(Cross-Posted to DemNotes at www.DemNotes.com)

(At the outset, let me apologize for the length of this post. I’ve not posted in a while, and have a lot to report.)

Regular readers of DemNotes will know that I very, very rarely spend time asking for money. We have several thousand readers on the DemNotes e-mail list, and I absolutely don’t want DemNotes to become one of those mailing lists where everything just seems like another ploy to get you to give more money to the Party. I give you readers more credit than that, and DemNotes is about organizing, about reporting what is going on around the state, about opening the curtains to the formerly smoke-filled rooms, and about being accountable as a State Party officer to you.

That being said, when I do come on and ask for money, know that I only do so on the most important of occasions.

The summer of an “off-year” is particularly hard for state parties to raise money. For the Colorado Democratic Party, that fact has been compounded by the intense fundraising pressure that donors feel from every angle. Several Presidential candidates have been in the state in the past month to raise money, the DSCC is raising money, Mark Udall and Congressional candidates are hard at work raising money — and, oh yeah, there’s this multi-million dollar fundraising effort for some soiree in August of 2008 in Denver for which money must be raised.

This is why it is so important that every single one of you out there with the means to do so should go online now and buy a ticket to the State Party’s breakfast with Governor Ritter on Wednesday morning. Yes, tickets are pricey ($250 per person), but that means that the event will be more intimate. Here are the details:

The breakfast will held from 7:30-9:00 A.M. at the Historic Crawford Hill Mansion, offices of Haddon Morgan Mueller Jordan Mackey and Foreman, 150 East 10th Avenue, Denver, Colorado.
You can register and pay online through the end of today at:
http://www.coloradodems.us/events/ritterbreakfast

If you don’t get this e-mail until Tuesday, you can still e-mail Christine Pokrandt at the State Party, and she will help you get your tickets:
cpokrandt@coloradodems.org

But, let’s be frank: whether you can afford tickets to this or not, we still need your financial help. You shouldn’t need an event to be an excuse to help build the infrastructure that will elect a second Democratic US Senator, and that will send our Nine Electoral Votes to the Democratic nominee for President. No, you just need a link, and here it is, so you can give to the Party online:
http://coloradodems.us/contribute

It’s a quick and easy process, and it is secure. Please, please, please, help put us in the position we need to be to win more elections in 2008!!!

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Okay. Enough begging for money. You know what you need to do.

On Saturday, just a day back from a week visiting family in Oklahoma, I went up the road to Buena Vista to attend the Chaffee County Dems’ BBQ. It was a great night, and a huge crowd (normal for Chaffee County) was on hand to hear from State Party Chair Pat Waak and newly-elected Senator Gail Schwartz. Both did a great job framing the issues and strategies for the next year and a half.

But, to be frank, the point that was hammered home in Buena Vista, in Susan Bristol’s back yard, was not given by the speakers. The point of the evening was to have fun - to enjoy the company of like-minded Democrats; to enjoy a drink and a meal and talk about how to continue to transform that county. Only a few years ago, Chaffee was a reliably red county. Now, nearly every county office is held by a Democrat, and Democrats are the dominant and active party there, while the Republicans continue to descend into shrill partisanship and right-wing demagoguery. People in Chaffee County have seen that Democrats can govern better than Republicans, have better ideas than Republicans, and even reach across the aisle in a spirit of bipartisanship better than Republicans.

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I got home late Saturday night from Chaffee County only to wake up at 5:30 the next morning to head back up the road to Denver. All of your State Party officers were proud to walk with the Stonewall Democrats in the PrideFest parade on Sunday morning. It was my first attendance at PrideFest, and it was probably the most uplifting of all parades (with the possible exception of Fiesta Day in Pueblo). To a person, nearly every person along the long, and heavily packed parade route cheered the Democrats. Congresswoman Diana DeGette was there, along with Congressman Perlmutter. Each of the three candidates for Congress in the Second CD were there (Polis, Fitz-Gerald, and Shafroth), and did a great job greeting the crowd.

Notably absent? The Republicans. They just don’t understand how important inclusion is to the future of politics in America and Colorado. With Dick Wadhams at the helm, I think they’re still stuck in this concept that winning elections is more about dividing than uniting. So, while we’ll appeal to the greater spirits of the Colorado voter, Republicans will continue to lose in Trailhead-style fashion, because they need to divide to win. I think the crowd recognized that, because in the festival area, while there were booths packed by participants in PrideFest, the loneliest booth seemed to be that for the Log Cabin Republicans. Their Party has left them.

We’ll take their votes.

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A last-minute change to my schedule was the addition of the rally by Michael Moore on the steps of the Capitol. It was absolutely fantastic! News reports estimated that around 2,000 people attended the rally last night, which was co-sponsored by Progressive Democrats of America, among other groups. We heard some shocking stories about abuses by health insurers, and we heard an inspirational talk by Michael Moore about how we need to change the system.

