Beauprez makes me search for synonyms for "lie"

I'm pretty rough on Republican gubernatorial nominee Both Ways Bob Beauprez. But when I write that he can't hold a position for more than two minutes, it's because he can't. You see, I have the truth on my side.

The Beauprez campaign doesn't have that asset. All it has is mendacity. Like this whopper I archived off of the Beauprez blog today:

The Associated Press reported over the weekend that Bill Ritter has had a change of heart on amnesty. According to the AP, Bill Ritter opposes "any amnesty that would automatically make an illegal immigrant a citizen."

Of course, the Beauprez camp doesn't provide a single example of Ritter supporting "any amnesty that would automatically make an illegal immigrant a citizen." And the article doesn't say anything about Ritter having a change of heart. Beauprez's post is just baldfaced prevarication.

So where does Ritter stand? On a national level he supports President George W. Bush's plan to make illegal immigrants go to the back of the line and earn their way to citizenship. And on a state level, he has articulated a clear position, which includes support of our legislature's immigration package, the strictest standards in America.

I'm sure this won't be the only falsehood Beauprez speaks in the next few months. But it looks like Ritter will have plenty of opportunities to make sure the voters know the truth. The Rocky Mountain News reports that Ritter has already bought $850,000 worth of fall advertising time on Colorado TV stations. But who can wait that long, right?

Early voting and the art of staying positive

Early voting starts today. And the primaries will be held on August 8. Which means that the CD7, HD35 and SD32 infighting will be over soon. Happy thoughts of turning my focus to the general election are helping me get over the fact that Amanda Congdon left Rocketboom.

In the 7th, I've supported all three Democratic candidates. I've done cameos in TV spots for two of them. And I note practically any positive press release they send me.

Which means that recently, I have been noting Herb Rubenstein a lot. He has simultaneously distinguished himself as a person and distanced himself from charges that he is a single-issue candidate with a series of position papers that take on Republican nominee Rubber Stamp Rick O'Donnell directly. The latest blasts the proposed C-470 beltway through Golden.

Which candidate would I vote for, if I lived in CD7? I have the luxury of indecision and I don't intend to give it up. Which candidate has kept the focus on the issues and elevated the discourse? I don't need a primary to answer that question.

Monday morning linkmania

I gave you my take on The Denver Post's profile of Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill Ritter; you can see another opinion at They Get Letters.

Apparently I wasn't the only one displeased with John Edwards' list of Democratic congressional candidates.

Both CD6's Bill Winter and CD5's Jay Fawcett spent the weekend blogging.

And finally, I edited my presidential PACs link section to include only PACs that have helped out our Colorado candidates. If Clinton or Biden want back on the list, they have to make with the lettuce.

Photo of Winter courtesy of the Winter for Congress Committee.

Post profile of Bill Ritter: Part Two

Even after all this, I still have zero confidence that The Denver Post will have the courage to endorse Ritter this fall. Anyone but me remember the Post's incomprehensible endorsement of George W. Bush in 2004? "Bush has been a terrible president, and his opponent is an American hero, but our publisher wants to endorse Bush and he signs the checks."

Time will tell.

Photo courtesy of Bill Ritter for Governor.

Post profile of Bill Ritter: Part One

For six years, I have watched the Denver papers balance the spin of the left with the outright lies of the right. So after The Denver Post's brutally honest deconstruction of Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Beauprez, I developed a nagging fear.

"What's it going to say about the Democratic candidate?"

After all, the Post has long been a Beauprez booster, backing him and his idol, George W. Bush, in 2004. It seemed likely that it would find an excuse to rip into his opponent.

This morning, I finally got to relax. The profile of Bill Ritter in today's paper describes a man that every voter can feel good about supporting. It focuses on Ritter's humble beginnings in a broken home, his Catholic missionary work in Africa, and his stunning successes as Denver's district attorney.

The Post repeats some of the Trailhead Group's lies, but it doesn't give them too much credence. In fact, its harshest criticism of Ritter comes from the left, when it points out that he was loath to prosecute police brutality cases. It's a fair point. But one that's unlikely to be a dealbreaker for suburban and exurban voters.

My biggest problem with the profile is that it didn't delve deeply enough into Ritter's bold proposals to improve Colorado's environment, economy, transportation infrastructure and healthcare system. Ritter's moral character is clearly stronger than his opponent's; his policy proposals are, too.

The article reads, "Whether veering from Democrats, his career or the Catholic Church, he's often pursued his own path. His secret weapons: endurance and an aura of conviction." Contrast that with Ritter's opponent, a DC politician who always tries to have every issue both ways.

Colorado's choice couldn't be clearer.

You can't hunt in an oil field

Well, you can't.

Don't believe the lies: Tracking the VRWC

Republican gubernatorial nominee Both Ways Bob Beauprez has no record of success and no vision for Colorado. So what's he going to run on? A series of slanders against Democratic nominee Bill Ritter, orchestrated by The Trailhead Group and other members of Colorado's very own Vast Right Wing Conspiracy.

This post is dedicated to setting the record straight. It has its very own sidebar link in the Both Ways Bob Watch section. And I'll update it whenever necessary.

The VRWC says that Ritter is soft on crime. That's a lie. Ritter was one of the toughest disctrict attorneys in Denver's history. His plea bargain average was similar to the national average. And he's been endorsed by a huge, bipartisan coalition of law enforcement leaders.

The VRWC says that Ritter is soft on illegal immigration. That's a lie. Ritter has been on record with a tough position on illegal immigration for months. And Ritter supported Colorado's Democratic legislature in passing the toughest illegal immigration laws in America.

The VRWC says that Ritter is no friend of gun owners. That's misleading. In the wake of Columbine, Ritter supported the same commonsense legislation that 70% of the voters (and Beauprez himself) did.

The VRWC says that Ritter is just another Democratic Front Range candidate. This is misleading. Yes, Ritter was raised on a farm east of Aurora. But Beauprez is also from the Front Range; he grew up near Boulder. In fact, Beauprez has lived in the Denver/Boulder area for much longer than Ritter.

The VRWC says that Ritter has accepted donations from labor organizations that don't verify the immigration status of their members. This is misleading. The Rocky Mountain News reports that the unions "already allow only U.S. citizens to make political contributions."

The VRWC says that Ritter is a career politician while Beauprez has spent his life in the private sector. This is a lie. Ritter has spent about the same amount in time in politics as Beauprez. And Ritter's experience was far less partisan.

