As long as you don’t let reality intrude on this wholly fictional version of history, it sounds really great for Republicans. No need for introspection, or to change strategy or message. In fact, reading Frank McNulty’s recap, you might not realize that Republicans lost at all!

Alternatively, we understand modern psychiatry has a pill for this condition.

Denver reporters say 2012 presidential race drowned out coverage of local races

Posted on by Jason Salzman

During a panel discussion today on local coverage of the 2012 election, journalists said the presidential election, as it played out in Colorado, consumed so much of their time that they were unable to give proper attention to other important Colorado races, including congressional campaigns.

“The presidential just drowns out everything else,” said CBS4 Political Specialist Shaun Boyd. “I did cover the local stuff, but it’s hard to do that when you’ve got so much going on with the presidential race, and that’s what so many people are focused on.”

“TV is broadcasting, and the word ‘broad’ is real, ” added Fox 31 Political Reporter Eli Stokols. “If we think about what people are most interested in, it’s what they’re already hearing about, the presidential stuff. It’s hard for us to cover congressional races in much detail.

Colorado Public Radio reporter Megan Verlee told the audience of about 30 people at the Independence Institute that her station tries to explain why other races matter.

“If you’re covering the CD-7 race, most of your listeners aren’t in CD-7 , they’re wondering, ‘Why do I care about Coors and Perlmutter?'” Verlee said. “And then if you’re covering a State House race, the vast, vast majority of your listeners are not in that area. We were running stories reminding people why it matters who controls the Legislature next time. So if you’re uncomfortable with legal recognition for gay unions, and you’re Republican, you might want to get out and help your candidate. If you want civil unions, and you’re a Democrat, you might want to go out and help your candidate. There were things we could say–‘This is why you need to pay attention to your local races.’ And we actually interviewed Ernest Luning from the Statesman who was doing really great coverage of the State House races and we linked to his website.”

Winners and Losers of 2012: Losers

Posted on by Colorado Pols

After a few days of reflection, here is our list of losers from the 2012 election cycle in Colorado. Find our list of winners here.

1. Mitt Romney and Colorado Advisors

Mitt Romney’s campaign efforts in Colorado never made much sense to us. Romney spent far too long early in the campaign visiting traditionally beet-red, but more importantly under-populated areas of the state, allowing the battle for suburban votes to shift toward President Barack Obama. Some 85% of Colorado voters live along the Front Range between Ft. Collins and Pueblo, which we would think is fairly common knowledge at this point. At one point at the end of the summer, Romney had gone more than 30 days between visits to our state.

Later, Romney made a disastrous mistake by declaring himself opposed to the wind power production tax credit, which is tied to thousands of manufacturing jobs in Colorado–even though almost all Republicans in the state supported it. By the time Romney began to “Etch-a-Sketch” himself into a moderate candidate for the general election, he had already radicalized himself in the eyes of too many Colorado voters. Once that was done, his attempts to walk back from the hard-right positions he took in the primary looked disingenuous and fed distrust.

But above all, Republican supporters of Romney in Colorado disastrously internalized their own spin, and convinced themselves that polls showing Obama steadily regaining, then holding his lead in Colorado from mid-October onward were “skewed.” This false sense of security, combined with the Obama campaign’s world-beating field campaign, yanked the rug out from under Romney’s feet in a state that consistently ranked as one of the most competitive.

2. Frank McNulty

Outgoing Colorado House Speaker Frank McNulty will go down in history as one of the most divisive, Machiavellian, and ultimately self-destructive leaders in the history of the state. Taking a one-seat majority in 2010 by the barest of electoral margins, McNulty acted as if this was a mandate for the “Tea Party.” Abusing and manipulating legislative rules to an extent nobody we know can remember a match for, McNulty ruthlessly carried out a partisan, obstructionist game plan in the House against the Democratic Senate and Governor’s office.

But McNulty’s arrogance was his own undoing. McNulty lost control of the legislative reapportionment process through his own bad faith, resulting in maps that dramatically reduced the number of “safe” seats for either party. Then McNulty turned the 2012 legislative session into a nationwide controversy when he shut down debate just before civil unions legislation would have passed his chamber with bipartisan support.

