Box Left

This is the box left widgetized area.

Box Middle

This is the box middle widgetized area.

Box Right

This is the box right widgetized area.

ON THE BALLOT: Colorado Gubernatorial Primaries Solidify

Posted on by

Not all candidates today received bad news. Some candidates running for Colorado Governor received good news today. Republican businessman Victor Mitchell secured a spot on the ballot. Mitchell submitted 26,839 signatures and ended up with a total of over 14,000 valid signatures. No word on whether his dogs plan to vote for him.

Democratic Lieutenant Governor Donna Lynne also made the primary ballot today after submitting 11,733 valid signatures out of 22,512 signatures submitted. Who knew she was still running? Thanks to the Secretary of State’s office for the heads up.

At this point, the Colorado gubernatorial primary is basically set, give or take a Doug Robinson, who plans to mount a legal challenge to the Secretary of State’s statement of insufficiency regarding his petition signatures. Translation: Robinson was 22 votes in the Second Congressional District short of a spot on the GOP gubernatorial primary ballot.

At this point, you have Cary Kennedy, Congressman Jared Polis, and Donna Lynne on the Democratic primary ballot and Walker Stapleton, Victor Mitchell, and Greg Lopez on the Republican ballot.

State Rep. Polly Lawrence also received some good news today – she also qualified for the ballot. Her opponent, businessman Brian Watson, failed to make the ballot after coming up just 120 signatures short in the Second Congressional District. Watson plans to appeal the insufficiency. At this point, Lawrence will face off against Justin Everett who swept the State Assembly.

Congratulations to all who made the ballot. Let the games begin.

AND THEN THERE WERE THREE: GOP Governor’s Race Tightens as Robinson Fails to Make the Ballot

Posted on by

In a shocking (not really) twist, the Colorado Secretary of State’s office today confirmed that (former?) Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Robinson failed to secure the necessary valid Republican signatures to appear on the ballot. Robinson missed the ballot by 22 signatures in the Second Congressional District, a liberal bastion. Robinson said he planned to challenge the decision in court, much like U.S. Senate candidates did in 2016. Although, it should be noted that this kind of distraction – of focus, money, and other resources did not pan out for those candidates.

In response to the news, Robinson posted a picture of his dog on Twitter with a joke about the 2016 signature debacles during which one candidate told reporters he had a big dog, proving Robinson is the candidate with the best sense of humor.

If Robinson wasn’t so likeable, this development would be hilarious. Robinson’s campaign staffer maligned other Republican candidates for problems with their signatures – specifically, he went after fellow Republican candidate Walker Stapleton, who trashed his signatures and went through the process garnering 44 percent of the vote. The question now is – did Robinson’s staffer genuinely think Robinson had moral high ground here or was his trash talking meant to try to disqualify Stapleton’s signatures and give his candidate a wider berth to make the ballot (which he obviously needed)? Inquiring minds want to know.

In other news, Colorado Treasurer candidate Brian Watson, who used the same firm, also did not qualify for the ballot. He also turned in 17,000 signatures and came up short in the Second Congressional District by 120 votes. Watson also plans to fight the insufficiency finding in court.

Each statewide candidate must secure 1,500 valid Republican (for GOP candidates) signatures in each Congressional District. Colorado has seven Congressional Districts, so the candidates must submit a total of 10,500 signatures. The Second Congressional District often proves challenging for Republican candidates attempting to gather signatures.

$PRINGTIME IN PARI$: How Hancock Blew Our Bucks

Posted on by

Denver officials are scrambling to explain their very expensive, all-taxpayer-paid vacation trade mission to Paris for Mayor Hancock and his 30-person entourage, that came with a price tag of $12,500 per official, KCNC news reports.

Unless you were a member of Hancock’s personal security, then you were excluded from flying business class and relegated to coach. The cost for their trips was $6,600.

We can understand Han(d)cock might be inclined to distance himself from his security details given recent events, yet that sort of defeats their purpose. But we digress.

Here’s how they are justifying the cost:

“Costs in Denver are not costs in Paris,” said Stacey Stegman, a spokesperson for Denver International Airport. ”It’s much more expensive in Paris.”

Well la dee da. Aren’t we continental?

Some random numbers were also pulled out of the thin air in business class to suggest that if it weren’t for this trip, somebody might soon, hopefully, fingers crossed, create 350 new jobs and $40 million in annual economic impacts for Colorado.

All because His Honor and friends went to a briefing on technology and bizness, attended a Norwegian Air reception, travelled again to a reception for Hancock in Brest, Denver’s sister city, then made a stop at Omaha beach and Normandy.

Seriously? If going to parties is Hancock’s idea of economic development, we’re headed for disaster, with security stuck in coach.