The VRWC says that while crime rates across the country declined, Denver's murder rate increased while Ritter was district attorney. This is a lie. The Ritter campaign points out Bureau of Justice stats which show that in 1992, the year before Ritter was appointed, Denver's murder rate was 19.3 per 100,000 people. The average rate over the course of his 12-year tenure was 12 per 100,000 - 38% percent less than the 1992 rate.

The VRWC says that Bill Ritter plea bargained illegal immigrants to help them avoid deportation. This is a lie. A plea bargain does not affect the deportation status of an illegal immigrant.

Colorado's great outdoors best enjoyed inside

Speaking of global warming (and we were), The Denver Post reports that we probably shouldn't go outside anymore:

As of Wednesday, the region has exceeded federal health-based standards for ozone 13 times. Last year, that level was exceeded eight times.

Driving concern about ozone this year is the unexpected increase in ozone-forming vapors from oil and gas operators in Weld and Adams counties.

The health department's air quality control division initially projected flash emissions would equal 146 tons a day in 2007. That number is closer to 236 tons a day given the industry's growth.

What's going on here? Could it be the EPA isn't doing its job? Or maybe coal-burning utilities are funding anti-global warming research?

Nah. Must be a natural cycle or something. Best to just ignore it.

What's new in the world of CD7 television?

Ed's on TV. Herb's on TV. And Peggy's on TV.

Rubber Stamp Rick vs. Colorado's earth, air and water

CD7 Democratic candidate Herb Rubenstein swears a reliable source told him that Rubber Stamp Rick O'Donnell is telling Republican donors that environmental regulation should be done at the state level, not the federal level. That position would trigger a massive rollback of environmental protections. Perhaps O'Donnell has confused global warming with Glendale warming.

O'Donnell denies ever having made such a stupid remark. A press release from his campaign, forwarded to me by a third party, states, "Rick O'Donnell believes the federal government plays a significant role in protecting the environment..."

But Herb isn't backing down. This morning, he sent out a release that states:

We have reconfirmed with our source that our statement on O'Donnell's environmental stand was accurately described... O'Donnell should care more for the lands and water that make Colorado great... Say what you mean, Rick. And remember what you say.

I also heard that baby Suri isn't Katie Holmes' baby at all. And that Katie Holmes is really Elisha Cuthbert with a dye job. And that Elisha Cuthbert is really an amalgamation of computer-generated perfect bodyparts. Sigh. One of these days I'm going to chuck the political blogging thing and go write for The Superficial.

Some people prefer the nickname Dirty Rick O'Donnell, a reference to O'Donnell's disregard for campaign finance laws. But I'm sticking with Rubber Stamp Rick for the time being, because he seems to love W. and Cheney so very much.

Vote for John Salazar. You have no choice.

In the last 12 hours, I have been exposed to a lot of hate. So I was thrilled when I saw email from one of America's great optimists, former Democratic vice-presidential nominee John Edwards. I met Edwards when he visited Denver. And shaking his hand and hearing him speak was inspiring.

I was even happier when I saw Edwards' PAC was running an online contest to select two Democrats for fundraisers. Eagerly, I scanned the list, planning to vote for Bill Winter or, failing that, Jay Fawcett or Angie Paccione. Imagine my surprise when I saw that the only Colorado Democrat on the list was John Salazar, I guess because CO-03 has been targeted by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

I voted for Salazar. And then I sent the following email. (I hit the send button before copying my email, so the exact wording may be slightly different. But not much.):

I have nothing but respect for John Edwards. But you missed the boat when you selected Colorado candidates. John Salazar is relatively conservative, relatively safe, and relatively bursting with cash. Colorado has other progressive candidates who need Edwards' support. My personal choice would be Bill Winter in CO-06. But Angie Paccione in CO-04 and Jay Fawcett in CO-05 are also in the fight of their lives. All three are running uncontested in the primaries. Please reconsider adding them to your list. I will crosspost this message at Coloradolib.com. Thank you!

Law enforcement coalition endorses Ritter

Right now, as I type, a bipartisan, statewide coalition of Colorado law enforcement leaders is on the steps of the Denver City and County Building endorsing Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill Ritter. Sort of disproves the GOP smear machine's pathetic assertion that Ritter is soft on crime.

Tell Tancredo (and his supporters) how you really feel

The Bill Winter for congress campaign is asking folks to come up with a billboard that expresses their feelings for Tom Tancredo. Anyhow, some paleoconservatives got wind of the idea and started chiming in. The posts that actually threatened Winter and his supporters with violence were scrubbed, but you can catch up on the rest of the fracas at Square State.

It is the great irony of Colorado politics in the year 2006: Winter volunteered for military service and is called a traitor; Tancredo escaped Vietnam with a mental health deferment and is called a patriot. It doesn't make sense, but when was the last time the GOP did?

Photo of Bill Winter in Marine Corps boot camp courtesy of the Winter for Congress Committee.

Allard: Unpopular, sits at table with band kids

Hat-tip to Colorado Confidential for pointing out that Colorado's own Wayne Allard has the lowest approval rating of any Senator in America. The person most pleased by the news? Probably Mark Udall.

UPDATE: 9 News sponsored this poll, but won't report the results. Read more at Colorado Media Matters.

Global warming to damage Rocky Mountain National Park

The Denver Post reports:

Global warming threatens to damage 12 of the nation's most prominent parks, including Rocky Mountain and Mesa Verde national parks, according to a new report... Among the global-warming changes forecast for the parks are the loss of glaciers at Glacier National Park by 2030, the eradication of Joshua trees at Joshua Tree National Park and reduced rafting opportunities at the Lake Mead and Glen Canyon natural areas.

I hate to be predictable, but I have to point out that of the gubernatorial candidates, only Democratic nominee Bill Ritter has articulated ways for Colorado to deal with global warning. To be fair, Ritter's opponent, Both Ways Bob Beauprez, does have a position on the issue. It involves denial, followed by nothing.

Why am I including a photo of Ritter's runningmate, Barbara O'Brien, despite the fact that she is not mentioned in this post? I don't know. Just because. I thought you all might be getting sick of photos of Bill. Photo courtesy of Bill Ritter for Governor.

Beauprez exposes terrible secret! Ritter doomed!

Why should voters turn on Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill Ritter, according to his GOP opponent, Both Ways Bob Beauprez? The Denver Post reports that Beauprez is outraged at the fact that Ritter supported instant background checks at gun shows.

