thedenverpost--2020-10-10--One dead after gunfire at downtown Denver rallies; private security guard in custody

Update : A Denver Post staff member witnessed the fatal confrontation .
This story was updated after authorities called into question the accuracy of that journalist ’ s report concerning the affiliation of the shooter .
One person has died and another man , who police said was a private security guard , is in custody after a shooting during dueling protests Saturday in downtown Denver .
9News reported that one of their employees and a contractor for the television station have been taken into custody , and that the station has “ not been in contact with either and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Police initially said two people were taken into custody but later said one of them was not involved in the incident .
They tweeted that the suspect was a private security guard with no affiliation with Antifa .
The incident occurred after a man participating in what was billed a “ Patriot Rally ” sprayed mace at another man .
That man then shot the other individual with a handgun near the courtyard outside the Denver Art Museum , according to a Denver Post journalist who witnessed the incident .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief Joe Montoya , said police could not confirm the shooter ’ s or the victim ’ s affiliations , but said the incident started as a verbal altercation .
Two guns were found at the scene , he said , as well as a mace can .
When asked about the 9News report , Montoya said he could not confirm any connection , only saying that the department was still interviewing witnesses .
One of those witnesses was a Denver Post photojournalist .
“ We ’ re hopeful that as soon as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out as to what led to this — who the individuals involved were , ” Montoya said .
“ We ’ re hopeful that that information will help kind of calm the waters a little bit.
” The rallies at Civic Center on Saturday came less than a month before a presidential election and amidst a global pandemic that has the nation on edge .
Until the shooting , the protests mostly consisted of each group chanting and yelling at one another from across the amphitheater , which separated the two groups .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tiegen , an El Paso County resident — gathered in the park ’ s amphitheater and occasionally chanted patriotic songs and held up banners .
Juan Quinones , a member of the biker gang Sons of Silence , decided to attend the right-wing rally after seeing Tiegan ’ s event posted online .
He arrived after police had closed off the amphitheater but stayed with other right-leaning protesters .
Quinones said he wasn ’ t attending the event to start trouble , but he would defend himself if he was attacked .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you don ’ t come out and listen and talk and speak , then they win , ” he said .
The left-wing group — which organizers called “ BLM-Antifa Soup Drive ” — held up flags and signs railing against Nazis and white supremacists as they gathered in the middle of the park , several hundred feet from the barricaded-off amphitheater .
An hour in , police had fired what appeared to be pepper balls after people from the leftist group started rattling a barrier headed into the amphitheater .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the officers .
The soup drive idea appealed to Isabel Difrancesca , who said she came out because she liked the idea to help low-income folks .
She brought pasta but said she was apprehensive about what ’ s she seen online in anticipation of events .
Richard Johnson and Amy Thompson were walking by the amphitheater when they passed by the rally .
“ America , by and large , if you look at the media , thinks that most of America is for defunding the police and is the hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the street , and I personally don ’ t believe the numbers bear that out , ” Johnson said .
Barb Galinsky of Denver said she attended the counterprotest because “ nobody is judge , jury and executioner and we need to go forward and not backwards.
” She said white supremacist groups represent moving backward .
Galinsky said she expected violence at the event Saturday “ because that ’ s what ( the right-wing groups ) want.
” James Rotten was manning the table of books about communism at the rally and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the original rally planned .
He led chants such as , “ No cops , no KKK , no fascist USA.
” “ We think every far-right rally like this wants to be a dangerous race riot , ” he said .
In anticipation of the heightened tensions , Denver police said the department “ respects the right to peacefully assemble .
Those who participate in protests , demonstrations , marches , or other gatherings , as protected by the First Amendment , are reminded to do so in a lawful manner .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ local , state and federal law , will be subject to citation or arrest .
”

A Denver Post staff member witnessed the fatal confrontation. This story was updated after authorities called into question the accuracy of that journalist’s report concerning the affiliation of the shooter.
One person has died and another man, who 9News confirmed was a private security guard contracted by them, is in custody after a shooting during dueling protests Saturday in downtown Denver.
9News reported that one of their employees and a contractor for the television station were taken into custody. It later confirmed the guard was contracted through Pinkerton and “that it has been the practice of 9NEWS for a number of months to hire private security to accompany staff at protests.”