I’m sold.

I’m sold in large part because I was lucky enough to snag tickets to the local premiere of SiCKO, Moore’s new documentary about the health care system in America, last night. The movie makes sense, and it leaves you outraged at what has happened to America. I really, really, really encourage each of you to take time to see it. It smashes the right-wing talking points about universal health care into shards, and it does so with a wonderful sense of humor. One talking point we always hear is how expensive universal health care would be. A British member of Parliament really nailed it on the head in the movie:

“If we can find money to kill people, then surely we can find money to heal people.”

After the movie, which prominently featured a Denver resident (and lots of Broncos logos), Michael Moore came out to engage the crowd in some great Q and A. He answered questions about the movie, about how to deal with some of the right-wing talking points, and about how we have to change the mindset of Americans. My only complaint (and one I voiced last night to Moore)? He called us a “red state”. Red! In the end, it seemed like he was challenging us to prove him wrong, since our electoral votes went to Bush in ‘00 and ‘04.

So let’s prove him wrong.

And let’s get out there and force our leaders to fight for universal health care for ALL Americans!

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I’ll report about the Governor’s breakfast on Wednesday. Hopefully, I’ll see you there!

Saturday, June 23, 2007 was a busy day in the life of the Chair. On Friday, I had a chance to address the Biennial Convention of AFSCME in Denver. We went over the process for being involved in the upcoming convention and how to become a delegate. Then it was down the road to Pagosa Springs.

On Saturday morning I followed Rich Goebel to Chromo and the Banded Peak Ranch. Over 60 Archuleta County Democrats gathered to have barbeque brisket and an assortment of salads and desserts. Bob Nash, ranch foreman and Chair of Archuleta County Democrats, did a great job of organizing the picnic, introducing speakers and overseeing a wonderful band. Archuleta Dems carried the county for the Democrats this past fall, and they are getting their organization in place for the coming year.

Then I hit the road and drove up to Buena Vista. Almost 100 Democrats gathered in the Bristols back yard for the Chaffee County barbeque. We have a chance to introduce Daryl Grant, the new SW Field Director, who is part of the DNC State Partnership Project. Senator Gail Schwartz had a chance to talk to the group, as well as Dan Slater and me. It was a great crowd, and again they are priming themselves for the coming year.

Today all of the CDP officers marched in the Pridefest parade in Denver. Rep. Diana DeGette was on hand. Rep. Perlmutter had a group in the procession, and Denver DA Mitch Morrissey did his annual participation with his daughter. We spotted all three CD2 candidates: Sen. Joan Fitz-Gerald, Jared Polis, and Will Shafroth. State Sen. Betty Boyd, State Board of Education members Evie Hudak and Karen Middleton, Rep. Joel Judd, Rep. Morgan Carroll, and Sen. 23 Candidate Joe Whitcomb were just some of the folks seen in the crowd. Adams, Boulder, Denver and Jefferson Counties all had participants as well. It seems like the parade gets larger every year and is a great opportunity to show our support for civil rights for all.

To end my Sunday I am at the state party headquarters waiting for a meeting of the Faith and Politics working group. Hope you have had a restful weekend. Just know, that Democrats are working hard everywhere.

Pat

On June 10, 2007, the President of Western State hosted educators and community leaders in a Sunday afternoon discusion about education. This meeting was one of a number that Speaker Romanoff is holding to promote a dialogue on education issues.

The purpose of the meetings is to have conversations with citizens in Colorado about what we want out of public education. We can produce the finest public education, but what is the specific goal. Romanoff said that what we really want is to help every child to fulfill their potential as a human being. Are we there yet? Most people say no. How do we get there? A lot will depend on the new council set up by Governor Ritter, which consists of thirty participants plus 3 co-chairs. Their goal to create a seamless educational process without pitting K through 12 against college funding. So the new council is focused on P through 20. In talking to young people 20% of 100 kids say they will get a AA or BA.

The mill levy stabilization bill was passed giving more local autonomy. The idea came forward in 2004 and passed the Senate. It did not get out of the house. This year the Governor proposed that the legislation be reintroduced. It passed and was signed into law. 175 local jurisdictions already have passed local legislation freezing the mill levy.

Speaker Romanoff talked about other legislation that was passed to provide funding for education. The following is just some of those bills.

House Bill 1048, sponsored by State Representative Mike Merrifield (D-Colorado Springs), helps parents and teachers get a better understanding of kids’ progress by focusing on the individual child’s development throughout the school year using longitudinal assessment.

