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“The Goldwater Myth”

Recently I highlighted a quote (among several) from "moderate" Republican State Representative Mark Larson about his disgust with the party's social conservatives, claiming for himself the mantel of a "Goldwater Republican." Today there's an excellent Opinion Journal article by Andrew Busch, professor of government at Claremont McKenna College, documenting "The Goldwater Myth" that the Arizona Senator's 1964 Presidential campaign was more about libertarian small government principles than moral and cultural conservatism. It seems to be not an uncommon mistake to make this false characterization and therefore a must-read for those who otherwise conveniently and passively might have let recent American political history be rewritten for … [Read more...]

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Holtzman Camp Out Front on Voter Registrations

The Holtzman for Governor campaign once again shows it's working hard, announcing its status as the first campaign to be certified to conduct voter registration drives. “Our campaign is on track for victory in August and November," said GOP gubernatorial candidate Marc Holtzman. "And one of our key goals is to increase voter participation so more Coloradans will help select not only the Republican nominee in August, but also the state's governor next fall." Back in Holtzman's November meeting with members of the RMA, he stressed his plans to rebuild the party structure. The campaign is about much more than just the candidate's leadership, personality, and qualifications, though those are significant considerations, too. The … [Read more...]

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John Stossel Takes on Education

It's not often I advise readers to tune into a television program. Here's an exception: this Friday night at 10 PM Eastern (9 PM Denver local time) on ABC, John Stossel brings his free market instincts and no-nonsense approach to tackle the issue of education. I encourage you to watch "Stupid in America: How We Cheat Our Kids" (or set the VCR or TiVo if you've got big plans on Friday). … [Read more...]

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RMA to Meet with Gov. Owens Again

Tomorrow is Colorado Governor Bill Owens' eighth and final State of the State Address. The legislative session has once again kicked off under Denver's golden dome, and Owens is going to do what he can to set the agenda with a Democratic majority in the legislature. Mark Salley, Deputy Secretary for the Governor's Office, has invited members of the Rocky Mountain Alliance to sit down and chat with the Governor after his big speech tomorrow. A big thanks to Gov. Owens and to Mark for setting up this meeting for the second straight year. Please check back tomorrow for a report. … [Read more...]

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SD22 Candidate Files Complaint

Events in the Senate District 22 GOP intraparty contest to replace recently-resigned Senator Norma Anderson (see earlier posts here and here) just took another twist. Mike Kopp, one of the candidates who lost out to Kathleen "Kiki" Traylor in the Vacancy Committee's Saturday decision to replace Anderson (Barb Neville and Guy Heil were the others), has filed a formal complaint with the Secretary of State alleging the procedure was handled illegally. I obtained a copy of Kopp's press release, which is also reprinted in full at the Dead Governors' site: State Senate District 22 Candidate Mike Kopp notified the Secretary of State's office today that the vacancy committee for SD22 failed to meet its statutory requirements. According to … [Read more...]

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Senate Candidate Responds to “Power Brokers,” Traylor Appointment

Well, it's official - no surprises, really. As I indicated earlier, inside sources knew that Kathleen "Kiki" Traylor would win the vacancy committee's nod to replace resigning State Senator Norma Anderson in south Jefferson County's District 22. The response from my friend and favored SD 22 candidate Justin Everett shows strength, confidence, and savvy - and I've reprinted it here in full: The Power Brokers have hoodwinked average citizens like you and me once again. Our outgoing State Senator was a key architect and top campaigner for Referendum C. During this important upcoming legislative session, she has left citizens of our District and the State of Colorado in a lurch by resigning and leaving us with an untested successor. This … [Read more...]

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John Fund: Fiscal Discipline or Face the Consequences

Self-interested Congressional Republicans need to wake up to first principles and their own political future, and they need to heed the words of John Fund in today's Opinion Journal: It's fitting that Rep. Tom DeLay is returning to his seat on the Appropriations Committee now that he is gone for good as House majority leader. It was his years serving in that "favor factory" that gradually turned him into a purveyor of pork who last fall claimed there was no more budget fat to cut. His departure gives Republicans a chance to return to first principles. If they don't, they may face a political drubbing. Many Republicans have forgotten that as government grows, its increased power to grant favors or inflict pain attracts more people who … [Read more...]

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Pat Robertson

I can only speak for myself, but I stopped listening to Pat Robertson years ago. As for his recently stated opinions? Not only does he falsely presume to know the mind of God, his remark lacked all sense of balance, tact, or compassion. Perhaps the televangelist has a "divine" interpretation of Ariel Sharon's "significant improvement" following brain surgery? Consider this post a permanent record of dissociation from Robertson's bizarre and presumptuous public pronunciations - and best wishes for Ariel Sharon's recovery. May God's will be done in the lives of both men. I ditto Michael, Guy, and the Mile High Rev on this point. But ScrappleFace has the best take on the story... hands down. … [Read more...]