Oh no! We're doomed! I mean, nobody will vote for a candidate who wanted to close gun show loopholes. Gosh, is it too late for me to switch parties?

All kidding aside, this latest smear - if it's even a smear - is silly. Even libertarian writer Dave Kopel - a member of the NRA, the Cato Institute and the Independence Institute; a contributor to The National Review; and an opponent of closing the gun show loophole - praised Ritter's position on this issue as recently as 2002:

[Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter] would direct his enforcement attention exclusively to genuine gun shows. The District Attorney's good judgment deserves commendation, but no one can guarantee that all future prosecutors will have similarly good judgment.

And didn't Bob Beauprez himself support Amendment 22, which requires background checks at gun shows? According Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, which calls itself Colorado's No-Compromise Gun Rights Organization, "Beauprez has a history of supporting gun control: he was one of the signers of the 2000 SAFE ballot initiative to close the gun show 'loophole.'"

And the libertarian Colorado Freedom Report concurred:

Republican State Chair Bob Beauprez supports the initiative to expand background registration checks at gun shows, but he was unable to cite any evidence suggesting such legislation will make society safer. "I'm not interested in debating it," he said.

So basically what we've learned is that Ritter has a sane approach to gun control that has won praise from the right and left. And Both Ways Bob is a huge hypocrite.

Ritter 2006: How does the race stack up nationally?

How do national political pundits rank the Colorado governor's race? Glad you asked. The National Journal calls Colorado the 7th most likely state to switch party control in November. Daily Kos has it in 8th. And Chris Cizilla's blog at The Washington Post calls it in 9th. Of course, if Both Ways Bob keeps chumming around with wingnuts like Grover Norquist, all bets are off.

Fawcett's competition "debates" at ColoradoPols

CD5 is a large district. It's south of where I'm sitting right now. There are some good athletes that train there. Zap, Catherine and Peak Dems blog it pretty well. And we have a Democratic candidate down there who I think would make a first-class congressman.

I haven't really gone out of my way to tear into any one CD5 GOP candidate. Because there's, like, 46 of them. And they're already doing a great job of ripping each other apart without my help.

Nonetheless, I was looking forward to ColoradoPols' online CD5 Republican debate. I was hoping to get some clarity on which of the candidates was the most moderate and which would be easiest for Fawcett to beat. But I can't say any of them really distinguished themselves. A couple refused to participate. And 12-1 shot Duncan Bremer was the only one who seemed to take any time to really answer the questions.

I don't know what to say, here. I hope Republican voters read through the debate. And then do the right thing and vote for Fawcett in November.

Photo of CD5 Democratic nominee Jay Fawcett and Max Cleland courtesy of Fawcett for Congress.

Bill Ritter the visionary: Transportation edition

Many moons ago, I heard people complain that Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill Ritter was more of a populist than a visionary. I don't hear that any more. Ritter has repeatedly proved the doubters wrong with his comprehensive, bold solutions for Colorado's healthcare and energy crises.

Today, Ritter released yet another sweeping plan to make Colorado a better place to live. Transportation in the 21st Century: Keep Colorado Moving begins with the twin realizations that our transportation infrastructure is vital to our state and sorely out-of-date. And then moves on to explain how Ritter will go about solving the problem.

A press release that accompanied the plan states:

"The state has no clear financial plan for the future. Simply put, the process for funding our transportation system is antiquated and needs a 21st century overhaul. We will look for inefficiencies and eliminate them," Ritter added. "But we cannot solve this state's transportation funding dilemma - a $50 billion to $100 billion dilemma according to the state's own estimates - by eliminating a handful of jobs at the Colorado Department of Transportation and calling it a day."

Perhaps the Ritter campaign meant that last line as a jab at Both Ways Bob Beauprez. But I haven't the slightest idea how they could predict what that guy is going to do on any given day.

Photo courtesy of Bill Ritter for Governor.

Anti-Ritter ads clutch at straws: part 2

In an earlier post, I ripped a misleading attack ad about Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill Ritter. The fair and balanced folks at The Rocky Mountain News and The Denver Post both dutifully repeated the ad's ridiculous claim that Ritter is soft on crime. But Media Matters new Colorado site has followed up the story with new information:

...both articles failed to inform readers that the plea-agreement percentage cited for Ritter was similar to the national average

Ritter is about as soft on crime as I am on Both Ways Bob.

Photo of Bill Ritter busting out some awesome dance moves, or something like that, courtesy of Bill Ritter for Governor.

The CD7 primary rolls on

The Rocky Mountain News has profiles of all of our CD7 Democratic candidates. Read up on Ed, Herb and Peggy. Primary is August 8. Can't come soon enough.

Photo of Peggy Lamm courtesy of Andrew Hyde. And the only reason it's of Peggy is because I just finished streaming Herb and Ed's latest ads so it's her turn. So no emailing me and screaming about how I am playing favorites.

This post is about Bill Winter

This morning I realized that none of the posts on my frontpage mentioned CD6 Democratic nominee Bill Winter. So this one does.

The DLC comes to Denver, part 2

I was terrified of being taken out of context in today's Rocky. So at first I was relieved that none of my quotes made the final draft.

But after awhile, I began to feel differently. The story quotes national bloggers, but none of Colorado's netroots activists. Not me, not Square State, not TalkLeft, not Colorado Confidential - nobody. That's wrong.

Maybe I should've responded with a little more venom when Steers asked my opinion of Colorado Democratic Senator Ken Salazar. Or perhaps I should've frothed that I wanted all DLC'ers burned at the stake.

But it would've been dishonest of me to say those things. I think America's DLC president, Bill Clinton, was an amazing leader. And I think there's room in the Democratic party for different viewpoints.

I just wish the party supported its netroots and grassroots activists the same way we support it. If Joe Lieberman loses his primary in Connecticut, it won't be because of loudmouth bloggers. It'll be because he went out of his way to tell his constituents that he didn't care about their opinions. He forgot that if he wants us to work for him, he needs to work for us.

Similarly, it's wrong of Salazar to say he'll support Lieberman, even if Democratic voters nominate someone else. This is America. Here, the voters select their leaders. Not the other way around.

The DLC comes to Denver

Yesterday afternoon, I was interviewed by Rocky Mountain News reporter Stuart Steers for his article about the Democratic Leadership Council. None of my quotes made the story. So maybe I'm just too boring for words. Or maybe Steers is writing another story on the DLC that hasn't run yet.

For what it's worth, I only said glowing things about each and every one of you.