House Bill 1345, sponsored by Rep. Merrifield, make it easier for parents to understand and access how their kids’ schools perform by streamlining three School Accountability Reports into one easy-to-read report and making it available online.

Senate Bill 148, sponsored by State Representative Edward Casso (D-Thornton), establishes a pilot program that helps kids stay in school and on a track toward college by allowing students to get a high school diploma and an associate degree within five years.

Senate Bill 239 “Long Bill”, sponsored by State Representative Bernie Buescher (D-Grand Junction), keeps college affordable by boosting financial aid by $7.4 million and increases the Colorado Opportunity Fund for 122,000 students.

Senate Bill 97, sponsored by House Majority Leader Alice Madden (D-Boulder), ensures that Colorado’s only medical school remains competitive to foster future doctors by funding the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center.

House Bill 1014, sponsored by State Representative Kathleen Curry (D-Gunnison), makes higher education more accessible to the Western Slope by reinstating graduate programs at Western State College.

House Bill 1145, sponsored by Rep. Merrifield, helps fund K-12 education through alternative energy development by authorizing the state land board to lease land for renewable energy development. Currently, 90 percent of the revenues from state lands help fund K-12 education.

Jay Helman, president of Western State, talked about the recent higher education summit. The theme was why education matters. He noted that there are problems with equal opportunity in the K-12 system. That challenge doesn’t change going into colleges and universities. People are coming to college who are not prepared. On Sept. 8, 2007, at the fall meeting of Club 20, education will be addrewswed. They hope to lay out a strategy and vision for what we want.

About 20 people participated in this discussion, and it was an important opportunity for exchanging information between lawmakers and local activists.

Pat Waak

Because Mike Weissman was on vacation, the first of these Week in Reviews was not sent out. I am posting last week’s and this week’s for an update. Thanks.

Week in Review – June 3-9, 2007

Press Release from the Governor on BLM Actions on Development Plan for Roan Plateau

Gov. Bill Ritter yesterday denounced the Bureau of Land Management’s refusal to provide additional time to review a Roan Plateau land-management. He also criticized the BLM for moving forward with plans for increased energy development of the Roan.

On Thursday, the BLM denied the Governor’s request for an additional 120 days to evaluate the draft Roan Plateau Resource Management Plan. Today, the Bureau issued the first of two Records of Decision for managing increased demand for energy development on the Roan.

“My request for an additional 120 days to review the draft plan prior to the Record of Decision was intended to give my administration an opportunity to ensure that the values shared by Colorado’s citizens were reflected in the Roan Management Plan,” Gov. Ritter said. “Unfortunately, the BLM’s rush to lease this special area could inhibit my ability to weigh in on this extremely important decision.”

Gov. Ritter also questioned the immediate push to lease the Roan when the BLM already has plans for approximately 40,000 additional wells on federal land in northwest Colorado over the next 15 years. The drilling activity on federal land will be in addition to the private land gas development occurring in the region.

Gov. Ritter had asked Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne on May 14 for 120 days to review the draft Roan Resource Management Plan before any decisions were made. The request cited the unique nature of the Roan Plateau and its importance to the people of Colorado and visitors to the state.

“The management of federal lands in Colorado was a central topic of debate during the gubernatorial campaign,” Ritter said. “I advocated for the reasonable, responsible development of energy and wanted to ensure that this perspective was reflected in the development plan.”

Gov. Ritter said he will continue to evaluate all options for deferring the leasing of the Roan.

Howard Dean’s Answer to the President

DNC Chairman Howard Dean delivered the Democratic radio address this week. In his remarks, Dean outlined the stark differences between the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates on the Iraq War. While all the Democratic contenders are dedicated to responsibly ending the war, the Republican field continues to embrace President Bush’s ineffective escalation of the war.

Dean also re-framed the debate about the war in Iraq and the war on terror. He drew a contrast between the ineffective policies pursued by Republican leaders that have bogged us down in Iraq and Democrats who offer the American people an effective offensive strategy that puts America on the offensive against al Qaeda, by responsibly re-deploying our troops from the civil war in Iraq and into the fight with global terrorists.

Below is a copy of Chairman Dean’s remarks and click here to listen to the audio:

http://www.democrats.org/a/2007/06/dean_democratic_1.php

From U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette on Stem Cell Research

There are times when politics is personal. For me, the debate about stem cells is one of those times. My daughter lives every day with juvenile diabetes. As I watch her courageously face the challenges of managing this disease, I can give her all of the love, support, and medicine she needs to get through each day. But as a Member of Congress, I can give her and millions like her so much more - hope for a cure through stem cell research. I’m writing to you on behalf of my daughter and the countless others like her.

