A man was clearly convicted of a heinous murder. A jury of his peers, guided by the dictates of Colorado law and their consciences unanimously approved the death penalty. An Adams County district judge overturned the death penalty because the jury's decision was in some small degree informed by reading Bible passages. Yesterday, the morally-confused Colorado Supreme Court upheld the judge's decision. My question: what if jurors had consulted Bible passages that convinced them the murderer deserved clemency? Like the recent US Supreme Court decision written by Anthony Kennedy regarding the juvenile death penalty, though, it's not as much the substance of the issue that was decided as much as the reasoning that led the majority of … [Read more...]
Sorry, Governor
I've been loath to comment on the intraparty Republican squabble brewing over Governor Bill Owens' compromise budget agreement with the Democrats. But things are heating up, reports the Rocky Mountain News today. Apparently the governor is unhappy with the House Minority Leader's public opposition: "When the next volume of Profiles in Courage is written, there won't be a chapter about Joe Stengel," Owens said. "I was amazed. He knew exactly what was in it. There were no surprises." Sorry, governor. I have to state my firm conviction that what you are doing is neither fiscally nor politically sound. I say that as a conservative and as a Republican, respectively. The former tells me that approving this deal means $1,500 more in … [Read more...]
Maybe He’s Serious
Denver's mainstream media has begun to take serious notice of Hugh Hewitt's desire to become the next president of CU: Hewitt says CU needs a president who can do a good PR job for the school. "I've been a professor for 10 years at Chapman University Law School so I know about faculties, but I think the most important thing is that you listen to the public," Hewitt said. "You be aware of what they expect out of the university and you communicate that to the people who make up the faculty and you take care of the students." The endorsement of the Rocky Mountain Alliance, though currently delayed, is soon forthcoming. Maybe we'll have to consider just how serious The Chancellor of the Collegiate Peaks is about seeking this job. … [Read more...]
Schaffer Assumes Leadership Mantle
I've just returned from the Colorado Republican State Central Committee Meeting outside of Denver. For some of the nitty-gritty details, read up on Clay's live-blogging Blackberry account. Most significant to report is that Bob Schaffer won the role of National Committeeman, culminating a sweeping grassroots campaign that started two weeks ago. The vote was closer than many anticipated (59 to 41 percent), proof that negative campaigning does work to some extent. I was disappointed to see the opponents' use of half-truths and over-the-top rhetoric to try to tear down Bob. I just hope now they heed their own impassioned cries for party loyalty and unity. With the leadership of Bob Schaffer and new state party chair Bob Martinez, it … [Read more...]
Let’s Elect Bob Schaffer
Since I have no way to turn this blog orange without creating complete havoc, let me just urge readers to use your imagination: pretend the site (or at least this post) is colored a blazing orange! Why, you ask? In support of Bob Schaffer, who right now is seriously contemplating whether to answer the many calls to run for National Committeeman. Tomorrow is the State Central Committee meeting and the moment of truth. Thanks to all those who have written and urged Bob to run. I feel confident he will make the right choice. I've been active in Republican politics for most of a decade now (one-third of my life!). And I can honestly say, that in all my years of political activity, I have never encountered anyone that possesses and … [Read more...]
Conservatives Need Not Apply?
A real ruckus has been raised after former US Senator and University of Northern Colorado President Hank Brown withdrew his name from consideration for an interim term in the top post at CU, following critical remarks from a black Democrat state senator saying that Brown lacked a commitment to affirmative action and racial diversity. Hank Brown, a conservative Republican of character, experience, and stature, commands tremendous respect in wide-ranging circles in Colorado. It's a shame that he decided to withdraw his name from contention, since Senator Brown is a qualified man of class and dignity who could have done wonders for the campus at Boulder. Of course, the charge by Senator Peter Groff (President pro tem of the Senate) that … [Read more...]
A Whole Lot of Jockeyin’ Going On
While 99% of the population goes on obliviously with their everyday lives, the jockeying goes on among potential and declared candidates for Colorado political offices. The Rocky Mountain News reports this afternoon that University of Denver President and former investment banker Marc Holtzman still is not an official candidate for governor. I'm not sure this story would be newsworthy except that the state's political insiders are waiting with baited breath to see if Congressman Bob Beauprez is going to throw his hat into the ring. Holtzman well may be waiting to see what Beauprez will do before officially joining the race. Beauprez in, Holtzman out. Beauprez out, Holtzman in. State Treasurer Mike Coffman appears to be hanging in … [Read more...]
You Can Help a Just Cause
A few weeks ago I posted on a significant case where two Fort Collins parents have filed a formal complaint against the local teachers' union for violating campaign laws, including using public resources for political purposes. According to Paul Marrick, one of the parents who filed the complaint, both sides have requested a continuance and no date has been set for the hearing to start. Eventually the case will go before an administrative law judge. And when it does, the light of day will be shined on the union's practices. If Marrick and his fellow complainant Wayne Rutt are successful, it could be a critical blow struck for education reform in Colorado. Such a result could open up investigations into further violations and offenses … [Read more...]
Old Media Eyes GOP Grassroots Campaign
Nearly 10 days after a grassroots campaign began, urging former Congressman Bob Schaffer to run for the Colorado Republican Party's National Committeeman spot, the Denver Post has caught on: Schaffer has not announced his candidacy for committeeman and refused Monday "to discuss the issue in the press." "It's an internal party matter," he said. Conservative backers of the failed 2004 U.S. Senate candidate have launched an intensive e-mail campaign on his behalf. The cumulative list of those participating in the "intensive e-mail campaign" can be found here, here, and here. Now add the following to the list: Jared Wright, Mesa County GOP Treasurer, Mesa State College GOP Vice President & Student Body President The … [Read more...]
The Support Just Keeps Coming
Clay has been compiling a list (here and here) of those Colorado Republicans raising their voices urging Bob Schaffer to run for National Committeeman. While Clay is excused to attend LPR, here are a few more who have declared their support: Nathan Chambers, Chairman, Arapahoe County GOP Suzanne Guggenheim, Vice Chairman, Arapahoe County GOP Jace Ratzlaff, Chairman, Bent County GOP Ed Haynes, former chairman, Larimer County GOP From Douglas County's delegation: -Jack Arrowsmith -Jack Hilbert -Chris Holbert -Carole Murray -Kristi Pollard -Tim Pollard -Kim Ransom -Bill Vincent -Eva Wilson The Douglas County delegation - which also includes previously mentioned supporters Senator John Evans, Representative Ted Harvey, … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 146
- 147
- 148
- 149
- 150
- …
- 155
- Next Page »