Police initially said two people were taken into custody but later said one of them was not involved in the incident. They tweeted that the suspect was a private security guard with no affiliation with Antifa.
The incident occurred after a man participating in what was billed a “Patriot Rally” sprayed mace at another man. That man then shot the other individual with a handgun near the courtyard outside the Denver Art Museum, according to a Denver Post journalist who witnessed the incident.
In a news conference after the incident, division Chief Joe Montoya, said police could not confirm the shooter’s or the victim’s affiliations, but said the incident started as a verbal altercation. Two guns were found at the scene, he said, as well as a mace can.
When asked about the 9News report, Montoya said he could not confirm any connection, only saying that the department was still interviewing witnesses. One of those witnesses was a Denver Post photojournalist.
“We’re hopeful that as soon as possible we can get the factual information out as to what led to this — who the individuals involved were,” Montoya said. “We’re hopeful that that information will help kind of calm the waters a little bit.”
The rallies at Civic Center on Saturday came less than a month before a presidential election and amidst a global pandemic that has the nation on edge. Until the shooting, the protests mostly consisted of each group chanting and yelling at one another from across the amphitheater, which separated the two groups.
The right-wing protesters — led by John Tiegen, an El Paso County resident — gathered in the park’s amphitheater and occasionally chanted patriotic songs and held up banners.
Juan Quinones, a member of the biker gang Sons of Silence, decided to attend the right-wing rally after seeing Tiegan’s event posted online. He arrived after police had closed off the amphitheater but stayed with other right-leaning protesters.
Quinones said he wasn’t attending the event to start trouble, but he would defend himself if he was attacked. He blamed violence on the left.
“If you don’t come out and listen and talk and speak, then they win,” he said.
The left-wing group — which organizers called “BLM-Antifa Soup Drive” — held up flags and signs railing against Nazis and white supremacists as they gathered in the middle of the park, several hundred feet from the barricaded-off amphitheater.
An hour in, police had fired what appeared to be pepper balls after people from the leftist group started rattling a barrier headed into the amphitheater. One protester burned a thin-blue-line flag in front of the officers.
The soup drive idea appealed to Isabel Difrancesca, who said she came out because she liked the idea to help low-income folks. She brought pasta but said she was apprehensive about what’s she seen online in anticipation of events.
Richard Johnson and Amy Thompson were walking by the amphitheater when they passed by the rally.
“America, by and large, if you look at the media, thinks that most of America is for defunding the police and is the hard liberal left and wants to riot in the street, and I personally don’t believe the numbers bear that out,” Johnson said.
Barb Galinsky of Denver said she attended the counterprotest because “nobody is judge, jury and executioner and we need to go forward and not backwards.” She said white supremacist groups represent moving backward.
Galinsky said she expected violence at the event Saturday “because that’s what (the right-wing groups) want.”
James Rotten was manning the table of books about communism at the rally and the soup drive as a response to the original rally planned. He led chants such as, “No cops, no KKK, no fascist USA.”
“We think every far-right rally like this wants to be a dangerous race riot,” he said.
In anticipation of the heightened tensions, Denver police said the department “respects the right to peacefully assemble. Those who participate in protests, demonstrations, marches, or other gatherings, as protected by the First Amendment, are reminded to do so in a lawful manner. Individuals who choose to act outside of local, state and federal law, will be subject to citation or arrest.”
Photojournalist Helen Richardson contributed to this report


thedenverpost--2020-10-10--Broncos Briefs: Phillip Lindsay says toe is “feeling 100%” for Patriots clash

Phillip Lindsay is ready to run wild again .
And , more importantly , to run pain-free .
“ It ’ s good being back out here , ” said the Broncos ’ Pro Bowl tailback and Denver native , who ’ s been out since a Week 1 turf toe injury .
“ I feel good , feel well-rested .
Toe is feeling 100 % .
I ’ m ready to get back out there and help my team get some wins.
” Lindsay said Saturday that he expects to play at New England on Monday .
The former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ star recorded 35 scrimmage yards on eight touches — seven of them carries — against the Tennessee Titans , but has been held out for more than a month to help the toe heal .
“ It ’ s just like a sprained thumb , ” Lindsay said of the injury .
“ It ’ s the same thing .
The only difference is , you ’ re always on your feet .
It ’ s hard to heal that right away because you ’ re always walking .