I have authored legislation to repeal President Bush’s unconscionable ban on federal funding for stem cell research. Rather than listen to the overwhelming will of the American people and the scientific community who support federal funding for stem cell research, the President has chosen to block it. My daughter and millions of Americans like her pay a price every day for President Bush’s obstructionist tactics and his promise to use his veto pen. But you can take action before he does.

Tell President Bush not to crush the hopes of millions of Americans by vetoing this lifesaving legislation.

Colorado Democratic Party Features Governor Bill Ritter

Come to breakfast on June 27, 2007 at the Historic Crawford Hill Mansion. From 7:30 to 9:00 A.M., we will gather poolside to celebrate Democratic progress and hear the Governor talk about the past session in the legislature. We will also raise much needed funds for communications and training new county chairs. Go online at www.coloradodems.org, to reserve a space.

A Chance to Throw the Opening Pitch at the Rockies-Yankee Game

The Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee has teamed up with the Colorado Rockies baseball team, a strong community partner, to offer a once in a lifetime opportunity to throw the opening pitch of the highly anticipated Rockies -Yankees game on Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 7:05 p.m. The auction will be launched on www.DenverConvention2008.com and the winning bidder will also receive two premier tickets, donated by Colorado Rockies co-owner Linda Alvarado. This Rockies - Yankees series marks the first time the teams have met in Denver since 2002. Please direct all questions regarding the auction to Rockies_Pitch@DenverConvention2008.com.

The Host Committee is accepting bids of $2,008 or more starting Thursday, June 7 and continuing until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, 2007. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee, a 501(c)6 organization.

Presidential Candidates and U.S. Senators in Colorado

Gov. Bill Richardson brought his presidential campaign to Denver and Pueblo with a series of fundraisers. He had great attendance at two events in Denver and one in Pueblo. Polls in New Hampshire and Iowa have shown a gain since the last debate.
Sen. Barack Obama is making a second fundraising visit to Broomfield on Sunday. On Saturday an Obama grassroots event took place in Denver. Obama continues to attract large crowds around the country.

Sen. Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey was a guest of Norm Brownstein’s at a luncheon in Denver on Friday. He then went to Vail, where he was a guest of the Eagle County Democrats.

Sen. Jon Tester of Montana and Sen. Jeff Bingaman were in Colorado to fundraise on behalf of U.S. Rep. Mark Udall’s upcoming Senate race. They both had a chance to talk with donors in Colorado.

Pat Waak

Week in Review June 10-16, 2007

Senate Needs to Pass Energy Independence Bill

Colorado Democratic Party Chair Pat Waak called on Senator Wayne Allard to stand up for Colorado’s working families by joining Democrats in passing the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007. This critical bill would protect working families throughout Colorado by improving energy efficiency, punishing gas price gougers, and strengthening U.S. national security by taking real steps to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

At a time when Colorado consumers are saddled with record gas prices, which have increased 124.83 percent since President Bush took office, Republicans in Washington continue to stand up for their special interest friends and stand in the way of real reform. This year, the average Colorado household with children will spend $4,492 on transportation fuel costs, an increase of 124.83 percent over 2001 costs. In addition to combating price gouging by oil companies, a new Joint Economic Committee report shows that the energy efficient practices encouraged in the Democratic energy plan could save Colorado’s working families $1,600 each year–$750 a year in household energy costs and $875 a year on gasoline costs. [Joint Economic Committee report, 6/14/07]

As Congress is debating the new Democratic energy plan, Governor Bill Ritter and Democrats in the Colorado legislature passed major programs in renewable energy. But Congress still needs to do its part.

Vestas Blades Breaks Ground On First North American Manufacturing Plant In Windsor

From the Governor’s office: Vestas Blades of Denmark broke ground yesterday on its first North American manufacturing plant in Windsor, becoming one of the pioneers of Gov. Bill Ritter’s New Energy Economy.

The $62 million, 200,000-square-foot facility will produce about 700 blades a year for wind turbines when the plant is operational starting in 2008. It will provide about 450 manufacturing jobs.

Ritter, Kennedy Release Accountability Report

Gov. Bill Ritter and State Treasurer Cary Kennedy yesterday announced the release of the first State Taxpayer Accountability Report. The STAR Report provides information on the state’s fiscal condition for Fiscal Year 2005-2006, the most recently available audited data.

Kennedy made a promise during her campaign to provide greater government transparency. The new report makes complicated financial information accessible and understandable

The STAR report can be viewed on the Treasurer’s website at www.colorado.gov/treasury and the Governor’s website at www.colorado.gov/governor.

Colorado Public Radio Launches new Public Insight Network

From Public Insight Editor, Dan Meyer: “We’ve started a new reporting project that connects directly with the public. It’s called the Public Insight Network and I’m in charge of it. Basically, folks respond to questions we put on the web site or they just sign up generally to receive emailed questions in the future. We’re after knowledge and experience, not taking opinion polls. But of course in the context of the elections much of it translates into political preferences.

