Ritter agenda provides a blueprint for all candidates

Bob Beauprez once said he cares more about electing Republicans than Colorado. Rick O'Donnell thinks that we need to stop illegal immigration before we address any other issues. And this weekend Marilyn Musgrave told the Coloradoan that "protecting traditional marriage is the most important issue Americans face today."

Are there any Republicans who have a grasp of the multitude of issues facing the people of America? Like say, the debt, the economy, the healthcare crisis, Iraq, environmental devastation and national security.

If they need to see how it's done, they can check out Bill Ritter's Colorado Promise. (Large PDF here.) The comprehensive 52-page policy book takes on every issue facing Colorado, from healthcare to the economy to the environment to illegal immigration.

Check out page 38 for instance, where Ritter outlines six ideas for reducing the cost of government. Or page five, where he puts forth several ideas for improving teacher performance.

This is the type of leadership Colorado needs. But all it's getting from the GOP is single-issue candidates pursuing their own celebrity. And all over the state, analysts are beginning to sense the fallout. Post columnists are seeing an upset in Colorado Springs. And the Rocky reports on how the suburbs are going purple.

The Democratic party is running on the issues. Let's see if the GOP even tries to keep up.