Is W. gone yet?

Besides Democratic CD1 representative Diana DeGette, who was helped most by George W. Bush's visit to Colorado? Only time will tell, but CD7 Democratic candidate Peggy Lamm seized the opportunity to drop not one, not two, but three press releases.

The first tied Lamm to DeGette's campaign to increase federal funding for stem cell research. The second blasted Bush for his failure to support our nation's veterans. And the third took Lamm's Democratic opponents to task for various stuff I'm not getting into here because it's Friday night and, hey, is the CD7 primary over yet?

The person hurt the most? The object of Bush's affection, Rubber Stamp Rick O'Donnell, who'd been positioning himself as an outsider. It's pretty hard to convince voters you're some sort of renegade if W., Cheney and Ken Mehlman are all coming to town to scratch your back.

ProgressTV covers W.'s visit live

ProgressTV has breaking video of George W. Bush arriving at his fundraiser for CD7 Republican candidate Rick O'Donnell. I'm streaming it below.

After you watch, go sign the petition asking W. to return the "tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars they are spending in additional security expenses for O'Donnell's private political fundraising visit in Cherry Hills."

Herb vs. mudslinging

I am just a wee bit busy right now. So here's the latest of CD7 Democratic candidate Herb Rubenstein's spots. They always seem to get a rise out of people.

Ritter also attempts to avert catastrophic fire season

If you want to run Colorado in the age of global warming, you better have a plan to deal with wildfires. And it better be more comprehensive than, "Quit driving Hummers."

Fortunately, today Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill Ritter released "Protecting Colorado from Wildfires." The plan gives broad outlines of the different avenues Ritter will pursue as governor to protect lives and property. Ritter joined Democratic Senator Ken Salazar in criticizing the federal government for ignoring the critical situation across the western United States. But he also mentioned:

"Wildfires are a natural part of the environment here in the West," said Ritter, who was endorsed by the Colorado Professional Firefighters Association earlier this year. "But we can and must do more to protect ourselves."

On a completely different note, did you know Ritter has a MySpace page?

Photo courtesy of Bill Ritter for Governor.

So many stem cell research petitions, so little time

Just how many petitions are floating around out there asking congress to overturn W.'s veto of CD1 Democratic representative Diana DeGette's stem cell research funding bill? There's Progress Now Action's. And 2008 Democratic presidential hopeful Gov. Mark Warner's. And the Democratic party's.

Know of any others? Please post a comment on this thread.

Schedule of events for Friday's rally

CD7 Republican candidate Rick O'Donnell is campaigning as a reformer and an outsider. He is neither. And more proof of that arrives tomorrow, in the person of George W. Bush.

Many groups are planning rallies to welcome W. to our state, among them War Won't Work, Military Families Speak Out, Be the Change, and many of the Democratic CD7 candidates. Now CD1 Democratic representative Diana DeGette has announced she will join the rally to protest W.'s veto of her bill to increase federal funding for stem cell research.

A rough schedule of events:

10:45 a.m. - Meet at First Universalist Church, 4101 E. Hampden
11:00 a.m. - DeGette rally in support of stem cell research
11:30 a.m. - CD7 Democratic leaders speak
2:00 p.m. - Riot troops show up

Just kidding about that last part. Hopefully.

Salazar attempts to avert catastrophic fire season

The Denver Post reports that Colorado Democratic Senator Ken Salazar is trying to make someone take notice of the fact that much of the western United States is on fire:

"I look at Colorado as the Katrina of the West," Salazar said. "We are simply not doing enough." Salazar''s criticism came as senators from Western states scolded Bush administration officials for what they said was the slow pace of efforts to decrease the risk of catastrophic fires. So far this year, 4.5 million acres have burned in the West.

Where's the federal firefighting budget? Perhaps it's tied up in Iraq. That's where 11 of Colorado's 12 firefighting helicopters are.

Superman endorses Mello in SD32?

Emily's List-endorsed Democratic SD32 candidate Jennifer Mello recently picked up the support of, oh, don't give me that look. Everybody loves kids. And The Rocky Mountain News thought it was cute, too.

Photo courtesy of Mello for Senate.

Hickenlooper leads Denver towards greener pastures: Part 3

Hat-tip to Coyote Gulch for pointing me to Greenprint Denver. The site has the details on Democratic Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper's recently announced plan to make the region a leader in the environmental economy.

Read part one here and part two here.

Stem cell research and the value of partisanship

Today, I was going to try to recognize all the leaders who have stood up for CD1 Democratic representative Diana DeGette's bill to expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Including 2008 presidential contenders like Democrat Evan Bayh and Republicans John McCain and Bill Frist. But there are just too many to list. Over the last day, scientists have bashed the White House's lies. Advocacy groups have begged Bush not to veto this crucial bill. (See a PDF of organizations that signed a letter in support of H.R. 810 here.) And more than 3,000 people have signed the Progress Now Action petition.

But apparently it has all been for nothing. Sometime between now and 2:15 p.m., Bush will veto H.R. 810. We have elected a president who would rather throw embryos into a Dumpster than save lives or cure paralysis.

How much do you wish John F. Kerry was president right about now?

Some people bash me for being partisan. Today, you know why. It doesn't matter how hard we work to enforce the nation's laws or save the environment or advance science. As long as the theocrats rule America, we're losing the war.

This November, vote Democrat all the way down the ticket. It's the only way to take back America.

Senate votes to save lives, Bush could care less

CNN reports that the Senate just passed H.R. 810, CD1 Democratic representative Diana DeGette's bill to expand federal funding for stem cell research. The final vote was 63-37, just four votes short of the number needed to override Bush's promised first-ever veto. A press release from DeGette's office reads, in part:

President Bush's restrictive stem cell policy is a failure. H.R. 810 moves to correct that by allowing this important research to move forward under ethical constraints. This research holds so much promise to solving diseases that affect more than 110 million Americans. Vetoing it would be one of the greatest mistakes of his Presidency.

What can you do now? Go sign Progress Now Action's petition, which will be delivered to the President.

Republicans don't trust Both Ways Bob with money

Fiscal conservatives fled the Both Ways Bob Beauprez campaign after their candidate's flip-flops on Referendum C and Amendment 38. Some endorsed Democratic candidate Bill Ritter, shown here discussing issues in Las Animas County. Others are simply funneling their money directly into the right-wing smear machine. The Rocky Mountain News reports:

The Trailhead Group led so-called 527 political groups with more than $757,000 in contributions through the second quarter - a figure the group said was "on track" for this election year.