As presidential matters take on more importance and news impact — especially with the convention coming here — I’m reaching out to people on all sides trying to make sure that we have good representation of, and an open channel to, all political viewpoints.

Take a look at http://www.kcfr.org/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=189 where you can sign up or just learn more about it. You’ll see the questions we’re asking now, both of which I bet will interest you: One’s about returning military vets and the other about efforts and obstacles to ‘going green.’ A promise: We’ll never use information for fundraising or other solicitations.” State Party Chair, Pat Waak, became the 600th person to sign up.

Colorado Democratic Party Recommends Colorado Springs For State Convention In 2008

The Colorado Democratic Party’s Site Selection Committee last evening unanimously voted to recommend that the 2008 State Democratic Convention and Assembly be held at the World Arena in Colorado Springs. The decision followed intensive work, including site visits, by leaders of both Colorado Springs and Broomfield to woo the Democrats to their respective communities. Pursuant to Party rules, the Party’s Executive Committee will vote in July on whether to accept the recommendation.

CDP First Vice Chair and Site Selection Committee Chair Dan Slater talked about the process. “The members of the Site Selection Committee have worked extremely hard over the past two months to ensure that every possible angle of these bids have been examined. While we were very impressed with the bid from Broomfield, in the end, the bid from El Paso County Democrats excelled in every area: technical, political, and in terms of community support. El Paso County’s Democratic Party has proven to be one of the most energetic in the state, and we are confident that they will be the ideal hosts for us in May of 2008.”

State Party Chair Pat Waak praised the work of the Committee. “I am very pleased that we had such a hard-working group of people willing to work on this task. I’m confident the Executive Committee will support their recommendation, and I’m excited to nominate our next United States Senator in Colorado Springs.”

Waak said that the choice of historically-Republican El Paso County meshed well with the Party’s “64-County Strategy”. “We’re competing in all parts of this state. Democrats have better ideas, are better organized, and have better candidates. To consistently win statewide, we have to be willing to take on Republicans everywhere, and we’re doing that. Colorado Springs is changing, as we’ve seen with the elections of Representative Michael Merrifield and Senator John Morse. We’re proud to honor those changing dynamics by bringing the state to Colorado Springs next May.”

This was the second time the Colorado Democratic Party had used a competitive site selection process to choose the site for the state assembly / convention. In 2005, the Party chose Greeley as its site for the 2006 State Assembly, and the resulting energy from that event is partially credited by many for Bill Ritter’s historic victory in Weld County in 2006. The Site Selection Committee is comprised of 10 members, plus a non-voting chair, appointed by the State Chair. Of the ten members, at least one must come from each of Colorado’s seven Congressional Districts, guaranteeing geographical diversity. A Request for Proposals was sent out to each county Democratic chair in April, with Broomfield and Colorado Springs submitting bids in May.

Despite the fact that Speaker of the Colorado House, Andrew Romanoff, read the 10 top reasons why Linda should not retire, she has stepped down from the chair of Morgan County Democrats. Saturday evening her friends and family gathered at Elaine’s Place in Fort Morgan to pay tribute to all her hard work. Linda is not going away. She remains the treasurer of the county party. In addition to Andrew’s humorous tribute, I was able to present her with a wonderful jewelled donkey pin made by the National Women’s Political Caucus. I also told the gathering that the new NCEC data suggests that Morgan County could vote Democratic in 2008. If that happens, current chair, Tom Proctor, cannot take all the credit. Linda can share in the victory because of all her hard work.

Linda’s array of pictures with many political luminaries were displayed on a table at the front. Her brother, Cliff, read letters from Senator Gary Hart, Governor Roy Romer, Senator Ken Salazar and others.

In addition to Morgan County Democrats, and even some Republicans, Democrats from Logan and Lincoln County attended the festivities. We are all happy that Linda is not disappearing. Thanks to her for all she has done and continues to do.

Pat Waak

(Cross-Posted to DemNotes at www.DemNotes.com)

Remember Weld County?

Remember how they were so red for years that the election of Jim Riesberg to represent Greeley in 2004 was seen as a fluke by many?

Then, do you remember how we held our 2006 State Assembly in Greeley? Maybe you didn’t notice, but people came from out of the woodwork to help put on a great event in Greeley for us. Those volunteers didn’t just go back home and sit in their easy chairs after the Island Grove Events Center was cleaned up. Instead, they spread out across the communities of Weld County and worked for victory in 2006.

Then, something amazing happened. Bill Ritter — a Democrat — won Weld County.

Now, I’m not saying it was all due to that little soiree we held at Island Grove in May that did it. But I think most folks would agree that it helped.

