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Home Archives for blogging

2/7/2026 By Ben Leave a Comment

Right Online: Great Vegas Opportunity for Conservatives in New Media

Next weekend is the annual Right Online conference, sponsored by the Americans for Prosperity Foundation. Specifically, it will be held Friday and Saturday, July 23-24, in Las Vegas. This is a great opportunity for conservatives who want to learn how they can help neutralize the advantage the Left has accrued in new media and online tools. A lineup of great speakers is on tap -- including members of Congress Mike Pence and Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, John Fund, Judge Andrew Napolitano, and more. Registration is still open. I'm not able to make the trip (family reasons), which depending on your perspective might be all the more reason to go. But definitely give it a close look and find a great excuse to make a summertime visit to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: blogging, Cultural Conservatism, liberty, My Life, National Politics, PPC

2/7/2026 By Ben Leave a Comment

Of Mondays and Desperate Causes

On Saturday night I watched in dread as Magglio Ordonez slid into home plate, was tagged out... but never got up. Quickly confirmed to have a fractured ankle, he had to be aided off the field. The number three hitter in my Detroit Tigers lineup, swinging the bat well again after a forgettable 2009, gone for 6 to 8 weeks (2B Carlos Guillen landed on the 15-day disabled list after the same game). A mere matter of days before the non-waiver trade deadline. A season that on the cusp of the All-Star break looked like it could be promising... you can just about write it off now. A month ago relief pitching sensation Joel Zumaya broke his arm and finished his season while pitching against Minnesota. Less than a week ago third baseman Brandon … [Read more...]

Filed Under: blogging, Christianity and Faith, clean government, Colorado Politics, My Life, National Politics, Sports and Leisure

2/7/2026 By Ben Leave a Comment

Launching the New-Look May Survey of Colorado’s Political Temperature

Update II, 1:50 PM: A technical error in survey production resulted in accidentally omitting new gubernatorial candidate Joe Gschwendtner's name as a possible selection for Q13 & Q14. I am pleased to report the issue has been fixed. If you want to vote for this candidate, you can go back in and re-take the quiz if necessary. The survey will capture only your latest answers: you still get only one vote. Apologies for the screw-up. Everything is back on track. We are working to remedy the results display issue, but for now everything about the survey itself is in proper working order. Update, High Noon: After a series of technical glitches this morning with the way the results were being displayed, the results page is down for the time … [Read more...]

Filed Under: blogging, clean government, Colorado Politics, liberty, National Politics, PPC

2/7/2026 By Ben Leave a Comment

May Survey of Colorado’s Political Temperature: Same Winners Emerge

For those who are interested, the results of the May survey of Colorado's political temperature are posted on Facebook. For a variety of reasons, including the transition to a new setting, participation in the survey is down significantly -- leaving perhaps the most dedicated and passionate 117 conservative Colorado political Facebookers (half of whom say they plan to attend Saturday's state GOP Assembly as either delegates or alternates) to chime in. A few highlights for your consumption: Ken Buck is a runaway winner in the U.S. Senate primary Dan Maes pulls in 50 percent, Scott McInnis about 30 percent and newcomer Joe Gschwendtner picks up a few votes Ryan Frazier, Cory Gardner and Scott Tipton remain clear frontrunners in their … [Read more...]

Filed Under: blogging, clean government, Colorado Politics, liberty, National Politics, PPC

2/7/2026 By Ben Leave a Comment

Don’t Delay: Register for July 9-11 Western Conservative Summit

The Rocky Mountain Alliance of Blogs (of which I am a member) and People's Press Collective (to which I am a contributor) -- not to mention the Independence Institute where I work -- are all among many co-sponsors of the upcoming First Annual Western Conservative Summit on July 9 to 11 in the south metro Denver area. Put this one on your calendars. There is a fantastic and diverse collection of speakers slated to come, including: … [Read more...]

Filed Under: blogging, Christianity and Faith, clean government, Cultural Conservatism, liberty, My Life, National Politics, PPC

2/7/2026 By Ben Leave a Comment

Redesigned April Survey of Colorado’s Political Temperature Coming Soon

For the two or three of you who might be wondering, a quick update on the Survey of Colorado's Political Temperature. Yes, the original plan was to launch the April edition today. But I and others have been busy, and -- more importantly -- the survey is undergoing a formal re-design to make it sleeker, quicker and easier to take, and more accessible to a wider audience, while retaining its basic substance. Look for the survey to be available all next week in a brand new venue. Thanks for your interest in Colorado politics. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: blogging, Colorado Politics, liberty, My Life, National Politics, PPC

2/7/2026 By Ben 1 Comment

On Eve of Caucus, Here’s March Survey of Colorado’s Political Temperature

This post will stick to the top until March 12. Please scroll down for newer postings. Update, 3/8: With the news that CD 7 candidate Jimmy Lakey has withdrawn from the race (H/T Complete Colorado), his name has been removed as a possible selection on the relevant questions. I hope it wasn't anything I said giving my off-the-cuff analysis of the CD 7 GOP primary last night as guest co-host on Backbone Radio. Time flies, so here comes another edition of the Survey of Colorado’s Political Temperature. The deadline is next Friday, March 12, at 5:00 PM local Mountain time. What are you waiting for? Click here to take the March survey The March edition has even fewer issue statements, but adds attention to the 2nd Congressional race, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: blogging, Colorado Politics, liberty, National Politics, PPC

2/7/2026 By Ben 1 Comment

March Pre-Caucus Survey Winners: Ken Buck, Dan Maes, Citizen Action

On the eve of Colorado Republican caucus gatherings, which this year include a preference poll of statewide candidates (governor, U.S. Senate), here's a possible glimpse ahead with the release of our March survey results from the Survey of Colorado's Political Temperature. Major headlines: Ken Buck Wins Majority of Votes, Widens Lead Over U.S. Senate Field 50 Percent Support Dan Maes, 50 Percent See Scott McInnis as Stronger Participants Still Suggest Bigger Numbers for Caucus Participation Other bits from the survey: Survey-Takers Predict 5-Point Victory for Clear the Bench Underdogs Make Up Small Ground on CD7's Ryan Frazier, CD3's Scott Tipton Cory Gardner Still Strong in CD4, Stephen Bailey Tops in CD2 J.J. Ament Holds … [Read more...]