As a result, outside money poured into key legislative races, and Democrats used the story of the shutdown of the legislature against Republican House candidates all over the state. Today, not even a candidate for GOP House minority leadership, the implosion of Frank McNulty’s political career is pretty much complete.

Fight Back Colorado: “We Don’t Need Robert Ramirez”

Posted on by Colorado Pols

The pro-civil unions group Fight Back Colorado first entered the HD-29 race with a piercing mailer portraying State Rep. Robert Ramirez as too extreme for the Colorado House. Now, with three weeks left until election day, its taken the same messaging to television.

The strategy motivating this commercial is clear. Although Fight Back Colorado is committed to defeating “the state legislators who killed the civil unions bill in Colorado” neither this ad nor the previous mailer make any reference to civil unions.

That may appear odd on its face, especially considering that a majority of Coloradans favor civil unions legislation, but it’s hard to distill the complexities of marriage equality in 30 seconds. And, unlike attacking Ramirez on, say, abortion, there’s no guarantee that the civil unions issue will motivate the base to turnout and vote against him.

The truth of the matter is that there’s a whole host of issues over which Ramirez can be defeated. Civil unions may indeed be on the list, but it’s not as salient an attack as the standard fare social issues.

No matter the framing, however, consistent and repeated attacks on Ramirez and his political profile do nothing but benefit Democratic challenger Tracy Kraft-Tharp. She’s run such a robust campaign hitherto that Ramirez’s mistakes and outside spending only serve to seal the deal.

Fight Back Colorado’s First Target? State Rep. Robert Ramirez.

Posted on by Colorado Pols

Fight Back Colorado, the political action committee organized in response to Republican blockage of civil unions legislation in the State House earlier this year, has now officially jumped into the general election fray, setting its sights on State Rep. Robert Ramirez with the release of a new targeted mailer.

From Westword:


Fight Back Colorado, a group devoted to defeating anti-civil union lawmakers, has announced its first target: Representative Robert Ramirez, a Westminster Republican who narrowly won his race two years ago and who Fight Back Colorado says flip-flopped on civil unions. The group has sent mailers to voters in Jefferson County that depict Ramirez as a bomber pilot and say he’s “taking Jeffco the wrong way!”

“He didn’t vote on civil unions, but he committed to support civil unions and then, when the time came, he basically turned his back on the community,” says Roger Sherman, treasurer and spokesman for Fight Back Colorado, which was formed after legislators defeated civil unions. “We had counted on him, and a legislator ought to be held accountable for his word. When he flip-flopped, he became a target.”

Ramirez says he supports rights for same-sex couples, but doesn’t believe in same-sex marriage. “I told them I supported civil unions, but I don’t support the bill they brought through last time,” he says. “The bill they brought through last time was marriage.”

In many ways, Ramirez is a symbolically perfect candidate for the group to attack. The Republican originally pledged to support this year’s civil unions legislation before attending a traditional marriage rally on the steps of the Capitol the day after his party’s leadership killed the bill. By launching its opening salvo at Ramirez, Fight Back Colorado is sending the message that nobody who opposed civil unions is safe, least of all the guy who lacks even the backbone to stand by his beliefs.

Attacking Ramirez makes perfect sense from an ideological perspective. More importantly, however, it’s also sound strategy. Republicans were able to block a floor vote on civil unions because they maintain a one-seat majority in the House — a majority Ramirez secured in 2010 when he beat incumbent Democrat Debbie Benefield by fewer than 200 votes.

As one of the weakest incumbent House Republicans in the state right now, the path towards enacting civil unions inevitably runs through HD-29. Democrats and their liberal infrastructure groups simply cannot take back the House and pass civil unions legislation without winning against Ramirez. It’s a critical pick-up, necessary to pad against losses caused elsewhere by redistricting.

Although Ramirez’s dynamo Democratic challenger Tracy Kraft-Tharp could probably win the race without any outside help, these late-game independent expenditure attacks make her job that much easier as election day approaches.

