A classic proof of "correlation does not equal causation": our Democrat Gov. Bill Ritter injects partisan politics into America's game with an off-the-wall comment about how seven of the eight 2007 Major League Baseball playoff teams hail from states with Democrat governors. Did Ritter stumble while trying to make a point with this assessment, or was it just an attempt at a joke that has fallen flat? Who obsesses over partisan politics so much that they not only have to figure out which party is in power in states where professional baseball playoff teams hail from, but also have to proclaim it to the media? To the governor and his staffers: just sit back and enjoy the games. Not everything is about partisan politics. Meanwhile, shining a … [Read more...]
Teacher Performance Pay Back on the Docket?
For the second consecutive year, State Sen. Nancy Spence, R-Centennial, is coming forward with a bill to provide state dollars to schools that develop and implement performance-based compensation plans for teachers - a reform idea that has gained tremendous bipartisan support nationally. Last year I provided legislative testimony highlighting the new body of research showing the effectiveness of merit-pay programs. On a party-line vote, Democrats in the committee killed it. This year, the Governor's P-20 Education Council has included a tepid endorsement of "alternative teacher compensation." With this new political reality, there may be a better chance to see Colorado become a progressive leader in educator pay. But the devil will … [Read more...]
Righty Blogs
Short on time today, a quick link will have to do rather than a full-length post. Looking for the best in conservative blogs from different states in the U.S.? Head on over to Righty Blogs, a new project of Red State. … [Read more...]
How About a Real Republican Presidential YouTube Debate?
The folly that was the CNN-YouTube debate needs to be answered not only with sharp criticism but with an exemplary alternative: A great idea has been put forward by Human Events and the conservative blogging community over at RedState. Check it out. … [Read more...]
Let’s Get Real: Rox Face Uphill, But Achievable, Climb
Ouch. That hurt. Last night's 2-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox in Game 2 of the World Series was painful, but not fatal. (Regrettably, I missed most of the game, fulfilling a commitment at a Republican event that featured keynote speaker Bob Schaffer.) Nevertheless, I'm here to tell Rockies fans not to panic. The naivete many had coming into the Series is gone, but the most loyal fans know it's a one-game-at-a-time approach now. Let's be realistic: even getting the series back to Boston is an uphill goal at this point, but here's hoping that Baseball with Altitude is a lot friendlier to the home team than to the visitors. And how about a little bulletin board material (albeit from cynical sportswriters) to get the Rox fired up? See you … [Read more...]
College Football Playoffs Needed Now!
This is off topic from what I usually write about here. But after tonight's 1-2 knockout of Missouri & West Virginia, I think college football fans of all political stripes can agree that the time for a playoff system is now! No matter who ends up being selected for the BCS Championship Game at the end of this wackiest of all seasons, unending controversy will ensue. If it leads us to a playoff system next year, it will be well worth the result. … [Read more...]
Where do Colorado Dems Stand on Rangel Tax Increase?
A quick Friday morning question for Colorado farmers, ranchers, and small business owners: What does Boulder liberal Rep. Mark Udall, Democrat candidate for U.S. Senate, think about Charlie Rangel's massive tax increase proposal? What does junior U.S. Senator Ken Salazar think? What about Democrat presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton? The Wall Street Journal makes a cogent point: No one thinks his plan has a chance of becoming law this year, but its beauty is as a signal of Democratic intentions for 2009. In proposing what would be the largest tax increase in history, Mr. Rangel is showing the world what he wants the tax code to look like if Democrats run the entire government. None of the Presidential candidates will admit this before … [Read more...]
On a Transparency Kick
In case you care to read them, below are my two latest published pieces for your perusal, and they strike a common theme: transparency in government. On Nov. 24, the Rocky Mountain News published (printed in the Sunday Denver Post, of all places) my Speakout submission in response to Gov. Ritter's unionization executive order. This Sunday, the Pueblo Chieftain published my op-ed calling for greater online transparency of school district budgets. Want to figure out as a taxpayer just how much your local schools are spending on different items? Think it's easy? Hence, the purpose of the op-ed. So yes, I've been writing on a transparency in government kick lately. It's an important issue more people on both sides of the aisle might … [Read more...]
Discovering My Inner FredHead
Having taken this interesting and intuitive quiz, I have discovered that it is indeed Fred Thompson with whom I align most closely on the major issues of the day: My runners up were Duncan Hunter, John McCain, Tom Tancredo, and Ron Paul. Interestingly, the quiz results said I disagreed with both Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani on abortion. Quite a feat, I suppose. I'd be interested to see what the results are for some of my other friends - both blogging and non-blogging. … [Read more...]
Huckabee Surge is Bad News for Serious, Coherent Conservatives
I have written little here about the Presidential campaign. While I have no horse in the race, I do have some clear opinions and preferences. For the most part I've been sitting back and watching things unfold as the frontrunners vie for my support. However, the recent overpublicized "Huckabee Surge" has stirred me from my silence. That's because the thought that the former Arkansas governor and would-be Preacher-in-Chief could actually secure the Republican nomination is quite disturbing. Largely well known has been Huckabee's very apparent fiscal liberalism and economic populism. The problem is about more than taxes and spending - his positions on trade, regulation, and school choice leave a lot wanting, as well. (Not to mention … [Read more...]
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