Last night, the members of the State Party’s Site Selection Committee made another historic decision: they are recommending that the road to the Democratic National Convention in Denver go through Colorado Springs. They are recommending that the road to the second Democratic United States Senator from Colorado go through Colorado Springs.

To be fair, the decision was not easy. Broomfield Democrats put together an amazing bid; I was foaming at the mouth to be able to produce a state convention and assembly at the new Broomfield Events Center. But there were just too many advantages to going to El Paso County to ignore, and that’s why the decision by the Committee was unanimous. Here’s some of the Party’s press release this morning:

DENVER, Colorado – The Colorado Democratic Party’s Site Selection Committee last evening unanimously voted to recommend that the 2008 State Democratic Convention and Assembly be held at the World Arena in Colorado Springs. The decision followed intensive work, including site visits, by leaders of both Colorado Springs and Broomfield to woo the Democrats to their respective communities. Pursuant to Party rules, the Party’s Executive Committee will vote in July on whether to accept the recommendation.

CDP First Vice Chair and Site Selection Committee Chair Dan Slater talked about the process. “The members of the Site Selection Committee have worked extremely hard over the past two months to ensure that every possible angle of these bids have been examined. While we were very impressed with the bid from Broomfield, in the end, the bid from El Paso County Democrats excelled in every area: technical, political, and in terms of community support. El Paso County’s Democratic Party has proven to be one of the most energetic in the state, and we are confident that they will be the ideal hosts for us in May of 2008.”

State Party Chair Pat Waak praised the work of the Committee. “I am very pleased that we had such a hard-working group of people willing to work on this task. I’m confident the Executive Committee will support their recommendation, and I’m excited to nominate our next United States Senator in Colorado Springs.”

Waak said that the choice of historically-Republican El Paso County meshed well with the Party’s “64-County Strategy”. “We’re competing in all parts of this state. Democrats have better ideas, are better organized, and have better candidates. To consistently win statewide, we have to be willing to take on Republicans everywhere, and we’re doing that. Colorado Springs is changing, as we’ve seen with the elections of Representative Michael Merrifield and Senator John Morse. We’re proud to honor those changing dynamics by bringing the state to Colorado Springs next May.”

This was the second time the Colorado Democratic Party had used a competitive site selection process to choose the site for the state assembly/convention. In 2005, the Party chose Greeley as its site for the 2006 State Assembly, and the resulting energy from that event is partially credited by many for Governor Bill Ritter’s historic victory in Weld County in 2006. The Site Selection Committee is comprised of 10 members, plus a non-voting chair, appointed by the State Party Chair. Of the ten members, at least one must come from each of Colorado’s seven Congressional Districts, guaranteeing geographical diversity. A Request for Proposals was sent out to each county Democratic chair in April, 2007, with Broomfield and Colorado Springs submitting bids in May, 2007.

As noted, the decision has yet to be ratified by the State Executive Committee, which will likely be meeting on July 21 in Pueblo. But I’m hopeful that the Executive Committee will see the same advantages we saw and endorse this decision.

I had to drive through Colorado Springs to get back home last night. Since there was already a fundraiser for Representative Michael Merrifield and Senator John Morse going on, I thought I’d stop by and somewhat-informally congratulate the El Paso Dems on their success. There just happened to be a reporter from the Colorado Springs Gazette there, and here’s some of what is up on the Gazette today:

A site-selection committee for the state party unanimously agreed Wednesday that Democrats hold the party’s 2008 state convention in Colorado Springs. The party’s executive committee still must ratify the recommendation next month, but several sources said that’s merely a formality.

The May convention will be a two-day affair at several hotels and the World Arena, culminating in the expected nomination of Congressman Mark Udall as the party’s U.S. Senate nominee. It is a separate event from the weeklong Democratic National Convention that will be held next summer in Denver.

Still, the state convention is expected to attract 6,500 peo- ple, most of whom will come from outside the area, staying at city hotels and eating in local restaurants.

No figures were available late Wednesday on the exact economic impact, but Mayor Lionel Rivera, who wrote a letter to support the bid, said Republican state conventions that have been here have typically filled all the hotel rooms in the southwest part of town.

“We’re going to play everywhere, including the reddest parts of the state,” Dan Slater, chairman of the selection committee, told Democratic leaders at The Warehouse restaurant. “This county is in play.”

His optimism — as well as the idea of a state Democratic convention in El Paso County — would have seemed laughable in mid-2002, when no Democrats held local office and Libertarians put more candidates onto the ballot here. State Rep. Mike Merrifield, a Colorado Springs Democrat elected in the fall of that year, said he would have been “shocked” by such an announcement at that time.

But local Democrats put together an enticing package this year, showing that hotels and the convention could be within walking distance of each other. They also emphasized the importance of El Paso County Democratic votes to winning statewide races.

