Mount Virtus

"Happy to come back to Michigan, but I miss the mountains!"

Ben on Social Media

Home Archives for PPC

By Leave a Comment

Mr. President, Welcome to Denver

One year and one day after President Obama came to Denver to sign away hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars into generational debt for the creation of some government jobs (and in the process, taking out some in the private sector), he's coming back. This time Obama will be here to help save another job: the political career of the Appointed One, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet. Republicans and liberty-loving Coloradans aren't frightened by the visit. Probable GOP nominee and Bennet challenge Jane Norton shows as much, taking to the airwaves. Can anyone say Chris Christie? Scott Brown? Hey, CNN polling now shows even the President's own political future in jeopardy with the American people. The more public the appearance, the more Obama … [Read more...]

By 1 Comment

Trusted Expert Dick Murphy Endorses J.J. Ament in Colorado Treasurer’s Race

Quick update from the state treasurer's race. Dick Murphy -- former Deputy State Treasurer and one of the most respected and expert conservative figures I know in the area of school finance (and public finance generally) -- has come out vocally behind candidate J.J. Ament (official campaign release touting endorsement below the fold): … [Read more...]

By Leave a Comment

February Survey of Colorado’s Political Temperature: Results Unveiled

Thank you to the more than 400 people who participated in the February 2010 Survey of Colorado's Political Temperature. A snapshot of the results in headlines: U.S. Senate: Ken Buck Still On Top, Norton and Tidwell Gaining Governor: Dan Maes Widens Support Edge Over Scott McInnis 3rd Congressional: Scott Tipton Tops Bob McConnell Twice 4th Congressional: Cory Gardner Still Stands Above the Field 7th Congressional: Ryan Frazier Remains without Rival State Treasurer: Ament's Lead Grows, Hasan Takes Over 2nd Interest in GOP Caucus Participation Suggests Bigger Numbers for 2010 The complete release of the survey results is posted below the fold (click "Fullscreen" for better view): … [Read more...]

By 3 Comments

It Stinks to Be Michael Bennet: Andrew Romanoff Nets Big Labor Backing

It really stinks to be the Appointed One these days. As if trailing all potential Republican rivals in the polls (including Jane Norton by double digits) wasn't bad enough for junior U.S. Senator Michael Bennet. Then Bennet sticks out his neck, kowtows to Barack Obama to cast a losing vote for Craig Becker and back-door union card-check, only to get this news shortly thereafter: … [Read more...]

By Leave a Comment

One Reason CO Loves CA: Letting Teachers Know Membership Options

It's Friday, a fun time for Colorado Republicans to zing Gov. Bill Ritter for declaring February 12 "Colorado Loves California Day." I get the humor of all the possibilities. It was last year about this time I made the same point. But I want to take a different tack, and point out one small reason to love California: Larry Sand and the California Teachers Empowerment Network (CTEN) -- which very recently was featured in Townhall magazine for its success in letting Golden State teachers know about their various membership options. Yes, Colorado loves California in this regard, because we too through the Independence Institute have the Independent Teachers website, which lets teachers in our own backyard know about their membership … [Read more...]

By 1 Comment

Recommending Lewis Lehrman’s Lincoln at Peoria for Honest Abe’s 201st

On this 201st anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, no lengthy tributes are needed -- I don't even have time to replicate the modest one I wrote last year for the bicentennial. I did, however, want to take the occasion to recommend a book to you that was recommended to me by fellow RMA blogger Don Johnson about Christmastime. Lincoln at Peoria by Lewis Lehrman highlights the great turning point in Abraham Lincoln's political career, the awakening that resulted from the Kansas-Nebraska Act and his powerful October 1854 speech at Peoria, Illinois, which sharpened the distinctly antislavery focus that led to his key role in forming the Republican Party, debating Stephen Douglas in 1858 and ultimately serving as President during our … [Read more...]

By 4 Comments

Ken Buck Wins Senate Primary Backing from Red State’s Erick Erickson

An interesting development in Colorado's Republican U.S. Senate primary: Ken Buck has won the full-spirited backing of influential Red State master blogger Erick Erickson -- who among other accomplishments has helped fuel Florida's Marco Rubio rise from upstart to frontrunner over Charlie Crist. Can Erick help do the same for Ken Buck here in Colorado? Perhaps. The Weld County DA has a lot of catching up to do on the fundraising front. Is Buck (or someone else) the grassroots candidate? You help decide by casting your vote before tomorrow (Friday) at 5:00 PM on the latest survey of Colorado's political temperature. … [Read more...]

By Leave a Comment

Phony Big Labor Front Group Exposes Lefty Fears about Tea Party’s Strength

Update: The intrepid Mike Antonucci has more insights on this story, including the involvement of the National Education Association and the fact that the story first was broken by blogger Lee Doren. Credit to where credit is due. You may have already heard about this, but just in case not -- an original investigation from Fox News:A seemingly grassroots organization that's mounted an online campaign to counter the tea party movement is actually the front end of an elaborate scheme that funnels funds -- including sizable labor union contributions -- through the offices of a prominent Democratic party lawyer.... "This movement is a fad," proclaims TheTeaPartyIsOver.org, which was established by the American Public Policy Center (APPC), … [Read more...]