So now when you hear those pathetic radio ads that attempt smear our candidate, you know who's paying.

You can read related stories at Square State and ColoradoPols. Photo courtesy of Bill Ritter for Governor.

Salazar, Allard and science on embryonic stem cell research

CD1 Democratic representative Diana DeGette's bill to expand federal funding for stem cell research is close to passing the Senate. Yesterday I begged my Senators to support the bill. For a change, I actually got prompt replies from both of them.

Democratic Senator Ken Salazar will vote for the bill:

I believe the legislation passed by the House represents a measured, responsible step toward tapping into the vast potential that embryonic stem cell research has...

Republican Senator Wayne Allard will apparently vote no:

...We are currently finding that these adult stem cells can function as well, perhaps even better than, embryonic stem cells.

Allard needs to check his science. The Washington Post reports that opponents of embryonic stem cell research are using faulty, politically-charged data:

Prentice has repeatedly claimed that adult stem cells, which can be retrieved harmlessly from adults, have at least as much medical potential as embryonic cells. He often carries a binder filled with references to scientific papers that he says prove the value of adult stem cells as treatments for at least 65 diseases.

In the letter to Science, however, three researchers went through Prentice's footnoted documentation and concluded that most of his examples are wrong.

"Prentice not only misrepresents existing adult stem cell treatments but also frequently distorts the nature and content of the references he cites..."

It's like the global warming debate all over again. Have you signed the petition yet?

Progress Now Action launches stem cell research petition

An update on this story. (And this one and this one and this one.)

Progress Now Action has launched a petition that asks W. to allow H.R. 810 to become law, should it pass the Senate. Sign it right now. It is - quite literally - a matter of life and death.

Ask Allard, Salazar to help DeGette wake up Bush

The U.S. Senate is beginning debate on CD1 Democratic representative Diana DeGette's bill to expand funding for stem cell research. Make sure to contact Senators Allard and Salazar and tell them to vote for the bill.

Why go to the trouble when our theocrat-in-chief has threatened to use his first-ever veto on the bill? Because you owe it to DeGette, for standing up to Bush. You owe it to the 70% of Americans who support her bill. And you owe it to all those who are fighting diseases like Parkinsons, paralysis and diabetes.

Bush is hiding from reality. Let's make sure it finds him.

Photo of Diana DeGette and Michael J. Fox courtesy of Congresswoman Diana DeGette.

Who said it, George W. Bush or James Joyce?

One quote is from Ulysses. The other is W. speaking with other world leaders. Can you tell them apart?

"Proudly walking. Whom were you trying to walk like? Forget: a dispossessed. With mother's money order, eight shillings, the banging door of the post office slammed in your face by the usher. Hunger toothache."

"You eight hours? Me, too. Russia's a big country and you're a big country. Takes him eight hours to fly home. Russia's big and so is China."

Anti-immigration zealots admit they went too far

These are heady times for immigration hardliners. They convinced Colorado's Democratic legislature to pass the toughest immigration laws in the country. The national media is convinced that Colorado has lost its mind. But some of the zealots still claim the laws don't go far enough.

Fortunately, there are others who realize that the debate has gotten out of hand. From today's Denver Post:

Former Colorado Gov. Richard Lamm, who spearheaded the group that sponsored the constitutional amendment, said he was "bothered" that voters believed the state's No. 1 issue was illegal immigration. "It makes me think I was almost too successful bringing attention to the issue," he said. "This is not a very good reading on what problems the state faces. It's a serious issue, but people seem to have gone from an underreaction to overreaction."

Illegal immigration and the hiring of undocumented workers were serious issues. So the Democrats worked out a compromise to address them. Now lets see if the Republicans will step up to the plate to help us tackle healthcare, the budget, the environment, security, and economic development.

Hat-tip to Progress Now Action for the L.A. Times link.

Three reasons Bill Ritter will win in November (if we all aren't dead by then)

Presenting today's reasons why Democratic nominee Bill Ritter will be Colorado's next governor:

1. Because he has a handy lead in the polls and in fundraising. And 16% of voters already have a "very unfavorable" opinion of his opponent, Both Ways Bob Beauprez.

2. Because Both Ways Bob just tried a fundraiser with Ann Coulter and netted zero dollars. Apparently there aren't many hate speech fans in the square state.

3. Because if Ritter doesn't win, we are all in big trouble. Thanks partially to years of pollution and policies that favor the oil and concrete industries, Colorado's ozone levels have soared this summer. The Rocky Mountain News reports:

Until this week, ozone levels hadn't reached consistently high levels. But on the eve of a scorching weekend, Regional Air Quality Council Executive Director Ken Lloyd said that might change...

Colorado air-pollution regulators wary of the ozone levels are focusing attention on growing oil and gas activity in Weld and Adams counties northeast of Denver. Those operations leak compounds into the air that regulators believe push up ozone levels.

Recent figures suggest levels of ozone-forming compounds from those oil and gas fields in 2007 will be more than 60 percent above projections.

Colorado needs a new energy economy. Soon, too. I'd like to be able to go outdoors at some point.

Perlmutter hits the small screen (again).

Presenting CD7 Democratic candidate Ed Perlmutter's second ad in as many days. And I'm actually in this one. About seven seconds in. Sitting on the bleachers. Far left.

Wildlife Commission: "Screw the voters and their animals, too."

The Boulder Daily Camera reports that the state Wildlife Commission "approved part of a petition Thursday to open additional species to recreational trapping, making it legal for Colorado's trappers to trap and shoot mink and marten."

The new regulations blatantly disregard the will of Colorado voters, who put a ban on most trapping into the state Constitution.

Why do we even have elections? Under the Republicans, the government just does whatever it wants.

I've been tracking this story for awhile. You can start reading past posts by following this link. Hat-tip to Sinapu's blog.

Perlmutter hits the small screen

OK, CD7 fanatics. Here's Ed Perlmutter's TV spot. Apparently my cameo got left on the cutting room floor. Val Kilmer's face got edited out of True Romance. Those are the breaks.

I found the ad believable and moving. And by focusing on a single topic that he's passionate about - stem cell research - Ed ends up saying a lot about his character.

How does the ad stack up against his Democratic rivals'? See Herb's ad on this post and Peggy Lamm's ad on her site.

Hickenlooper leads Denver towards greener pastures: Part 2

Just two quick updates to last night's post.