Filed Under: blogging, clean government, Colorado Politics, liberty, National Politics, PPC

2/7/2026 By Ben Leave a Comment

February Survey of Colorado’s Political Temperature: Results Unveiled

Thank you to the more than 400 people who participated in the February 2010 Survey of Colorado's Political Temperature. A snapshot of the results in headlines: U.S. Senate: Ken Buck Still On Top, Norton and Tidwell Gaining Governor: Dan Maes Widens Support Edge Over Scott McInnis 3rd Congressional: Scott Tipton Tops Bob McConnell Twice 4th Congressional: Cory Gardner Still Stands Above the Field 7th Congressional: Ryan Frazier Remains without Rival State Treasurer: Ament's Lead Grows, Hasan Takes Over 2nd Interest in GOP Caucus Participation Suggests Bigger Numbers for 2010 The complete release of the survey results is posted below the fold (click "Fullscreen" for better view): … [Read more...]

Filed Under: blogging, clean government, Colorado Politics, liberty, National Politics, PPC

2/7/2026 By Ben Leave a Comment

February Survey: Time to Help Us Take Colorado’s Political Temperature

This post will stick to the top until February 12. Please scroll down for newer postings. Time flies, so here comes another edition of the Survey of Colorado’s Political Temperature. The deadline is next Friday, February 12, at 5:00 PM local Mountain time. What are you waiting for? Click here to take the February survey The February edition has even fewer issue statements, but introduces some interesting new items: Polling questions and head-to-head matchup on the 3rd Congressional race to challenge Rep. John Salazar Questions about your plans to participate in the upcoming caucus and assembly process Detailed question about your sources of local political news and information Throughout the 2010 election year, the Survey … [Read more...]

Filed Under: blogging, Colorado Politics, liberty, My Life, National Politics, PPC

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Inside

  • About Ben
  • Archives
  • Colorado Ballot Reviews
    • Colorado Ballot 2008
    • Colorado Ballot 2010
    • Colorado Ballot 2012
    • Colorado Ballot 2014
  • Mary and Jacob: From the Forgotten Dust
  • Mount Virtus?
  • Passion and Purpose:
    The Rise & Fall of Al Gansee
  • The Westfield Gardener
  • What I’m Thankful For
  • Writer / Editor For Hire

About Me

Ben DeGrow
Grateful and growing Christian, devoted husband and father of 3, public policy analyst, returned to Michigan by way of Colorado, conservative writer, lifelong learner, Detroit Tigers fan.

Recent Posts

  • AI-Enhanced Cyberbullying: The Dark Side of Teen Innovation
  • My Baker’s Dozen of Top 2023 Reads
  • Common Learning Disabilities in Children
  • Tips to Teach Kids to Set and Achieve Goals
  • The Christmas Music Countdown You’ve Been Looking For: 2022 Edition

Colorado News

  • Colorado Senate News
  • Complete Colorado
  • Independence Institute
  • Loveland Politics
  • The Colorado Observer

National News and Politics

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  • National Review
  • Politico
  • Real Clear Politics
  • Reason
  • The Washington Times
  • TownHall
  • Wall Street Journal
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Blogs Extraordinaire

  • American Thinker
  • David Harsanyi’s Blog
  • E!! The True Conservative Story
  • EIA Intercepts
  • Evangelical Outpost
  • Hugh Hewitt
  • Instapundit
  • LaShawn Barber
  • Lileks
  • Little Green Footballs
  • Michelle Malkin
  • NRO's The Corner
  • Power Line
  • Red State

Completing the Blogroll

  • Alarming News
  • Black Five
  • Blogs of War
  • Eduwonk
  • Flypaper
  • Fraters Libertas
  • Historical Conversations
  • IMAO
  • Jay P. Greene
  • Mike Anderson
  • Mullings
  • Professor Bainbridge
  • Right Thinking
  • Right Wing News
  • Right Wing Nuthouse
  • Shot in the Dark
  • Talking Points Memo
  • Virginia Postrel
  • Volokh Conspiracy

Christian Commentary et al.

  • Kevin Pierpont
  • Sharper Iron

Conservative and GOP Sites

  • Backbone America
  • Cal Thomas
  • Colorado Republican Party
  • Colorado Republican Study Committee
  • Dennis Prager
  • Denver Metro Young Republicans
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  • Heritage Foundation
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  • Mackinac Center for Public Policy
  • Mark Steyn
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  • Rush Limbaugh

Colorado Blogs

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  • Rossputin
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  • The Spot (Denver Post)
  • We Stand Firm

Other Sites

  • Technorati
  • Word Press

Rocky Mountain Alliance 2.0

  • Reclaim the Blue
  • The Business Word
  • The Daily Blogster
  • View from a Height

To Contact Me:
bendegrow-at-gmail.com

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