In fact, Ramirez has been so flaky a legislator and incapable a campaigner that all Kraft-Tharp has to do at this point is not be him.

Dave Misner, Partner of State Senator Pat Steadman, Dead at 48

Posted on by Colorado Pols

Dave Misner, the longtime partner of State Senator Pat Steadman, died this morning after a four-month long battle against pancreatic cancer.

From Steadman:

It is my sad duty to report that Dave Misner died this morning peacefully at home. His disease and suffering have ended. He fought the cancer as much as he could, but it wasn’t really a fair fight. Pancreatic cancer is a horrible monster, and Dave showed up armed with only his gentle spirit and beautiful smile, and some doctors and a lot of nurses. He was sorely outmatched. We mourn this loss but remember a loving father and caring man. He was loved by many, many people and he will be greatly missed.

Charismatic, affable, and well-liked, Misner was a favorite fixture of Denver political events. During this year’s fight over Steadman’s civil unions bill, Misner spent hours at the capitol, supporting both his partner and the legislation.

Doubtless Steadman’s tenacity in pushing for civil unions year after year spawned in no small part from his relationship with Misner. Indeed, their partnership always idealized why the state should allow civil unions: there’s no reason why a deeply-committed, deeply-in-love same sex couple shouldn’t enjoy the same legal rights as heterosexual Coloradans. It’s tragic that Misner won’t see Steadman’s work codified into law, but there’s no question that civil unions is on track for passage in an upcoming session.

That’s, perhaps, the greatest memorial Misner could have.

More coverage at Colorado Pols.  

Denver Line Updated: New Opponent for Pat Steadman

Posted on by Colorado Pols

We’ve updated the Denver Line to the left to include the SD-31 race between incumbent State Senator Pat Steadman and GOP opponent Michael Carr.  

Steadman originally faced a nominal challenge from Republican Brandon Kelley. Kelley withdrew his candidacy in June, leaving Denver Republicans with an empty spot on the ballot. Late last month, however, a Republican vacancy committee convened and appointed recent Colorado transplant Michael Carr as its party’s candidate for the seat.

Carr — like Steadman — is gay, and earlier this year led the ultimately unsuccessful fight to incorporate support for the Colorado Civil Unions act as an official plank of the Denver Republican Party. Although the first-time candidate stands no chance of defeating one of the state’s highest-profile and hardest-working state senators, the fact that both the Democratic and Republican candidates are LGBT activists is novel, at the very least.

From OutFront Colorado:

A Colorado Republican vacancy committee is scheduled Saturday to interview – and is expected to appoint – a Denver gay man in order to fill an empty position on the November ballot.

“This is not a district that is considered Republican friendly,” said Alexander Hornaday, an attorney consulting Carr on election law and finances. “But even if Michael doesn’t win, I’m excited to show my fellow Republicans that you can be a good Republican, a loyal Republican and a gay Republican.”

Denver GOP Chairwoman Wendy Warner said she isn’t concerned with Carr’s sexual orientation.

“Mr. Carr’s sexual orientation is not our focus,” she said. “Our focus needs to be on economic issues. Some big decisions have to be made next year and we need strong, prudent and fiscal conservatives in the state legislature.”

Warner said in her three decades of politics she’s seen Republicans win Denver seats and she thinks with the right ground game it can happen again.

“It’s not impossible,” she said. “It’s a good year for Republicans.”

“I’m anxious to have candidates that are ready to run,” she continued. “It takes a lot of effort to be a Republican in Denver. It will take a lot of hard work, but I’ve heard Mr. Carr might be that type of person.”

Carr may indeed be “that type of person,” but it won’t matter. Steadman has been an incredibly responsive legislator — he’s as popular in his district as he is notable across the state. And while Carr’s support of marriage equality could help him come across as a moderate in the left-leaning Denver district, it patently does not help him earn votes in his race against one of Colorado’s most tenacious LGBT advocates.