WAR ON THE MIDDLE CLASS: Dems Say No to 529 Plans, But Keep That Tax Cut For the CEO’s Model X

Posted on by

More important than college educations

It was just a few days ago that Democrat legislators were screaming that there was not enough money for government-run schools, but now they are lining up to bestow tax cuts on rich drivers of electric sports cars.  Democrats in the Colorado House of Representatives voted to continue this unnecessary perk for the benefit of corporate executives, business owners, and virtue signaling trust funders.

Also this week, Democrats voted against 529 savings plans – with the laughable assertion that these are tax breaks for the rich.  If you are a middle-class parent reading this there is an excellent chance that you have 529 plan for your kid(s).

The massive hypocrisy of the Democrat agenda, asserting that a CEO’s electric car is more important that the educational savings of a child of a mother making $50,000 per year is astounding.

It kind of makes sense though.  What good is a middle class voter to the Democrats anyway these days?  Democrat politicians are not pulling in big campaign donations from middle class Coloradans squirreling away $100/month in their 529 plan.  In fact, in 2013 the average annual contribution to at 529 plan was $453, and the average 529 plan balance was $2,331. Likewise, these self-reliant producers are not going to benefit from the Welfare State that the Democrat party has carefully built in exchange for a reliable voting block.

This fact pattern reveals what the left truly thinks of the middle class – that is, not much.

BARACK OBAMA HIGHWAY: Of All People, Pabon Should Recognize a Scandal

Posted on by

St. Obama, patron saint of scandal-free presidencies? Not exactly.

Today, the House Transportation and Energy Committee passed House Joint Resolution 1016, a resolution that would name the stretch of I-25 that runs through Denver the “Barack Obama Highway.” State Rep. Dan Pabon, most recently known for his drunk driving escapades, praised the vote in a statement, saying:

“[Obama] will be remembered for his dignity, poise, and the lack of scandal. He will be remembered for his leadership and aptitude. And perhaps most of all, he will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the office he held and the profound example he set.”

Hahahahahaha. Let us catch our breath. Hahahahaha. Obama? Scandal free? Hardly. A quick refresher on a few of Obama’s scandals, courtesy of the Heritage Foundation.

  • Hillary Clinton’s State Department Email Scandal
  • Operation Fast and Furious, during which the Obama administration lost track of thousands of guns it had allowed to pass into smugglers’ hands. Ooops.
  • IRS’ targeting of conservative groups
  • Um, anyone remember Benghazi? We know you do, President Mrs. Clinton.
  • Hacking of the Office of Personnel Management, which exposed the personal information of thousands of government employees
  • Veterans Affairs – just everything

Of all the people who should be able to recognize a scandal, we’d think Pabon would. Look, name the highway after Obama. Who cares? But let’s not perpetuate this myth that Obama was some kind of saint. He wasn’t, and Pabon should know better.

CAGE MATCH PENDING: Lachelt Recall Organizers Get Extra Month To Boot Her

Posted on by

The campaign to yank La Plata Commissioner Gwen Lachelt from her seat is the recall effort that will never die.

Organizers have been given yet a second reprieve to collect the required signatures, and boy is Lachelt pissed.

Clerk and Recorder Tiffany Parker finished verifying the petitions this week and said the usual 15 percent were rendered invalid because of duplicative signers, addresses that didn’t match, the usual reasons for tossing signatures.

That left recall organizer short more than 2,030 signers to get the recall on he ballot.

But wait, there’s more. The petitions were already short 1,100 signatures when originally handed in weeks ago, but organizers got an initial 15 days to keep collecting signers while the petitions were verified.

That time is up, but Parker says they get yet another 15 days to get all the signatures needed that were thrown out and still short — an additional month combined.

The Durango Herald says there is an unusual provision in Colorado law that allows recall supporters a 15-day period to collect more signatures after the verification to try to correct any deficiencies.

Like we said, Lachelt is pissed and she’s threatening to challenge the clerk.

The Herald didn’t say whether the challenge was to a duel, a lawsuit, or a battle of wits.

We’re hoping for a cage match. Our money is on Parker.

HICK’S PRESIDENTIAL STRIP TEASE SPOILER: He’s Still Fully Clothed

Posted on by

Hickenlooper isn’t taking off the gloves.

Gov. Hickenlooper is performing the worst strip tease in the history of burlesque politics to signal his intentions for a White House run.

It’s such a bad performance, even Mayor Hancock would storm out in a huff.

It’s been months now, and so far Hick has only managed to slip off his parka. We suspect the lace gloves are attached with glue.

In the latest headline grab from Washington, D.C., where Hick received an award for creating more bureaucracy, he was asked for the millionth time if he will run.

His comments were prompted by the Colorado media, but completely ignored by the more cynical Beltway press.

Probably because he didn’t commit to anything except someday, maybe, thinking about running for president.

His summer schedule for thinking might be open, he lamely signaled.

We’ve already done our thinking, and suggest Hick put his coat back on and walk away from this political fantasy.

