The first big line in the sand this year for Colorado's selected U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and not-so-senior partner Mark Udall was the vote in favor of the massive federal spending (so-called "stimulus") bill. Next on the docket is the poorly-named Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), which would take away employee secret ballots in workplace election and impose costly binding arbitration procedures. … [Read more...]
Democrat Leader Tapdances Around His Party’s Push to Kill Secret Ballot
After their impressive electoral victories, the Democrats on Capitol Hill are feeling their oats. Can you blame them? It's payback time to the Big Labor leaders who have bankrolled the campaigns of many a Congressional Democrat. Top of the list therefore? The unpopular and poorly-named Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), which would take away workers' rights to a secret ballot in union elections. Watch how House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland), appearing on Fox News Sunday, tapdances around Chris Wallace's question contrasting the union bill with the House Democrats' own procedures for electing officers within the caucus: "Why is a secret ballot okay, and desirable, for Congress, but you want to take it away from workers?" (H/T … [Read more...]
Political Fault Lines Clearly Shifting Around Federal Bailout Bill Debate
One thing that's clear is the Congressional bailout debates have shifted political fault lines in unusual ways. The Denver Post highlights the odd split in Colorado's Congressional delegation: Mark Udall, John Salazar, Doug Lamborn, and Marilyn Musgrave against the bill vs. Tom Tancredo, Diana Degette, and Ed Perlmutter for it. Then, there's my two favorite fiscally conservative national think tanks. Co-authoring an issue brief for the Heritage Foundation, former Attorney General Ed Meese says the bailout bill was "vital and acceptable," while Cato Institute scholar Jagadeesh Ghokale notes:Overall, it's not a pretty picture--but score one for supporters of the free market who insist on allowing market reorganization of the financial … [Read more...]
Mark Udall’s “Sweatshop” Connection
With the recent story of Boulder liberal Mark Udall refusing to return contributions from admitted tax cheat (and fellow Democratic Congressman) Charlie Rangel, the list of dirty money flowing into the Udall campaign continues to grow. Wait, but there's more. Over at Schaffer v Udall, I unearthed Udall's "sweatshop" connection. Yes, it looks very much like retired "sweatshop" owner Susie Tompkins-Buell organized a $50,000 San Francisco fundraiser for Udall in 2007. Charlie Rangel. Norman Hsu. Jack Abramoff. Susie Tompkins-Buell. All giving money to and/or organizing fundraisers for the Mark Udall campaign. Nearly all of the money kept by Udall. Reporters need to ask some hard questions, like should he at least consider returning the … [Read more...]
Hot Air Tour to Highlight Global Warming Debate Comes to Colorado
Watching hot air balloons might never have been so much fun as this: Americans for Prosperity's Hot Air Tour is coming to Colorado, starting tomorrow (Wednesday) morning at Broomfield County Commons Park (13200 Sheridan Blvd). What am I talking about?Climate alarmists have bombarded citizens with apocalyptic scenarios and pressured them into environmental political correctness. It’s time to tell the other side of the story. Americans for Prosperity is working hard to bring you the missing half of the global warming debate. What will the impacts of reactionary legislation be for you, your family and our economy? Be among the first 50 to pre-register online for the Broomfield event tomorrow - or for events later this week in Fort … [Read more...]
Morning After Soundbite Reflections on Colorado’s Primary Election
This, of course, is the reason why I preferred someone other than Mike Coffman to win the 6th Congressional District primary:Gov. Bill Ritter is poised to appoint a new secretary of state — no doubt a fellow Democrat. Republican Secretary of State Mike Coffman won the 6th Congressional District primary. As the district is heavily Republican, Coffman is expected to win the seat in November. Among the names often mentioned as possible appointees to the $68,500-a-year-post are House Speaker Andrew Romanoff and Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon. Both Democrats are term limited. What's done is done. Fox is in charge of the hen house now. On the up side, the Democrats' phony watchdog group Colorado Ethics Watch will have to look for … [Read more...]
The “Guerrilla Congress” Continues: A Reason to be Proud of GOP
From the Heritage Foundation blog: How refreshing ... I haven't had reason to truly be proud of Republicans in Congress in a long time. Just want to let the "guerrilla Congress" know that we're watching you out here in Colorado and cheering you on - ready to do what we can to help get the word out. Does it involve political posturing? Is it somewhat theatrical? Yes - but it makes the point: Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats don't even want to debate about a comprehensive energy policy. They aren't listening to the American people. Call Nancy Pelosi at 202-225-0100 - and your own Representative, too - to urge them to come back and debate the American Energy Act. Maybe, just maybe, the Republicans finally are listening … [Read more...]
Call the President for a Special Session of Congress to Address Energy Problem
Update: You can sign an online "Don't Go" petition that has a similar sentiment. After seeing the Congress adjourned, Nancy Pelosi shut off the lights, kicked out the reporters, and fled from the issue of the nation's domestic energy supply. But under his Constitutional authority, the President can call a special session of Congress to force our elected officials to remove the burdensome restrictions that keep the United States dependent on foreign oil and people paying $4 a gallon for gas. Call the White House comment line at 202-456-1111 Monday to Friday between 9 AM - 5 PM Eastern (7 AM - 3 PM Colorado time), and respectfully urge the President to call a special session of Congress. Liberal Democrat elites in Congress like … [Read more...]
Union Leaders Push Economy-Busting Initiatives to Make Election Interesting
Face The State reports that Big Labor interests are about ready to turn in their signatures on four ballot initiatives that would bust Colorado's economy. You know, it's union leaders' way of protesting Amendment 47, aka Right-to-Work, which would prevent the forced collection of union fees from non-members. Setting aside the Presidential race and even the U.S. Senate showdown between Bob Schaffer and Boulder liberal Mark Udall, this may be a very interesting election season in Colorado yet. … [Read more...]
Bob Schaffer-Mark Udall Debate Coverage Roundup
Here's a roundup of new media coverage of Monday's premier public debate between Colorado U.S. Senate candidates Bob Schaffer and Mark Udall. From Schaffer v Udall... - Schaffer v Udall Debate: Update, Quick First Impressions - Bob Schaffer's Clear Debate Victory over Mark Udall Sways Uncommitted Voter - Schaffer v Udall Debate Photos - Missing the Point of Bob Schaffer's Powerful Zing on Mark Udall's Iraq Record - Mark Udall Healthcare Quips From Rocky Mountain Right... - Pictures from the Schaffer-Udall Debate - Breaking News from the RMN: Udall Staffer Approves of Udall's Debate Performance! Also check out Face The State's slideshow of the debate. And, of course, though it's not new media, 9News has a report from the … [Read more...]