All evidence to the contrary, Colorado's Democrat "wine-and-cheese" crowd think they have not only the more fashionable but also the more popular positions on all the so-called social issues. When Republicans make a proposal to allow school districts to teach intelligent design, a collective tsk, tsk arises from the elite quarter. We're reminded of Democrat Speaker Andrew Romanoff's poignant quote from the 2005 legislative session about budgets vs. bestiality, and the sound of snickers can be heard between sips of Merlot. But when Democrats announce a proposal to give marriage benefits to homosexuals, the "wine-and-cheese" crowd fawns in awestruck delight. "Forget the budget, and accountability to the taxpayer, now THIS is a winning … [Read more...]

We know Colorado's Democrats have been straining to find a gubernatorial candidate. With each passing week of press and fundraising for former Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter, it gets a little harder for a primary opponent to nudge into the race. Like a row of performers at the end of a play, most all of the Democrats' big hopes to run have bowed out: Ken Salazar, John Hickenlooper, Mark Udall, Joan Fitz-Gerald. Ritter has posed a problem for his party's base with his open admission of his personal pro-life stance. Well, you know the prospects for another viable Democrat candidate must be fading into the twilight when you read an opinion piece like this in today's Denver Post. Authored by three prominent liberal Democrat women of … [Read more...]

The cannon fire is gaining strength within Colorado's Republican camp, as the Marc Holtzman team shoots back and asks where rival Bob Beauprez has been on the Referenda C and D campaign. Lest the Holtzman attack gets carried away too far, there is no doubt that Beauprez opposes the twin tax increase measures, though he may feel conflicted about making too public an opposition to his friend Bill Owens. Both sides have elements of truth on their side. Holtzman has been in the limelight and absorbed the public backlash far more than his opponent. Gradually, he is establishing himself as the political leader on the issue, building inroads into the GOP's fiscally conservative base and trying to establish his credibility for next year's big … [Read more...]

Now that I am beginning regular (hopefully) contributions to the new Holtzman v Beauprez Web site, I wanted to let you know where I sit so you can filter my comments and observations on the governor's race appropriately. Today seems like a good a time as any to announce my personal support for the gubernatorial candidacy of Marc Holtzman. About a month ago a couple other RMA bloggers and I sat down with Marc for an informal Q & A session. After that meeting I reported my many positive impressions. I also had positive impressions of Congressman Bob Beauprez during our earlier meeting. Recognizing that honest people of good faith and like principles can disagree in such matters, I wanted to make clear that I do not support Holtzman out of … [Read more...]

I just returned from the Jefferson County Republican Assembly, and have some interesting developments to report for the political insiders. The following candidates made it onto the primary ballot: State Senate SD 20 - Dick Sargent was recruited at the last minute to challenge Moe Keller. SD 21 - Rep. Matt Knoedler announced his candidacy today and won the only spot on the ballot, beating out former Rep. Penn Pfiffner. SD 22 - In a four-way race, only three candidates pursued a ballot spot through the Assembly. Mike Kopp was the only candidate to win a spot on the ballot. Justin Everett bypassed the process and will petition on. Rumors suggest that current Senator Kiki Traylor, who was appointed by a vacancy committee to replace … [Read more...]