Moreover, the Republican candidate at the the top of the ticket is an outspoken opponent of both gay marriage and civil unions. Not only can’t Carr win in his race against Steadman, then, he may also struggle in turning out votes for Mitt Romney.

Then again, given that 3/4 of Coloradans support either gay marriage or civil unions, perhaps Carr will be instrumental in reminding members of his own party that not all Republicans are socially-conservative reactionaries.  

Guzman, Steadman, Ferrandino: Grand Marshals at PrideFest this Weekend

Posted on by Colorado Pols

Denver’s annual PrideFest is set to kick off tomorrow, with Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli fame headlining Saturday’s festivities at Civic Center Park — or at least doing an admirable job of pretending to headline, as it were.

The 80s lip-syncing pop star aside, however, this year’s PrideFest promises to be even more politically charged than usual in the wake of the contentious civil unions battle at the State Capitol last month.

While Democrats have long participated in the PrideFest parade, they’ll likely receive the warmest reception to date because of their forceful and repeated attempts to pass civil unions legislation in the face of House Speaker Frank McNulty’s machinations.

It’s fitting, then, that the Senate and House sponsors of the civil unions bil — Denver Democrats Pat Steadman and Mark Ferrandino, respectively — will be the parade’s grand marshals this year, joined by the legislature’s two other openly gay lawmakers: Denver Senator Lucia Guzman and Wheat Ridge Representative Sue Schafer.

While Steadman and company would’ve no doubt preferred this to be the first PrideFest following Colorado’s adoption of a civil unions law, this may very well be the last celebration without one: the speaker’s boneheaded impetuousness has all but assured that Democrats will have the majority they need to pass the bill next session.

Perhaps, then, it would’ve been more fitting for McNulty to be grand marshal.

Lakewood Delegation Town Hall Meeting Tomorrow

Posted on by Colorado Pols

In what may be one of the last legislative outreach events for State Senator Betty Boyd — and the last for either Rep. Andy Kerr or Rep. Ken Summers — the Lakewood legislative delegation will be hosting a “post-legislative session wrap up” town hall tomorrow, the first since last month’s meeting which presaged the contentious civil unions debate.  

From the Colorado House Democrats:

MEDIA ADVISORY

Saturday, June 2; 9:30 a.m.

Town Hall Meeting with Rep. Max Tyler, Rep. Andy Kerr, Rep. Ken Summers, Sen. Betty Boyd, & Sen. Cheri Jahn

WHAT:

Join the Lakewood legislative delegation for a town hall meeting next Saturday and a post-legislative session wrap-up.

WHO:

Rep. Max Tyler (D-Lakewood)

Rep. Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood)

Rep. Ken Summers (R-Lakewood)

Sen. Betty Boyd (D-Lakewood)

Sen. Cheri Jahn (D-Wheat Ridge)

WHERE:

Lakewood Cultural Center (map)

470 S. Allison Parkway

Lakewood, CO 80226

WHEN: Saturday, June 2, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Given the volatile close of the regular session this year — and the special session which followed as a result — the lawmakers at tomorrow’s town hall might have a few choice words for members of House leadership.

Well, except for Ken Summers. It’s almost as if the lone Republican is entering the lion’s den.

Have a political or community event coming up? E-mail us: info(at)jeffcopols.com

Szabo Banks $42,530; Allport Still in the Hunt

Posted on by Colorado Pols

We’ve previously written that the viability of Democrat Tim Allport’s campaign against Republican Representative Libby Szabo hinges on Allport’s fundraising numbers. The GOP hold an 8% lead in voter registration within the district, so Allport needed to outraise — or at least come close to — the incumbent Szabo.

Szabo had an average period, adding $11,000 to her massive $34,500 war chest. Spending nearly $3,000, Szabo’s left with about $42,530 on hand.

While it would’ve been impossible for Allport to narrow such a colossal fundraising gap, the labor activist posted a respectable $9,400, adding to the $3,500 he previously held. He spent about $4,300 of that, leaving him with just under $8,700 on hand.