“Pretty clearly, the state party recognizes the tectonic shift that’s occurring in El Paso County,” said state Sen. John Morse, D-Colorado Springs.

A tectonic shift indeed. And we’re just beginning…

(Cross-Posted to DemNotes at www.DemNotes.com)

Thursday, I was in the Denver area and had an opportunity to attend an event with New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. Then, yesterday was spent exploring both Broomfield and Colorado Springs in an attempt to better figure out where to hold our 2008 State Convention and Assembly.

(Caveat: While I certainly believe that State Party officers have the prerogative to endorse candidates for President — and many have done so in the past, including myself as State Party Secretary in 2004 — I am not endorsing any candidate at this time. Through the next year, we will see any number of our great field of Presidential candidates come through this state, and I will write on their visits when I’m in attendance. Unless I expressly indicate, such writing, whether positive or negative, should never be interpreted as an endorsement of any kind.)Bill Richardson spent Thursday and Friday in Colorado, attending events in Denver and Pueblo. I was already close to the Denver area on Thursday afternoon, so I made a point of helping welcome our neighboring Presidential candidate to Colorado. Gov. Richardson was a little late to the event in Denver, due to traffic issues. He made sure to talk about Denver’s transportation issues when he arrived.

The Governor was introduced by long-time Colorado (and national) Hispanic activist Polly Baca and Richardson’s state director, DNC Member J.W. Postal. The Governor then spoke about his long-ranging experience, particularly on foreign policy issues. One of the big concerns about the Richardson campaign in the past is that he isn’t one of the “big three” candidates who are likely to win the nomination; however, Gov. Richardson addressed those concerns head-on. He talked about how his poll numbers in the key early states continue to rise as he is seen in the debates - he said the latest New Hampshire polls now have him in double-digits in that key “first-in-the-nation” primary state.

After he spoke, the Governor made sure to go out into the audience and meet the crowd. He spent quite a while talking to every person who wanted to speak to him, paying attention to the variety of issues raised.

The Pueblo Chieftain has a write-up of his visit to Pueblo. Here’s an excerpt:

Richardson, 59, brought his suit-and-cowboy-boots campaign to Pueblo on Friday, flying in for two fundraisers hosted by local Democrats. In the Denver area on Thursday, he was working the state hard because Colorado has a presidential primary Feb. 5.

“I am the Western candidate. I am the Latino candidate. And I am the candidate with the most experience,” Richardson declared during a brief press conference at Pueblo Memorial Airport. On hand to greet him and endorse him were former U.S. Rep. Ray Kogovsek, state Sen. Abel Tapia, and state Reps. Rafael Gallegos and Buffie McFadyen, all Democrats.

“I don’t think any of the other (Democratic) candidates have a resume like Bill’s,” Kogovsek said, happy to tout his old friend’s candidacy in the minutes before Richardson’s plane arrived. “He’s got the most experience of any of them.”

Like I said, I will certainly write of other Presidential visits as I attend them. I believe Senator Obama is in Denver today (Sunday); however, I am not able to attend, as I am travelling to Crested Butte for the Gunnison Dems’ BBQ tonight.

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Yesterday was a big day for the State Party’s Site Selection Committee, which I chair. In the morning, we went on site visits in Broomfield, while we spent the afternoon in Colorado Springs, the two cities that are vying to host the 2008 Colorado Democratic Convention and Assembly.

Because the site selection process continues to unfold, and because the Committee has not yet made a decision regarding its recommendation, I really think I should avoid specifics of either visit. I can say that the Committee was impressed by what it saw from both of the bidding cities, and this will be a tough decision. Hopefully, we will have a decision within a week or so that we will announce.

In Broomfield, we first visited the Broomfield Events Center, a new, state-of-the-art facility that has all sorts of technological advances. Then, we visited the luxurious Omni Interlocken, which is proposed as the Host Hotel for the Convention. We finally visited the Broomfield Community Center, which was proposed for Friday evening meetings; however, Broomfield is still looking at some other options for Friday evening.

After a great morning with the Broomfield Democrats, we travelled south to Colorado Springs. There, we began our afternoon at the Doubletree Hotel, followed by the Sheraton. The Colorado Springs Host Committee is proposing a choice of either for the Host Hotel and Friday meetings (some of you may remember the Sheraton from our 2005 Democratic Summit). We completed the day with a full tour of the Colorado Springs World Arena, another nicely-furnished facility. There, we were joined by several local dignitaries, including 2006 Congressional candidate Jay Fawcett and El Paso County Chair John Morris.

As I mentioned, the choice is going to be a difficult one. As soon as we make the decision and make it public, I’ll post it on DemNotes.