The Denver Post admits that Mayor Hickenlooper's plan to green Denver is more than wide-eyed environmentalism. It's also sound economics.

Water conservation is a key element of the mayor's plan. And the Post also tells us about a new advertising campaign that will encourage consumers to restrict their water consumption.

Drinking Liberally with Angela Engel

I don't even need to go to Drinking Liberally anymore. I can booze at home and then read TakeBackTheHouse's fabulous wrap-ups at Square State.

Photo courtesy of Angela Engel 4 Coloradans.

Hickenlooper leads Denver towards greener pastures

Democratic Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper has already achieved more than just about any of his predecessors. Allow ohwillike to run down the accomplishments:

Denver Mayor Hickenlooper has made progress on many points in Denver: balancing a budget deep in the red, developing a plan to address homelessness, independent police review, the size of the police force, a justice center, 3-1-1 service, a settlement of the United Airlines bankruptcy debts to DIA, paving alleys, rethinking parking enforcement, an overhaul of zoning rules, a new franchise agreement with Xcel Energy that goes to voters on August 8, and more.

And now, The Rocky Mountain News reports that Hickenlooper is launching an unprecedented initiative to green Denver:

Mayor John Hickenlooper this morning unveiled an ambitious environmental program, called "Greenprint Denver," that calls for hybrid fuel cars for the city fleet, converting diesel powered vehicles to bio-diesel fuels, planting a million trees in the next 20 years, and making Denver one of the most water-conservative cities in the nation.

"It's no longer just about white collar jobs and blue collar jobs, we're talking about green collar jobs," the mayor said.

Everyday, I talk to people who say they hate politicians. I wish I could introduce them to our mayor. He's doing great things.

Daily doings in Democratic CD7

I write about Bill Ritter and Bill Winter. Both Ways Bob and Joe "Per Diem" Stengel. Immigration and stem cell research. All sorts of meaningful stuff. But nothing inflames Coloradolib readers like the CD7 Democratic primary. So here's your red meat for Wednesday, July 12.

Item #1: A source I respect told me AM 760 morning DJ Jay Marvin had pulled his endorsement of Peggy Lamm and thrown his support to Herb Rubenstein. Marvin's producer told me a different story: Marvin has donated to Peggy's campaign, but supports all three candidates in CD7.

Item #2: Coloradopols reports Ed Perlmutter's TV ad will break tomorrow. I made a (very) small cameo in the ad.

Item #3: Roll Call has obtained the results of a two-month-old Lake Research Partners poll. The poll shows that Lamm would whup Republican wingnut Rick O'Donnell harder than her Democratic rivals would. From a press release from the Lamm campaign:

In an "if the election were held today" question, 40% of respondents supported Lamm, while 39% backed O'Donnell, with 21% undecided. In an identical question pitting Perlmutter against O'Donnell, 38% supported the Republican and 32% supported the Democrat, with 30% undecided.

The sad thing, of course, is that O'Donnell is even close. The Republican's campaign is a mess and he has neither the moderate support or the solid credentials of his Democratic rivals.

Can we please end the CD7 Democratic primary as soon as possible?

Photo courtesy of Perlmutter for Congress.

Ritter campaign to host video contest: Part 2

I told you all I was assembling an A-list cast for my upcoming biopic on Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill and Jeannie Ritter. Here's why:

The Ritter for Governor Campaign is inviting amateur videographers, film students and others to participate in a unique and exciting opportunity to create promotional video spots for the campaign.

A panel of judges will review each submission. The top three segments will be posted on the campaign's web and blog sites and be distributed via blast e-mail and to the media. The campaign may also decide to air the winning entry on cable TV... Entries must be submitted by August 15. Winning entries will be announced in September.

For more information about the contest, please contact video contest supervisor Phil Weiser at phil.weiser@gmail.com or (303) 810-4981.

We've already bashed the heck out of Both Ways Bob. So it's great to now have a forum to illustrate Bill and his runningmate's life stories and positive agenda. Need something to work with? Pillage the video, photo and audio galleries on the Ritter website. Best o' luck.

Winter wins at Map Changers, scores Clark endorsement

The official results have yet to be posted, but a little birdy e-told me CD6 Democratic freight train Bill Winter has been declared the winner of Mark Warner's Map Changers. Score one for the Colorado netroots.

In other breaking news, Winter has been endorsed by General Wesley Clark:

"We need Bill in Congress because his perspective as a solider, teacher, coach and family man is much needed today in government. In voting for Bill, Coloradoans have an opportunity to turn things around now before it's too late. To change politics-as-usual, we have to vote for someone besides the usual politicians."

General Wesley K. Clark is a retired four-star general and served as the Supreme Allied Commander of Europe where he commanded NATO forces and directed Operation Allied Force in the Balkans, putting a stop to the ethnic cleansing by the Serbs.

Bush scared of DeGette, science: Part 2

An update on this story, straight from the desk of the congresswoman. A press release reads, in part:

"It's regrettable that President Bush will not even grant us the common courtesy of a meeting to discuss stem cell research. However, it's downright insulting that, at the same time, he sent his head political advisor to my hometown with a veto threat," said Rep. DeGette. "I would still welcome the chance to sit down with the President and talk to him about the mistake of making his first veto a bill which would help 100 million Americans and their families. This issue is too important to become part of Karl Rove's cynical electoral strategy."

"Gov. Owens, Bite us. Signed, your friends"

For the past few years, Governor Owens has been a reliable rubber stamp for right-wing interests. Twice in his career, he has put governing ahead of partisanship. And each time, his GOP "allies" have torn him to shreds.

The first time was when Owens joined business leaders, the majority of voters, and the entire Democratic party in backing Referendum C. The second time was last night, when he decided to compromise on HB1023, a bill that gave the Republicans everything they wanted, except a wedge issue to use in the upcoming elections.

Some memorable instances of GOP leaders ripping Owens, from today's Rocky Mountain News.

Sen. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield: "Bill Owens is the Bill Clinton of Colorado politics."

Rep. Debbie Stafford, R-Aurora: "We're helping create the next generation of terrorists."

Rep. Al White, R-Winter Park: "...this whole special session has been bullshit."

Mike May, R-Parker: "I think it is outrageous that something is not on the ballot."

(May needs to check his math. Voters will approve or reject two illegal immigration initiatives this November.)

Keep in mind that HB1023 is "far stronger and more substantive" than the initiative May wants on the ballot. But, since it's passed already, the Republicans can't have the issue to rile up voters. And that's all the Republicans wanted all along. Well, that's what most of them wanted. For the second time in his tenure, Owens has done the right thing.