SCEYANCE EDUKASHUN: Private School to Host Discredited Oil and Gas Scientist

Posted on by

Dawson School, which claims to be Boulder County’s premier K-12 independent (read: private) school, is hosting a forum for discredited “scientist” Lisa McKenzie, most recently panned for authoring a study that claimed people who lived within 500 feet of oil and gas production had an increased risk of cancer. Of course, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment responded to her study with, “Right, that’s why we have 500-foot setback rules, but thanks for trying to inspire mass hysteria.” Or similar. We might be paraphrasing.

According to Dawson, the goal of this information session is to provide facts from both sides of the issue; however, to our knowledge, there are no speakers invited from the oil and gas industry. There are several speakers from the University of Colorado. There’s McKenzie. There are her colleagues from AirWaterGas.org, which is funded by the environmental lobby. Where are the oil and gas industry representatives?

Here’s what the invitation said:

If Dawson is truly attempting to provide a public service (as opposed to propaganda), it’s imperative that a representative or representatives from the oil and gas industry speak at the event as well. In fact, perhaps if Dawson was looking for a balanced view of fracking, the school should invite the COGCC, the oil and gas regulatory body, and the CDPHE in addition to industry representatives. Otherwise, this is nothing but propaganda.

This isn’t the first time that fractivists have tried to use Colorado schools to advance their agenda. Just about a year ago, Broomfield public charter school, Prospect Ridge Academy, was bullied by fractivists into returning money donated by an oil and gas company. Because public schools are so flush with cash. Just ask the teachers who walked out earlier this week.

And, let’s not forget, the Martinez in the Martinez case got his start as Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, a kid who rapped in schools encouraging kids to reject fracking. See the video below.

This type of blatant politicization of science doesn’t belong in an academic institution (looking at you, University of Colorado) of any level, much less a K-12 school. Parents, especially those who undoubtedly work in oil and gas, should be outraged.

A TALE OF TWO NEWSPAPERS: Daily Sentinel Shifts Content, Denver Post Begs for Readers

Posted on by

While the Denver Post is sitting on a street corner shaking a tin cup and holding a sign begging for reader support, the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel is responding to reader demands and therefore the market for more conservative content.

It’s an interesting tale of two newspapers — one facing layoffs due to declines in revenue and another responding rapidly to demands from their customers.

The Denver Post has taken a lot of hits so we’re not going to pile on, too much, this time.

We just want to say, we get it.

Watching coworkers get laid-off is painful. Post writers have lashed out against the company they work for, the conservative critics in the community, everyone who is not on their side and therefore not buying their product.

They’ve now adopted the PBS pledge drive tactic and are begging for supporters subscribers.

If a lack of subscriptions is the financial problem, then perhaps Post leaders should reevaluate whether they are providing the content readers will pay for.

Do we really need two sections devoted to Trump bashing? We suppose the marijuana industry is interesting, but can we see some other business news on the website front page, that isn’t always negative? Maybe a few more viewpoints to political and environmental news?

A glaring example of the fox covering the henhouse is employing an environmental reporter with environmental leanings to cover the oil and gas industry. That would be like hiring Democrats to cover Republicans. But we digress.

But we suspect the problem isn’t all editorial. It’s not just a lack of subscriptions that drive news economies, but advertising that also pays the bills.

Instead of relying on activist ads that pop up to support the liberal issue de jour, or the random festival and event announcements, perhaps they should pay more attention to the actual businesses in the state, the industries, and the mom and pop stores that sell products and have been the bedrock of the news industry for a century.

Because if those guys aren’t reading, they’re also not going to advertise.

TAX DAY: Why Rich People Get More Tax Breaks Than Poor People With No Money To Tax

Posted on by

 

Today in tax tweets, we are reminded of the stark difference between Democrats and Republicans when it comes to snatching our hard-earned dollars to sustain a yearly federal budget that numbers in the trillions.

Republicans remind us that regular individuals will pay less next year under the new tax breaks recently passed by Congress.

In addition, Lamborn points out that people too poor to buy health insurance won’t have to pay hefty taxes anymore and the child tax credit has been doubled.

Meanwhile, Democrats are complaining that people who earn a lot of money will see bigger tax cuts than people who don’t have large incomes.

Basic math tells us that people who earn more money, make more money than people who earn less.

Here’s an equation even the most hard-headed of Democrats should understand.

If Johnny makes $15,000 a year, should Johnny get a $20,000 tax cut?

The answer is no.

If Martha makes $500,000 a year, should Martha get a $20,000 tax cut? Yes, Martha probably should.

That’s the basic premise behind our tax code. If you make a lot of money, you pay a lot of taxes, if you don’t make a lot of money, taxpayers will give you their hard-earned money via Uncle Sam.

Meanwhile, Democrats need to get their talking points in order.

Tax breaks can go towards more than one income bracket as the above examples illustrate, so if the top earners qualify for 62 percent of the tax breaks, do middle-income earners qualify for 80 or 90 percent? As for low income earners, they already pay the lowest amount of taxes because they don’t make much money (See Johnny for an explanation).