Again, I’m off to Gunnison County tonight, where I’ll be joined by State Chair Pat Waak and Speaker Andrew Romanoff. I’ll write about that when I can!

I have received a number of complaints over actions by Comcast TV. Apparently they are only providing CNN and Fox news in their basic package. The recent move of MSNBC to digital has created great concern on the part of Democrats that the news is slanted toward a more conservative message.

Here is the message:

In the past few days, Comcast TV has moved MSNBC to the Digital line up. What seems strange to me is the fact the the 2008 Democratic National Convention is coming to Denver and that Colorado is going to be an important state in the next election. MSNBC is a moderate left National News channel that features informative interviews on such programs a Hardball, Countdown and Scarborough.This channel is probably has a high percent of Democratic viewers. FOX News has a high percent of Right Wing Republican Viewers but the FOX channel remains on the less costly lineup. My question is why are Democrats having to pay more to view their prefered programming (forced to buy the Digital upgrade) and FOX viewers are not?

Robert
Littleton

Anyone who has additional comments should call or email Comcast and let them know what they think.

(Cross-Posted to DemNotes at www.DemNotes.com)

This past weekend, I went to two very different parts of the state for two very different events. Saturday night, I was the keynote speaker at Rio Grande County’s dinner and dance. Sunday morning, I woke early and headed up to Arapahoe Basin ski area for a joint BBQ hosted by the Clear Creek and Summit County Democrats. By Sunday night, I was dog-tired. Could barely last through the Sopranos…

I drove to Monte Vista in Rio Grande County to support the Rio Grande County Dems with their fundraiser. The dinner featured a wonderful selection of … baked potatoes. It was truly a celebration of the San Luis Valley’s number one crop, as we were treated to baked potatoes, chili, and all the fixins. Rio Grande County is generally a tough county for Dems, but the new chair of the Party there, Bennie Chacon, has done a great job building enthusiasm and a Party identity.

Bennie has tough shoes to fill — her predecessor is Glenn Graham, who also was a great party-building chair. Glenn is now the Mayor of Del Norte, and Saturday night he announced his candidacy for Rio Grande County Commissioner. There was a lot of excitement over the announcement, and Glenn even brought his whole family, including grandkids, to help celebrate the announcement. It will be a tough race, but it is certainly a race we can win, building a Democratic foothold there in Rio Grande County.

It was also very good to see support from the neighboring San Luis Valley counties there. There were attendees from both Saguache and Alamosa Counties present. After Glenn, I gave a keynote address that stressed the need to organize our Party from the precincts up, and further emphasizing the need to never under-estimate the Republican Party in Colorado.

After my speech, the wonderful folks in Rio Grande presented me with a framed resolution of the county party naming me an “honorary member” of the Rio Grande Dems’ Central Committee. The resolution was printed on denim paper — there was some discussion that the denim may have come from Leroy Salazar’s jeans; I still don’t know what to make of that.

I drove back home late Saturday night because I knew I had to get up early and drive up to Summit County, where an entirely different event was waiting for me…

Sunday was “closing day” at A-Basin. I’d never been to A-Basin; I don’t ski much (maybe three times in my life?) - while I’d love to ski more, I find that I’m just too busy to find time to get out on the slopes. Anyway, A-Basin is a wonderful, small, cozy ski area. There seemed to still be plenty of snow on the slopes, and several of the Democrats had already been down the slopes a couple of times by the time I arrived there. State Representative Dan Gibbs — who is the picture-perfect ski resort state rep, by the way — led a group of Democrats down on an organized run at 9 am.

I arrived about the same time as Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, who represents this area in the State Senate. Senator Fitz-Gerald gave a great speech about how much she enjoys representing the area, and also talking about her run for Congress. She described the upcoming Democratic primary in the Second CD as potentially the “most expensive primary in Colorado history”. She was well-received by the group on the deck at the lodge, where Summit County Chair Sandy Briggs was grilling chicken and steaks to go with the wonderful salads and other items.

I was really impressed by the visibility that this event generated for the Democratic Party. The slopes seemed crowded, and everybody who came down the slopes had a wonderful view of the Summit Dems’ and Clear Creek Dems’ banners hanging from the side of the lodge. In addition, on the way to the lifts, Be The Change had a booth with voter registration, bumper stickers and general information about getting involved. Looking down on the booth from the deck, it looked like they had a steady stream of interest from skiers who were enjoying the last day of skiing of the season. We even had the President of A-Basin stop by and say a few words to the Party folks on the BBQ deck.

When I talked to Sandy later that day, it was clear he really wants to push to make this a major-league event next year. With the election coming up, that seems like an ideal time for this event to really blossom into an annual “happening” that skiers can expect to be a part of closing day at A-Basin!

I hope to get pictures from the two events up soon!