Mount Virtus

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

Ben on Social Media

Mount Virtus?

Every day is seeking to rise to the challenge, 'neath the shadow of the mighty Rockies.

Colorado Ballot Reviews

Sometimes the choices are daunting or confusing, sometimes they're as clear as a Mile High view.

By Leave a Comment

Vince Carroll: Not So Fast, We Have a GOP U.S. Senate Primary, After All

What a difference a week makes! Last Sunday Denver Post editorial page editor Dan Haley laid out the red carpet for Republican Jane Norton's U.S. Senate campaign. Today, in the printed space directly beneath Haley, columnist Vince Carroll took a look at Norton's "clunky" bio page and "languid and subdued" introductory video, and had to say Ummm... Not so fast: … [Read more...]

By Leave a Comment

Clear the Bench Colorado Joins Hugh Hewitt Today on National Airwaves

Last night I kindly berated national talk show host Hugh Hewitt for his ignorance pertaining to Colorado Republican politics. Apparently, he's in our state today and has an opportunity to listen, learn, and change his ways. One guest who is scheduled to appear on his show this afternoon (sometime between 4 and 6 PM on 710 KNUS) is Matt Arnold to promote his important project Clear the Bench Colorado. Go here to find out more about Matt's radio appearance and the cause you should consider supporting. … [Read more...]

By Leave a Comment

Colorado Political Temperature Survey Results to be Unveiled Monday

Thank you to everyone who participated in our September survey of Colorado's political temperature. We had 500 people take the survey -- down somewhat from last time, but still a very strong showing. We appreciate it very much. Some already have started to ask about the release of the results, so let me share the (tentative) plan. Here goes: Over the weekend we will compile and organize the top-line results for public display, and I will post them here first thing Monday morning. This should include how the candidates fared (and compared to the July survey), as well as which issue statements received the strongest expressions of agreement or disagreement We have outsourced some cross-tab analysis to see how support with some … [Read more...]

By 3 Comments

Hugh Hewitt, Meet Josh Penry

First, it was Michigan-Ohio State football. Then it was the whole litany of Cleveland sports. The near-weekly disembarkation into the world of popular and classic movies. Of late, national radio host Hugh Hewitt has shown another entire topic about which he would be better served staying silent as opposed to demonstrating his ignorance: I speak of Colorado politics. Memo to Hugh -- Get away from the coasts, get out of the Beltway and the smog, and visit Rocky Mountain flyover country again. In the meantime, read up on Josh Penry, and watch this national video clip from Fox News: … [Read more...]

By 1 Comment

Obama Care Update: Jared Polis Hedging His Bets on Medical Tourism?

Update: Tying the knot complete on this post, Jared Polis (along with fellow Colorado Democrat Diana Degette) was one of the 75 members of the U.S. House who voted today against ending taxpayer funding of ACORN. Based on original research, Complete Colorado's Todd Shepherd brings forward some interesting insights on Boulder Democrat Congressman Jared Polis' personal financial stake in the "medical tourism" industry and his strong political support for increased government intervention in the health insurance market:But here's the rub: Jared Polis has made a long-term bet on the worldwide success of health care markets that have less regulation rather than more. Draw any conclusion you like, but there is no escaping the fact that … [Read more...]

By 1 Comment

Thank YOU, Ernie Harwell

I'll admit it. I'm a fool for baseball. And one of the greatest reasons I love the game so much walked out onto the field at Comerica Park this evening -- Ernie Harwell, 91 years young, diagnosed with terminal cancer, but as optimistic and gracious and gentlemanly as ever -- to say thank you:"It's a wonderful night for me," Harwell said. "I really feel lucky to be here, and I want to thank you for that warm welcome. I want to express my deep appreciation to Mike Ilitch, Dave Dombrowski and the Tigers for that video salute and also for the many great things they've done for me and my family throughout my career here with the Tigers. "In my almost 92 years on this Earth, the good Lord has blessed me with a great journey, and the blessed … [Read more...]

By Leave a Comment

Don’t Delay, Deadline Nears on Survey of Colorado’s Political Temperature

Don't delay -- if you haven't done so already, you have less than 2 days to take the survey of Colorado's political temperature. Join the more than 400 others who have already expressed their views on political issues and candidates of the day: Click here to take the September 2009 Colorado online political survey Your opinion counts. Take a few moments to make it happen. Not only show your support for candidates, but also let us know where you stand on key issues and give us some honest prognostication about the 2010 elections. The survey won't be there forever, only until tomorrow, September 17, 5 PM local Mountain time ... Thanks for participating! Go here for more information. … [Read more...]

By Leave a Comment

Reality vs. Obama’s Reality on Competing Health Care Debate Ideas

Healthcare Horserace has obtained possession of the talking points memo the Obama White House is sending out to Congressional Democrats in preview of his big speech next Wednesday. As Ellen Carmichael correctly assesses:Critics of President Obama’s health care reform agenda argue that the White House will again prove during next week’s press conference that they are relying upon vague platitudes instead of concrete proposals. But there's also one specific talking point that demonstrates to me that the President is either willfully, stubbornly ignorant, or just so arrogant as to believe that most of America isn't paying attention to the debate. The White House memo says:· After this speech, opponents of health reform will need to … [Read more...]

By Leave a Comment

Michael Bennet to the Left of Barack Obama on Government Health Care?

There's little doubt that the respective positions are primarily being driven by anything other than political convenience, but recent events appear to have pushed Colorado's appointed U.S. Senator Michael Bennet further to the Left on health care than Barack Obama. Yes, let me repeat that: Michael Bennet has moved further Left than Obama on health care, essentially because the junior senator is eagerly talking about pushing the U.S. toward a government health care takeover while the President is at least backing away from the term "public option". Yes, the differences are largely semantic (the co-op idea is basically the "public option" with a different name), but also very telling about what to expect from Congress in the rest of … [Read more...]