Szabo holds an incredible fundraising advantage, there’s no question. HD-27 is a difficult seat for any Democrat to win, and while Allport hasn’t yet proven that he can raise enough money to do it, he has shown that he’s a credible candidate — noteworthy for any Democrat faced with such a steep uphill battle. That Allport came within $1,600 of Szabo’s numbers shows that he’s connected and charismatic enough to elude being labeled a “sacrificial lamb.” Allport’s legitimacy as a candidate is self-perpetuating; proving that he can raise money will bring more money in.

More importantly, it may also draw outside attention (and money) into the race. Given Szabo’s predilection for religious zealotry and loyal opposition to this year’s civil unions effort at the Capitol, she makes a pretty target for wealthy LGBT donors who have already promised to do whatever it takes to give Democrats the speaker’s gavel. Because Allport has proven his electoral credibility, the path to a Democratic majority for these outside groups might go straight through HD-27 — if only because of the sheer symbolic weight of a Szabo defeat.  

Deeply Personal Narrative Behind Hancock’s SB-2 Support

Posted on by Colorado Pols

We wrote a few weeks ago about the political implications of Denver Mayor Michael Hancock’s unconditional support of State Senator Pat Steadman’s civil unions bill, SB-2.

Above the underlying political calculus, however, is a very poignant personal anecodte.

From HuffPo Denver:

As Colorado legislators debate the outcome of a civil unions bill, for many it may be easy to lose sight of the population it most affects (clearly excepting the legislature’s four openly gay members, one of whom sponsored the bill). For Denver’s Mayor Michael Hancock, the issue hits far closer to home.

Hancock grew up in northeast Denver with nine other brothers and sisters. One of his siblings, Robert, was gay. And at a recent LGBT meet and greet, he shared a very personal story: Robert died of AIDS in 1996.

In a video posted on Out Front Colorado, Hancock says, “I remember very clearly standing next to him… while he lay in the bed at the hospital, and talking to him. And my brother told me a couple things that I will never forget. One is, he says, Gay people are human … Treat me as a human being. And then he looked at me and he said, ‘Michael I know that you’re going to stay involved in politics. Do everything you can to continue to fight so that poor people don’t have to die of this disease, because they don’t have to’ … And two, he says, is never ever stop fighting. For us.”

The Mayor then explained in a stirring speech that even though his brother’s partner loved him, he was unable to make decisions on his behalf. “I couldn’t have loved my brother more than his partner did,” said Hancock. “And I’ll tell you something: that was my biological brother who I loved with my very being, but I could not have loved him more than that guy in the corner… and I thought it was a damn shame that he couldn’t make decisions on his behalf.”

Hancock concluded with a statement of support for Colorado passing a civil unions bill this session. “We are way overdue,” he said. “Government should not legislate who you love and who you commit your life to. And as my brother taught me, love does not recognize gender, race, or ethnicity. We can do better than that as a people.”

Denver’s first openly gay council member, Robin Kniech, told the Denver Post she appreciated the vulnerability of Hancock’s speech.

Part of what carried Michael Hancock to the Mayor’s office was his unique ability to pair his devotion to public service with an uplifting personal narrative. His recent comments on civil unions continue that tradition.

There’s a very pressing lesson behind all of this: it’s difficult to separate a lawmaker from the office that they hold. But politicians are people too. Behind most legislative decisions are stories not dissimilar to Hancock’s, stories that are sometimes lost in political chatter. Those stories matter, and in cases like Hancock’s, they often lead to public policy with personal purpose.

Some would argue that’s the very best kind.  

Hancock Lends Support to SB-2

Posted on 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.  

Colorado Going Back To The Future on Marriage Equality

Posted on by Colorado Pols

On Sunday, the Colorado House passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 24-003, referring a statewide constitutional amendment to voters this November to repeal the state’s constitutional prohibition on same-sex marriage–a provision that hasn’t been enforced since the U.S. Supreme Court’s Obergefell v. Hodges decision making marriage equality the law of the land, but would suddenly become a […]

“Democrats Are Anti-Christian,” Says Colorado Republican Lawmaker

Posted on by Jason Salzman

(Promoted by Colorado Pols) A Colorado Springs Republican lawmaker is standing behind his radio comment that his House Democratic colleagues are “anti-Christian,” saying they attack “family values.” State Rep. Dave Williams (R-CO Springs) made the comment on conservative KNUS radio Feb. 15 during a discussion about a legislative hearing. Williams, who’s the El Paso County […]

Republicans Who Don’t Like Anti-LGBT Bills: Whatcha Gonna Do?