It takes time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it just takes time to heal.
” McManus from 66 ?
Don ’ t expect Brandon McManus to stop anytime soon when it comes to whispering in coach Vic Fangio ’ s ear on field goal attempts from midfield .
“ When you come to practice , he wants to finish at 65 , he wants to finish ( at ) 66 , ” special teams coach Tom McMahon said .
“ It ’ s the right message .
Because I think , when you send a message , you actually really send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 3-for-4 from 50 yards or longer this fall .
The previous three seasons , he was 9-for-20 , a 45 % clip .
“ His Achilles has been plus-50 kicks in his career , ” McMahon said .
“ And he ’ s attacking it , and we really like it.
” Lock or Rypien ?
When asked who might open behind center Monday , Lindsay was careful not to tip Fangio ’ s hand .
“ For Drew ( Lock ) , it ’ s about coming back when it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he knows that .
So , we don ’ t know , ” the Broncos tailback said .
“ No matter what , Ryp ( Brett Rypien ) is going to hold it down if he has to go .
Drew is going to do well if he has to go .
We ’ re just going to go with the flow of things.
” Two Jets fined .
The league handed out three fines to Jets players for their penalties in last week ’ s loss to the Broncos .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McLendon was fined $ 15,000 for his hit on Rypien in the final seconds .
Defensive lineman Quinnen Williams was fined for two penalties : $ 15,000 for an illegal hit on Rypien and $ 10,000 for unnecessary roughness ( facemask on Rypien ) .
Injury updates .
Nose tackle Mike Purcell ( knee ) got in limited practice time Saturday and has been upgraded to questionable .
Lock ( right shoulder ) and linebacker Joseph Jones ( knee ) also got in limited practice work and are questionable for Monday .
Running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ placed on injured reserve , with tackle Jake Rodgers getting promoted to the active roster in his place .

Phillip Lindsay is ready to run wild again. And, more importantly, to run pain-free.
“It’s good being back out here,” said the Broncos’ Pro Bowl tailback and Denver native, who’s been out since a Week 1 turf toe injury. “I feel good, feel well-rested. Toe is feeling 100%. I’m ready to get back out there and help my team get some wins.”
Lindsay said Saturday that he expects to play at New England on Monday. The former CU Buffs and Denver South High School star recorded 35 scrimmage yards on eight touches — seven of them carries — against the Tennessee Titans, but has been held out for more than a month to help the toe heal.
“It’s just like a sprained thumb,” Lindsay said of the injury. “It’s the same thing. The only difference is, you’re always on your feet. It’s hard to heal that right away because you’re always walking. It takes time. It’s one of things where it just takes time to heal.”
McManus from 66? Don’t expect Brandon McManus to stop anytime soon when it comes to whispering in coach Vic Fangio’s ear on field goal attempts from midfield.
“When you come to practice, he wants to finish at 65, he wants to finish (at) 66,” special teams coach Tom McMahon said. “It’s the right message. Because I think, when you send a message, you actually really send it to yourself.”
The seventh-year kicker is 3-for-4 from 50 yards or longer this fall. The previous three seasons, he was 9-for-20, a 45% clip.
“His Achilles has been plus-50 kicks in his career,” McMahon said. “And he’s attacking it, and we really like it.”
Lock or Rypien? When asked who might open behind center Monday, Lindsay was careful not to tip Fangio’s hand.
“For Drew (Lock), it’s about coming back when it’s right for him, and only he knows that. So, we don’t know,” the Broncos tailback said. “No matter what, Ryp (Brett Rypien) is going to hold it down if he has to go. Drew is going to do well if he has to go. We’re just going to go with the flow of things.”
Two Jets fined. The league handed out three fines to Jets players for their penalties in last week’s loss to the Broncos.
According to a league source, defensive lineman Steve McLendon was fined $15,000 for his hit on Rypien in the final seconds. Defensive lineman Quinnen Williams was fined for two penalties: $15,000 for an illegal hit on Rypien and $10,000 for unnecessary roughness (facemask on Rypien).
Injury updates. Nose tackle Mike Purcell (knee) got in limited practice time Saturday and has been upgraded to questionable. Lock (right shoulder) and linebacker Joseph Jones (knee) also got in limited practice work and are questionable for Monday. Running back LeVante Bellamy (knee) was placed on injured reserve, with tackle Jake Rodgers getting promoted to the active roster in his place.


