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Report from Baghdad

While I work on investigating more carefully a couple of issues in the world of Colorado politics, I decided to take the easy road this morning and link to an article that will challenge the defeatists in this country to keep an open mind about events in Iraq. To add a little dose of perspective to your mainstream news intake, I recommend you read Notes from Baghdad, from yesterday's Opinion Journal. (HT: Conservative Grapevine) Now is not the time to pull the rug out from under our military operations - a la the Democrat leadership in Congress. Let's not be afraid to give success a chance. … [Read more...]

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HB 1072 Veto “Politically Smart”

You can say that again. Frankly, Governor Ritter was left with little choice - nix the labor bill or flush away much of the rest of his agenda. Give him credit: Ritter shrewdly has taken everyone by surprise with his fatherly veto of HB 1072 ("now, now, labor & business ... you two need to stop bickering and get along"). Meanwhile, as the Lefties at SquareState are wetting themselves in anger ("What's the matter with you, Ritter? We were trying to show all the little people out there that we're on their side. After all, we know what's best for them... mushy-minded, socialist groupthink, and nannyist State worship"), a good-natured squabble ensues on the Right to take credit for the defensive victory. As the author of this little … [Read more...]

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Bob Schaffer Speaks Out

The thoroughly accomplished former Congressman Bob Schaffer - a man of great character, integrity, and insight - was the guest on the most recent edition of the Aaron Harber Show. It's too late to catch the televised broadcast, but I highly recommend that anyone interested in the political culture and direction of Colorado and our nation catch the episode online (note: current version of Windows Media Player needed). In my opinion, Schaffer accurately diagnoses the causes of the 2006 Republican defeat in Colorado. He also clearly explains how the primary reason for recent GOP shortcomings relates to the guiding factor weighing on his current decision whether to run for U.S. Senate in 2008. I sincerely hope that he finds the conditions … [Read more...]

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Bill Ritter, AFL-CIO, and HB 1072: Deal Broken?

So today the AFL-CIO has officially threatened Governor Bill Ritter with throwing its weight around to move the Democratic National Convention from Denver, just because the Governor vetoed HB 1072. A bill Ritter once described as "not a big deal" is certainly much more than that to labor union leaders. Here is the statement in full: AFL-CIO Executive Council Statement March 8, 2007 Las Vegas, NV COLORADO’S WORKING FAMILIES For a decade, working families in Colorado have fought to build a stronger, more unified labor movement and create a more balanced political and economic environment – an environment responsive to working people’s needs and concerns. This extraordinary effort has produced significant progress and … [Read more...]

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Remembering Lincoln’s Birthday

There is so much that can be said in honor of the birthday of America's 16th and greatest President, Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865). Nothing I could write would be fitting enough. I will, however, put in a plug for the book I'm reading now: Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It's a vast tome, but my only regret is that I waited so long to pick it up and delve into it. Goodwin skillfully and eloquently reminds us that at his heart, Lincoln was an ambitious and savvy politician who translated his skills into success - not in the mere service of political avarice and power but in the service of a large and maturing vision about the Declaration of Independence, free labor, and America's role in … [Read more...]

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The Tax-and-Spend Ritter Chronicles: K-12 Education

Our Democrat Governor Bill Ritter announced today to Colorado homeowners: "No tax cut for you!" The Governor's plan is to freeze a scheduled cut in property tax rates so he can increase funding for K-12 education - already the richest, healthiest part of the state budget. The proposed funding increase (part of Senate Bill 199, this year's School Finance legislation) is primarily designed to create more full-day kindergarten and preschool slots. According to the reliable source of Colorado Senate News, Republican Senator Josh Penry correctly identified the move as a "tax increase," while Assistant Senate Minority Leader Nancy Spence rightly questioned the "one-size-fits-all approach" that trumps the Democrats' conveniently played "local … [Read more...]

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Statehouse Dems Divided on Education

Stories like this one reported in today's Rocky Mountain News have to frustrate the teachers union to no end. A coalition of urban Democrats join Republicans in the state legislature to stand up for the power of parental choice. The state's education establishment - personified by the 600-pound gorilla Colorado Education Association - isn't comfortable with empowering parents, for obvious reasons. And they aren't going to go down without a fight. The growing inevitable reality, however, is that choice and competition will break down the walls of the schoolhouse monopoly. Look at Utah, Arizona, Georgia, and Virginia where voucher proposals are moving through the state legislatures. And look at Colorado, where an unprecedented … [Read more...]

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March Madness: Big Government Style

As college basketball fever sweeps the land today (have you filled out your brackets yet?), let's not forget another type of March Madness: the ability of taxpayer-funded lobbyists to treat our elected officials to luxury box suites and high-priced seats at NCAA Tournament games. Check out RealMarchMadness.com, sponsored by Americans for Prosperity (HT: John Fund, Opinion Journal). By the way, how does this Final Four sound?: Florida, Pittsburgh, North Carolina, Louisville. If you think I'm crazy, just remember what time of year it is. … [Read more...]

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It’s Official: Romney is In

I haven't written much about the presidential campaign here. (I resisted the urge to comment on Obama's invocation of Abraham Lincoln in his formal announcement this past weekend.) You know, all these candidates are entering the race - Democrats & Republicans - seemingly faster than rabbits reproduce. (I'm waiting for the North Dakota agriculture commissioner to form an exploratory committee - ha, ha.) So much is speculation now. I'm not even entirely sure we've taken a good glimpse at the eventual nominees yet (who in the heck knew Bill Clinton in February 1991 - and who was Lincoln but a recently defeated candidate for the U.S. Senate in February 1859?). Okay, I'm pretty sure the Democrat nominee is going to be one of the current … [Read more...]