Wishful thinking for Colorado and national politics

Wishful thinking pervaded today's opinion section of The Denver Post, Meet the Press, and The Chris Matthews Show. But the frontpage of the Post told a different story. "Capitol session looking brutal," the headline screamed. "State Democratic and GOP leaders expect plenty of gamesmanship when the legislature opens Jan. 11."

Sigh. Maybe I ought to engage in some wishful thinking of my own. What do I want to see in 2006?

1. More rumpled technocrats like Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, State Senator Andrew Romanoff, and 2006 presidential aspirant former Virginia Governor Mark Warner. These guys understand the way that the public sector paves the way for innovation in the private sector. When you talk about the possibilities of the Internet, they don't rant about the dangers of adult entertainment. When you talk about wise use of the environment, they don't think you mean wisely using a doe for target practice.

2. More champions of the common man like Bill Ritter, Bill Winter, Howard Dean, John Edwards, John McCain and, to a lesser extent, Ken Salazar. These politicians understand the need to address poverty, education and healthcare in order to keep America moving forward.

3. Less political posturing. This means you, Both Ways Bob Beauprez. And you, George Allen. And unfortunately it means you too, Hillary.

4. More of whatever made Xcel flipflop on wind power. Five months ago, they swore they couldn't afford it. But now Wash Park Prophet reports that they can. That's great news for everybody who isn't named Cheney.