thedenverpost--2020-10-10--Donald Trump makes his first public appearance since his hospital stay for COVID-19 treatment

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Saturday made his first public appearance after being hospitalized for the coronavirus , defying public health guidelines to speak to a crowd of hundreds even as the White House refused to declare that he was not contagious .
Trump took off a mask moments after he emerged on the White House balcony to address the crowd on the lawn below , his first step back onto the public stage with just more than three weeks to go until Election Day .
But , five days after Trump returned from Walter Reed Medical Center , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House officials refused to reveal if he had tested negative or if he was still at risk of spreading the virus .
His return was a brief one .
With bandages visible on his hands , likely from an intravenous injection , Trump spoke for 18 minutes , far less than at his normal hour-plus rallies .
He appeared healthy , if perhaps a little hoarse , as he delivered what was , for all intents and purposes , a short version of his campaign speech despite the executive mansion setting .
Though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered no policy proposals and instead delivered the usual attacks on Democrat Joe Biden while praising law enforcement to a crowd of several hundred , most of whom wore masks while few adhered to social distancing guidelines .
“ I ’ m feeling great , ” said Trump , who said he was thankful for their good wishes and prayers as he recovered .
He then declared that the pandemic , which has killed more than 210,000 Americans , was “ disappearing ” even though he is still recovering from the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply tempting fate , officials organized the crowd just steps from the Rose Garden , where exactly two weeks ago the president held another large gathering to formally announce his nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court .
That event is now being eyed as a possible COVID-19 superspreader as more than two dozen people in attendance have contracted the virus .
Trump had hoped to hold campaign rallies this weekend but settled for the White House event .
But even as his health remained unclear , he planned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Florida on Monday , followed by trips to Pennsylvania and Iowa on subsequent days .
It was not clear if Trump posed a risk to those he would fly with on Air Force One or encounter at the rally sites .
Before the speech , White House officials said they had no information to release on whether the president was tested for COVID-19 , meaning he made his first public appearance without the White House verifying that he ’ s no longer contagious .
Security was stepped up around the White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ peaceful protest for law & order ” and predominantly attended by Black and Latino supporters .
Police and the Secret Service closed surrounding streets to vehicles and shut down Lafayette Square , the park near the White House that has long been a gathering place for public protest .
As questions linger about his health — and Democratic opponent Joe Biden steps up his own campaigning — Trump has more frequently called into radio and TV programs to speak with conservative interviewers , hoping to make up for lost time with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and millions already voting .
Biden ’ s campaign said he again tested negative on Saturday for COVID-19 .
Biden was potentially exposed to the coronavirus during his Sept. 29 debate with Trump , who announced his positive diagnosis barely 48 hours after the debate .
The president had not been seen in public — other than in White House-produced videos — since his return five days ago from the military hospital , where he received experimental treatments for the coronavirus .
On Saturday , all attendees were required to bring masks or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given temperature checks and asked to fill out a brief questionnaire .
Some in the crowd removed their mask to listen to Trump .
Trump ’ s Monday event in Sanford , Florida , what he ’ s described as a “ BIG RALLY , ” was originally scheduled to be held on Oct. 2 , the day after he tested positive .
Ahead of his Saturday event , Trump used Twitter to share news articles about problems with mail-in ballots in New Jersey , Ohio and Texas .
Trump has repeatedly made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beset by widespread fraud .
Trump ’ s return to public activity came as Dr. Anthony Fauci , the government ’ s top infectious-disease expert , cautioned the White House again to avoid large-scale gatherings of people without masks .
He said of the Barrett event in an interview with The Associated Press , “ I was not surprised to see a superspreader event given the circumstances.
” That means “ crowded , congregate setting , not wearing masks .
It is not surprising to see an outbreak , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings larger than 50 people , although that rule has not been strictly enforced .
Masks are mandatory outdoors for most people , but the regulations don ’ t apply on federal land , and the Trump White House has openly flouted them for months .
Confined to the White House as he recovers , Trump spent sizeable chunks of the past few days making the rounds of friendly conservative media , calling in to Fox News host Sean Hannity on Thursday night and spending two hours live on air with radio host @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign billed as a “ radio rally.