Bush scared of DeGette, science

The Rocky Mountain News reports that President Bush is hiding under his desk at the thought of meeting with the sponsors of a bipartisan bill to expand federally-funded embryonic stem cell research. The research could provide cures for conditions such as paralysis, diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

And in The Denver Post, presidential advisor Karl Rove confirms that the president plans to use his first veto ever to kill the bill if it passes the Senate:

President Bush will likely cast the first veto of his presidency if the Senate, as expected, passes legislation to expand federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research, White House aide Karl Rove said Monday in Denver... The U.S. House of Representatives voted 238-194 last year to pass the legislation, co-sponsored by Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., and Rep. Mike Castle, R-Del. If the Senate approves the bill, it will go to the president's desk.

Our president has his head in the sand. And it makes me proud as hell that one of the people trying to pull it out is our own Diana DeGette.

Photo courtesy of Congresswoman Diana DeGette.

Immigration session leaves GOP leadership dazed, confused

I still think the special session is silly. But the political junkie in me has to smile at just how thoroughly Romanoff & Co. have outflanked their rivals. By proposing the nation's strictest, most comprehensive illegal immigration laws, the Democrats have left the Republicans with two choices:

1. Vote for the legislation and lose the wedge issue they'd hoped to ride in November.

2. Vote against the legislation and expose their own cynical, pandering hypocrisy.

It makes me giggle. It's a joyless, partisan giggle. But a giggle nonetheless.

You can follow this story at ColoradoPols, Square State and Progress Now Action.

An inspiring turn of events at Map Changers

As anyone who reads this blog knows, CD6 Democratic nominee Bill Winter and Texas Democrat John Courage have been competing for a fundraiser with 2008 presidential contender Mark Warner. The contest was supposed to end tonight. And it was getting a bit bloody.

But Winter and Courage are Fighting Dems, who were taught to never leave a brother behind. So in an unusual move, they've joined forces. About an hour ago, they wrote a joint diary at Daily Kos asking Warner to declare the contest a tie and do fundraisers with both of them.

The sun is shining outside my window for the first time in two days. Coincidence? I think not.

Send Warner to Colorado, Winter to DC, and Tancredo to retirement

CD6 Democratic nominee Bill Winter has dropped into second place at Map Changers, just 38 votes off the pace.

DFA has been exploiting its gigantic email lists to sell the Texas and California candidates. Here in Colorado, all we have is you. Get on the phone and ask everybody you know to vote. Just two more days to go.

Photo courtesy of Winter for Congress.

Ritter campaign to host video contest

You didn't hear it from me, but the Bill Ritter for governor campaign is planning a film contest that will render the Oscars obsolete. I've already lined up Christian Bale and Naomi Watts to star as Bill and Jeannie Ritter in an epic based on their adventures in Africa. Quentin Tarantino wil executive produce. We're still arguing over writing credits. Stay tuned for details.

Parsing the 2008 Colorado Senate race

I refuse to blog about the idiocy that reigned at the state capitol today. Fortunately Square State has it covered. In the meantime, let's make some wild guesses about the Colorado 2008 Senate race.

1. The early favorites.

Incumbent Republican Senator Wayne Allard will probably break his pledge to step down after two terms, which means the GOP nomination may be his by default.

CD2 Democratic Congressman Mark Udall has already announced he will run for Allard's seat, which may convince potential Democratic contenders to stay on the sidelines.

But assume that for some reason, that race doesn't happen. Here are four more scenarios, in order from most to least likely.

2. The early second favorites.

In the unlikely event Allard keeps his pledge, the person most likely to be the GOP nominee is Colorado's current Republican governor, Bill Owens. I've even heard rumblings from Republicans who want to pressure the uninspiring Allard to step aside so that Owens can rejuvenate his political career with a Senate run, with an eye towards a presidential bid in 2012 or 2016.

One of the few Democrats who can go round for round with Owens is Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper. I snapped the photo that accompanies this post at the press conference where he bowed out of this year's gubernatorial race. Assuming Democratic nominee Bill Ritter wins the governor's mansion in November, the 2008 Senate race is the most logical next step for Hickenlooper. But does he really want an extended career in public service? I don't think so.

But I do think that these are the two true heavyweights of Colorado politics. Both are accomplished, well-known, well-funded, and relatively popular. The race would be electric.

3. I got your culture war right here.

Imagine the fireworks if former Republican gubernatorial candidate Marc Holtzman ended up running against CD1 Democratic Congresswoman Diana DeGette? The outspoken, wealthy theocrat versus the liberal, experienced public servant. Some people say America is on the verge of a culture war. Maybe we ought to just get it over with.

4. Swinging for the fences.

I'm torn between handing fourth place in the GOP to an unemployed Bob Beauprez or to former CD3 Republican Congressman Scott McInnis, who flirted with the governor's race this year.

Businessman and policy maven Rutt Bridges was a Democratic Senate candidate in 2004, until he gracefully bowed out so the party could unite behind Ken Salazar. And he, too, flirted with a 2006 gubernatorial run. If he wants to stay involved, 2008 could be his best shot.

5. The next step's a doozy.

When current Democratic House speaker Andrew Romanoff opted out of the governor's race, he left a lot of people scratching their heads. It's not that Romanoff doesn't have limitless potential. It's that there simply aren't too many next steps available for the four-term state representative. The jump to a statewide Senate race is huge, but one which Romanoff would certainly be able to take.

The Republican bench gets a bit thin at this point. But a likely fifth-tier candidate could be (yikes!) Tom Tancredo, regardless of whether he holds his CD6 seat this November. Other 2008 GOP Senate candidates could be state legislators like Shawn Mitchell or David Balmer, both of whom seem to be using the Colorado state legislature purely as a stepping stone for a bigger things.

Think I'm nuts? Think one of the current Democratic CD7 candidates or Republican CD5 candidates could be a contender? Is there someone I overlooked? Who's your favorite Senate hopeful from either party? I'm curious.

Diana DeGette and the Mile High Club

Last night, I finally caught CD1 representative Diana DeGette's much heralded appearance on The Colbert Report. I thought she was brave as heck to get in the ring with America's premier satirist. And she came out pretty well. Certainly better than that one jackass who wanted the 10 commandments hung in the capitol but then couldn't name any of them.

I'm also impressed DeGette found the time to crack wise with Colbert, what with having to face down the Senate and protect America's food supply.

