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Democrat State Sen. Dan Gibbs to Forego Re-election: Start Speculating

New RMA member Don Johnson reports that Democrat state senator Dan Gibbs will not run for re-election in his mountain district in 2010. A good opportunity for the Dead Guvs to pine that state lawmakers aren't paid well enough. Suddenly, SD16 has to look a lot more appealing to Republicans. Last time around Gibbs beat Don Ytterberg (now the chairman of the Jefferson County GOP) by a nearly 3-to-2 margin. But the political environment makes the seat a lot more competitive for Republicans in 2010, and I don't see any scenario where they can win back the majority without it. If the rumors haven't already started to circulate, allow me to ask: Will first-term Rep. Cheri Gerou in HD 25 make the leap? Might someone coax former Rep. Rob … [Read more...]

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Finding a Home for “What I’m Thankful For”: Reflecting One Year Later

Last year at this time I was in the middle of writing a 20-part blog series on "What I'm Thankful For." While I have no plans in reprising the series for 2009, I have created a new permanent page on the site with links to each post -- from "The Legacy of My Grandparents" to "Vision" and everything in between. Eleven days until the official Thanksgiving holiday, and it's never too early to start reflecting on the need for more gratitude in each of our lives. … [Read more...]

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State of Colorado’s Republican Race for Governor: After Penry, the Deluge?

Chuck Plunkett is one of the more liberal members of the Denver Post's editorial board, but he's a straight shooter. And his Friday posting on the state of Colorado's Republican primary for governor -- "Whither Tancredo?" -- is full of spot-on insights, such as:Party insiders say the problem is that the campaign [Scott] McInnis has structured to date has created a vacuum that conservatives abhor. And: … [Read more...]

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PPC Citizen Journalists Query Ed Perlmutter’s Office on Pelosi Care

So yes, my Representative Ed Perlmutter voted for the costly, restrictive monstrosity known as Pelosi Care (HR 3962). But how does he justify his positions? How did his office respond to last week's House Call on Congress rally? And how were citizen-journalists from the People's Press Collective received when they came to discuss Perlmutter's position on the legislation? Go straight to PPC, or watch the videos below: … [Read more...]

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Latest Colorado Political Survey Inspires Kataline Essay on “Big Tent” GOP

Our current survey of Colorado's political temperature has inspired more than just a series of click-in-the-box responses. Having read one of our test issue statements -- It is important for Republicans to employ a "big tent" policy when considering candidates for office. -- Karen Kataline decided to deconstruct the term "big tent" in a thoughtful new essay for Backbone America:Our party is and has always been united not by our ethnicity but by our ideas. As members of minority Republican groups, our role is to welcome others into the party rather than to seek special favors or victim status as the parade of minority groups on the Left have consistently done. Go ahead. Read the whole thing. Then go ahead and take our latest survey. … [Read more...]

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Please Welcome the Two Newest Rocky Mountain Alliance Bloggers

For the first time in quite awhile, the Rocky Mountain Alliance has started to grow again. We have two new members who represent excellent additions. I invite you to check them out and add them to your regular blog reading (if you haven't already): The Business Word by Don Johnson has become a must-read for anyone seeking coverage of the unfolding major Republican primary races in Colorado, with great analysis and interviews Michelle Morin is a leader in the Teller County Tea Party movement Coalition for a Conservative Majority in Colorado Springs, and her site Mom 4 Freedom has been a leading Colorado-based voice in the fight against Obama Care and other proposed costly government intrusions into our freedom The Rocky Mountain … [Read more...]

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Talking to Former GOP Guv Candidate Josh Penry on Decision to Drop Out

This morning I had the opportunity to follow up on this week's Colorado political bombshell with the man at the center of the storm: state senate minority leader Josh Penry, of whom word leaked Monday that he had decided to withdraw from the Republican primary campaign for governor. As a personal supporter of Penry's candidacy and seeing evidence of his tremendous support among Colorado's grassroots Republicans, I was greatly shocked and disappointed. In fact, it's safe to say I'm still reeling from the revelation. Anyway, without further ado, here's a quick recap of my interview this morning (please note that the following is somewhat excerpted and a close paraphrase rather than a direct quote): … [Read more...]

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Happy Veterans Day

Ninety-one years ago today "the war to end all wars" officially ended. Among the millions of dead were more than 100,000 brave American military servicemen out of hundreds of thousands who honorably served (including two of my great uncles: Bill DeGrow and John E. "Ed" DeGrow). In 1954 the commemoration, originally called Armistice Day, expanded to celebrate the service of all American veterans and became known as Veterans Day. Today I join with the millions of other Americans who honor the men and women who have worn the uniform for their sacrificial service on behalf of our nation. I am especially grateful this year to see so many businesses offering promotions that benefit our active duty personnel and veterans. It almost goes … [Read more...]