” Holding court on his reelection battle , his fight against the coronavirus and revived negotiations with Democrats to pass an economic stimulus bill , Trump made a direct appeal to his base of loyal supporters , whom he needs to turn out to the polls in droves .
In a Friday night interview on Fox ’ s Tucker Carlson ’ s show , Trump was asked if he has been retested for COVID-19 .
“ I have been retested , and I haven ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But I ’ ve been retested , and I know I ’ m at either the bottom of the scale or free , ” he said .
White House officials , however , have declined to answer when Trump last tested negative for the virus before his diagnosis or release detailed information about lung scans taken while Trump was hospitalized .
Aides to the president insist that it is safe for Trump to return to his regular activities , including campaigning .
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines call for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the onset of symptoms , Fauci noted in the AP interview .
That onset for Trump was Oct. 1 , according to his doctors .
The president ’ s White House physician , Navy Cmdr .
Sean Conley , added that Trump was showing no evidence of his illness progressing or adverse reactions to the aggressive course of therapy he has received .
While reports of reinfection in COVID-19 victims are rare , the CDC recommends that even people who recover from the disease continue to wear masks , stay distanced and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Trump , who has refused mask wearing in most settings , would abide by that guidance as he resumes his campaign .

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Saturday made his first public appearance after being hospitalized for the coronavirus, defying public health guidelines to speak to a crowd of hundreds even as the White House refused to declare that he was not contagious.
Trump took off a mask moments after he emerged on the White House balcony to address the crowd on the lawn below, his first step back onto the public stage with just more than three weeks to go until Election Day. But, five days after Trump returned from Walter Reed Medical Center, his health remained a mystery as White House officials refused to reveal if he had tested negative or if he was still at risk of spreading the virus.
His return was a brief one.
With bandages visible on his hands, likely from an intravenous injection, Trump spoke for 18 minutes, far less than at his normal hour-plus rallies. He appeared healthy, if perhaps a little hoarse, as he delivered what was, for all intents and purposes, a short version of his campaign speech despite the executive mansion setting.
Though billed as an official event, Trump offered no policy proposals and instead delivered the usual attacks on Democrat Joe Biden while praising law enforcement to a crowd of several hundred, most of whom wore masks while few adhered to social distancing guidelines.
“I’m feeling great,” said Trump, who said he was thankful for their good wishes and prayers as he recovered. He then declared that the pandemic, which has killed more than 210,000 Americans, was “disappearing” even though he is still recovering from the virus.
In either an act of defiance or simply tempting fate, officials organized the crowd just steps from the Rose Garden, where exactly two weeks ago the president held another large gathering to formally announce his nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. That event is now being eyed as a possible COVID-19 superspreader as more than two dozen people in attendance have contracted the virus.
Trump had hoped to hold campaign rallies this weekend but settled for the White House event. But even as his health remained unclear, he planned to ramp up his travel with a rally in Florida on Monday, followed by trips to Pennsylvania and Iowa on subsequent days. It was not clear if Trump posed a risk to those he would fly with on Air Force One or encounter at the rally sites.
Before the speech, White House officials said they had no information to release on whether the president was tested for COVID-19, meaning he made his first public appearance without the White House verifying that he’s no longer contagious.
Security was stepped up around the White House before the event, which was called a “peaceful protest for law & order” and predominantly attended by Black and Latino supporters. Police and the Secret Service closed surrounding streets to vehicles and shut down Lafayette Square, the park near the White House that has long been a gathering place for public protest.
As questions linger about his health — and Democratic opponent Joe Biden steps up his own campaigning — Trump has more frequently called into radio and TV programs to speak with conservative interviewers, hoping to make up for lost time with just over three weeks until Election Day and millions already voting.
Biden’s campaign said he again tested negative on Saturday for COVID-19. Biden was potentially exposed to the coronavirus during his Sept. 29 debate with Trump, who announced his positive diagnosis barely 48 hours after the debate.
The president had not been seen in public — other than in White House-produced videos — since his return five days ago from the military hospital, where he received experimental treatments for the coronavirus.
On Saturday, all attendees were required to bring masks or were provided with them, and were given temperature checks and asked to fill out a brief questionnaire. Some in the crowd removed their mask to listen to Trump.