Posted on by Colorado Pols

As Jesse Paul at the Colorado Sun reports, at least some Republican state lawmakers in the General Assembly are…uncomfortable, we guess you could say, with a slate of starkly anti-LGBT bills set to be debated and killed in the Colorado House State Affairs Committee later today after the usual several hours of lurid testimony: None […]

Williams’ Appointment as Trump Liaison Could Fire Up Already-Flaming GOP Chaos in El Paso County, Critics Say

Posted on by Jason Salzman

(Promoted by Colorado Pols) In what some are calling yet another utterly-dysfunctional move by the El Paso County Republican Party, which is already in chaos, an outspoken right-wing state legislator was selected last week to serve as a liaison between the Trump Campaign and Republicans in El Paso County, which has the most GOP voters […]

Recallpalooza: Inside a Growing Red-on-Red Turf War

Posted on by Colorado Pols

Making sense of the competing interests within the Republican coalition, and the relationships between those interests as they relate to recall campaigns now being organized, isn’t easy. That’s been a deliberate objective after extremely negative press about the early organizers of both the Galindo recall and the longshot campaign to recall Gov. Jared Polis threw […]

Colorado Senate GOP: If You Want Stuff Done, Vote Democratic

Posted on by Colorado Pols

Today in the Denver Post from reporter Anna Staver, we have Colorado Senate Republicans, who make up the only nexus of majority power for the GOP in the state’s government since retaking the chamber by a single seat in 2014, making the case for continued majority control. At least, that’s what they think they’re doing. […]

Wait, Frank McNulty is in Charge of an Ethics Group?

Posted on by Colorado Pols

Imagine, if you can, Donald Trump leading a Girl Scout Troop. Or Cory Gardner coaching the high jump. Or Kanye West serving as Secretary-General of the United Nations. If you think these scenarios might make smoke come out of your ears, then we’ve got something that will really bake your noodle: Republican Frank McNulty is the Executive Director of a […]

When Sen. Randy Baumgardner Harbored a Sex Offender

Posted on by Colorado Pols

Back in 2012, FOX 31’s Eli Stokols wrote a bombshell story about Sen. Randy Baumgardner-harboring an unregistered sex offender on his ranch–a story that takes on a new and unsavory pallor in light of dogpiling sexual harassment allegations: FOX 31 Denver has confirmed that Baumgardner, R-Hot Sulphur Springs, is currently harboring an unregistered sex offender […]

Kevin Lundberg: Making Colorado Hate Again

Posted on by Colorado Pols

As the Colorado Independent’s John Herrick reports, yesterday Republicans on the Colorado General Assembly’s powerful Joint Budget Committee took a swipe at the Colorado Civil Rights Commission–the state agency charged with defending Coloradans of all stripes from discrimination in housing, public accommodation, and the workplace: Republican state lawmakers are effectively shutting down a state agency […]

CD-2 GOP Primary: Nikkel vs. Lundberg?

Posted on by Colorado Pols

With Rep. Jared Polis now running for governor of Colorado instead of re-election to his CD-2 seat, Republicans can be reasonably expected to mount a more vigorous challenge in 2018 than they might have otherwise. In 2014 and 2016, Rep. Polis faced two Republican challenges who could best be described as “minor candidates,” and defeated […]

State Sen. Jesse Ulibarri Will Not Seek Second Term

Posted on by IndyNinja

(Promoted by Colorado Pols) POLS UPDATE: Statement from leading LGBT advocate group One Colorado: “Senator Ulibarrí has been a strong champion for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Coloradans and their families during his time in the State Senate. Particularly, his leadership on the Birth Certificate Modernization Act – a bill that will make it less […]

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