Keep Winter's momentum going for two more days

As of 10:25 a.m., CD6 Democratic unstoppable freight train Bill Winter is leading by 64 votes at Map Changers. Don't forget, you can vote as many times as you have email addresses.

Anti-Ritter ads clutch at straws

The lovely folks at The Trailhead Group have launched a radio attack on Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill Ritter. But their ad is so eye-rollingly dumb, it only proves just how clean Ritter's record is.

The Rocky Mountain News reports that the ad attempts to paint Ritter as soft on crime. Uh, right. In his three terms as Denver's district attorney, Ritter established one of the nation's first drug courts, sent 12,000 people to prison, prosecuted 1,632 felony cases and sought the death penalty seven times - all with only seven courtrooms.

In fact, Ritter's achievements were so outstanding, he became vice president of the National Association of District Attorneys and the chairman of the American Prosecutors Research Institute.

If this is the best Both Ways Bob Beauprez and his buddies have got, I'm gonna go have a margarita, because Ritter will win this thing going away.

Map Changers final round: Winter currently 2nd

CD6 Democratic nominee Bill Winter is running second in the final round of Mark Warner's Map Changers. But as they say, second place is just the first loser.

First place gets a fundraiser with Warner. So get busy. Cast your vote now.

Beauprez backers make like rats on a sinking ship

ColoradoPols reports that Republican donors aren't sending checks to their party's gubernatorial nominee, Both Ways Bob Beauprez. This is the first sign of fiscal responsibility we've seen in the GOP for more than six years.

Hm. That was unnecessarily rude. Especially when so many Republican leaders are showing a great deal of fiscal responsibility by throwing their support behind Democratic nominee Bill Ritter. Ritter has racked up GOP endorsements and his June fundraising numbers more than double Both Ways Bob's.

"He's damn opposed! Damn, damn, damn opposed!"

How do I feel about the special session on immigration that kicks off today? Well, I'm opposed to the whole thing! Damn opposed! I'm opposed to the flip-flops of Bill Owens, who can't seem to decide whether immigration is a state or federal issue. And I'm opposed to the flip-flops of Both Ways Bob Beauprez, who did less than nothing to stem the tide of illegal immigrants while he was in congress, but now seems to be basing his gubernatorial campaign on the issue.

But mostly, I'm opposed to the fact that nobody knows how much money even the most draconian restrictions might save Colorado's taxpayers. But we do know exactly how much this special session is costing us. $14,000 a day.

Ed, Peggy, Herb and the Internet

Ed Perlmutter's website has a new look. Peggy Lamm is fighting for net neutrality. And both of them allowed me the honor of making cameos in their campaign videos. But Herb Rubenstein may have gone his Democratic rivals one better by launching his ad on YouTube, which lets me stream it onto Coloradolib with ease.

Putting it out there like this seems like a smart move, and one which I wish more candidates would make. But is Herb's strong opposition to the Iraq War enough to win not just the primary, but the general election? It's up to you, CD7. Let me hear it.

Independence Day open thread

Want to tell me that you cast your vote at Map Changers or that you think CD7 Democratic candidate Herb Rubenstein is going to end the Iraq War? Feel free.

Send Winter to Washington, bring Warner to Colorado

It's time for the final round of voting at Map Changers. Democratic '08 hopeful Mark Warner will come to Colorado to campaign for the winner. Go vote. Now. Anybody wanna take a wild guess who I'm supporting?

Both Ways Bob's most recent flip-flop confirmed

The Both Ways Bob Beauprez flip-flop I alleged this morning has been confirmed by the The Rocky Mountain News:

Congressman Bob Beauprez withdrew his support Friday for a controversial ballot measure that is opposed by much of the business community, prompting a leading supporter to accuse him of betrayal.

Hm, Bob pulled a much-anticipated flip-flop on the Friday before a long holiday weekend. Coincidence? Probably not.

Yeah, I'm glad Both Ways Bob is finally seeing things Bill Ritter's way. But I continue to be amazed by Bob's capacity for flakiness. The guy can't hold a principled position for more than eight seconds.

On the bright side, if Racine's ever needs a name for a giant plate of waffles, they can call it "The Beauprez."

The Both Ways Bob Watch has been updated to include this post.

Ritter firm on Amendment 38. Beauprez, not so much.

In a way, I'd love to see Amendment 38 pass. Then I could finally get my own personal Constitutional amendment before the voters. (It would declare October 25 "P.J. Soles Day." And if you understand that reference, you need to quit watching so many movies.)

But on the other hand, I know that 38 would make a mockery of government in Colorado. As Democratic candidate for governor Bill Ritter wrote in an editorial:

This may be the single worst initiative that Colorado's business community will see in November. It will threaten our economic recovery. It will destroy the economic confidence gained by the passage of Referendum C. It will create instability across our political landscape and economic markets. And it will open up all actions, such as zoning and other business-related matters, by the nearly 2,500 local government agencies in Colorado, to delay and uncertainty.

Even more troubling, Amendment 38 will open the floodgates for additional state budgeting, economic and taxing decisions to be inserted into the Colorado Constitution. The state Constitution already looks like a charm bracelet for special interests.

Where does Ritter's Republican opponent, Both Ways Bob Beauprez, stand on 38? Who knows? As late as June 23, Beauprez was telling The Rocky Mountain News that he supported 38. But yesterday I received releases from both the Ritter campaign and Progress Now Action that say Both Ways Bob seems to be reversing field. Why? Because he was only supporting 38 to get the Independence Institute vote. Now that Marc Holtzman is out of the GOP primary, Beauprez can feel free to court business leaders and moderates, who are generally opposed to 38.

For instance, The Denver Business Journal is anti-38:

Business groups already are lining up in opposition to Amendment 38, because they've seen the damage done by rigid constitutional language dreamed up in the minds of political ideologues - on the right or the left - whose narrow interests ignore the public good.

And on June 19, The Denver Post reported that:

Several high-profile GOP members also have been worrying about [Beauprez's] support for Amendment 38, which could make it easier to put more issues on the ballot by allowing the state legislature to lower the number of signatures required for initiated laws.

Yes, I'm glad Both Ways Bob appears to be ready to finally listen to reason. No, I don't think his brand of political pandering counts as leadership. Yes, I appreciate Bill Ritter's consistent stand on the issue. And yes, I'm still collecting signatures for P.J. Soles Day.

Photo courtesy of the Ritter for Governor campaign.