Trump’s Monday event in Sanford, Florida, what he’s described as a “BIG RALLY,” was originally scheduled to be held on Oct. 2, the day after he tested positive. Ahead of his Saturday event, Trump used Twitter to share news articles about problems with mail-in ballots in New Jersey, Ohio and Texas. Trump has repeatedly made unsubstantiated claims that universal mail-in voting is beset by widespread fraud.
Trump’s return to public activity came as Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious-disease expert, cautioned the White House again to avoid large-scale gatherings of people without masks.
He said of the Barrett event in an interview with The Associated Press, “I was not surprised to see a superspreader event given the circumstances.” That means “crowded, congregate setting, not wearing masks. It is not surprising to see an outbreak,” he said.
District of Columbia virus restrictions prohibit outdoor gatherings larger than 50 people, although that rule has not been strictly enforced. Masks are mandatory outdoors for most people, but the regulations don’t apply on federal land, and the Trump White House has openly flouted them for months.
Confined to the White House as he recovers, Trump spent sizeable chunks of the past few days making the rounds of friendly conservative media, calling in to Fox News host Sean Hannity on Thursday night and spending two hours live on air with radio host Rush Limbaugh on Friday in what his campaign billed as a “radio rally.”
Holding court on his reelection battle, his fight against the coronavirus and revived negotiations with Democrats to pass an economic stimulus bill, Trump made a direct appeal to his base of loyal supporters, whom he needs to turn out to the polls in droves.
In a Friday night interview on Fox’s Tucker Carlson’s show, Trump was asked if he has been retested for COVID-19. “I have been retested, and I haven’t even found out numbers or anything yet. But I’ve been retested, and I know I’m at either the bottom of the scale or free,” he said.
White House officials, however, have declined to answer when Trump last tested negative for the virus before his diagnosis or release detailed information about lung scans taken while Trump was hospitalized.
Aides to the president insist that it is safe for Trump to return to his regular activities, including campaigning. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines call for the infected to wait at least 10 days from the onset of symptoms, Fauci noted in the AP interview. That onset for Trump was Oct. 1, according to his doctors.
The president’s White House physician, Navy Cmdr. Sean Conley, added that Trump was showing no evidence of his illness progressing or adverse reactions to the aggressive course of therapy he has received.
While reports of reinfection in COVID-19 victims are rare, the CDC recommends that even people who recover from the disease continue to wear masks, stay distanced and follow other precautions. It was unclear if Trump, who has refused mask wearing in most settings, would abide by that guidance as he resumes his campaign.


thedenverpost--2020-10-10--William Perry Pendley says he’s still on the job as acting director of BLM

CASPER , Wyo .
— William Perry Pendley wants Wyoming to know that he ’ s still on the job as the nation ’ s acting head of public lands .
“ I have not been ousted .
That is not true , ” Pendley , the Bureau of Land Management ’ s deputy director of policy and programs , said during an interview with the Star-Tribune on Thursday .
Pendley ’ s choice to defend his role managing 245 million acres of the nation ’ s surface land comes just weeks after a federal court in Montana declared Pendley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BLM director for 424 days.
” The decision effectively enjoined him from acting in a director capacity , according to court documents .
Secretary of the Interior Department David Bernhardt had issued and renewed orders to give Pendley the authority to act as the agency ’ s head .
Pendley called the orders allowing him to serve as an acting director “ perfectly legal.
” But according to District Judge Brian Morris ’ Sept. 25 decision , the Trump administration failed to properly follow the statutory requirements of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post as a temporary appointee for 15 months .
What ’ s more , the administration failed to garner an official confirmation vote from Congress on the appointment as head of the bureau , as required by law .
Pendley , a longtime Colorado resident , said he firmly disagreed with the court ’ s decision and has continued to fulfill his duties as assigned .
“ We are going to recognize that authority of the court and will obey it , ” he said , adding , “ now the Secretary ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( BLM ) documents.
” The Trump administration has vowed to appeal the decision , the Casper Star-Tribune reports .
“ I see this for what it is .
It ’ s not about me , ” Pendley added .
“ This is just an attempt by the governor , who sued us , to derail what the Trump administration has done.
” This summer , President Donald Trump announced his intent to formally nominate Pendley , but never followed through .
When asked if a nomination process would happen in the near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s director , Pendley said , “ I don ’ t know , that ’ s out of my control.
” For Wyoming , the BLM ’ s top dog can have huge influence over the state .
Of Wyoming ’ s over 60 million surface acres , almost half is considered federal land .
The state also produces more minerals from public land than almost any other state in the country , contributing 38 % of the natural gas produced on federal land nationwide , along with 16 % of oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney has deep roots in Wyoming , and several conflicts of interest , which significantly limited what Pendley could speak about during his interview with the Star-Tribune .
Pendley has been a vocal supporter of Trump ’ s America-First Energy Strategy , often relaxing regulations for oil and gas producers in an effort to cut back on duplicative reporting mandates and spur domestic energy development .
Pendley said his goal is to advance Trump ’ s agenda of “ building the economy , providing for jobs , increasing recreational opportunities , and just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ management agency.
” In addition to instituting several rule changes to ease the regulatory burdens on energy companies , the BLM under Pendley has also helped bring about the Great American Outdoors Act , moved the BLM ’ s headquarters to Colorado and prepared firefighters to battle fires during COVID-19 .
But several conservation groups in Wyoming have long protested what they call the unconstitutional appointment of Pendley to lead the BLM in any capacity .
Many have alleged he his position by opening up too much federal land to energy development , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interests at the expense of the climate and negating the bureau ’ s multiple use mandate .
In the most recent wrinkle in the case against Pendley , Montana Gov .
Steve Bullock struck again by requesting a court block three resource management plans approved by Pendley , which among other changes , made available sweeping swaths of public land for oil and gas development .
On Monday , conservation groups , including Western Environmental Law Center , Western Watersheds Project , Center for Biological Diversity and WildEarth Guardians filed a brief providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under Pendley .
The groups listed amendments for a resource management plan amendment to make way for the Moneta Divide oil and gas project in Wyoming as an example , according to court documents reviewed by the Star-Tribune .
The recent litigation against Pendley has roiled some concern among oil and gas operators , fearful the decision could invalidate decisions made by the Wyoming native during his tenure .

By CAMILLE ERICKSON
CASPER, Wyo. — William Perry Pendley wants Wyoming to know that he’s still on the job as the nation’s acting head of public lands.
“I have not been ousted. That is not true,” Pendley, the Bureau of Land Management’s deputy director of policy and programs, said during an interview with the Star-Tribune on Thursday.
Pendley’s choice to defend his role managing 245 million acres of the nation’s surface land comes just weeks after a federal court in Montana declared Pendley had “served unlawfully as the Acting BLM director for 424 days.” The decision effectively enjoined him from acting in a director capacity, according to court documents.
Secretary of the Interior Department David Bernhardt had issued and renewed orders to give Pendley the authority to act as the agency’s head. Pendley called the orders allowing him to serve as an acting director “perfectly legal.”
But according to District Judge Brian Morris’ Sept. 25 decision, the Trump administration failed to properly follow the statutory requirements of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act when allowing Pendley to remain in his post as a temporary appointee for 15 months. What’s more, the administration failed to garner an official confirmation vote from Congress on the appointment as head of the bureau, as required by law.
Pendley, a longtime Colorado resident, said he firmly disagreed with the court’s decision and has continued to fulfill his duties as assigned.
“We are going to recognize that authority of the court and will obey it,” he said, adding, “now the Secretary (Bernhardt) is signing all of our (BLM) documents.”
The Trump administration has vowed to appeal the decision, the Casper Star-Tribune reports.
“I see this for what it is. It’s not about me,” Pendley added. “This is just an attempt by the governor, who sued us, to derail what the Trump administration has done.”
This summer, President Donald Trump announced his intent to formally nominate Pendley, but never followed through. When asked if a nomination process would happen in the near future to officially appoint him as BLM’s director, Pendley said, “I don’t know, that’s out of my control.”
For Wyoming, the BLM’s top dog can have huge influence over the state. Of Wyoming’s over 60 million surface acres, almost half is considered federal land. The state also produces more minerals from public land than almost any other state in the country, contributing 38% of the natural gas produced on federal land nationwide, along with 16% of oil production.
The former oil and gas attorney has deep roots in Wyoming, and several conflicts of interest, which significantly limited what Pendley could speak about during his interview with the Star-Tribune.
Pendley has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s America-First Energy Strategy, often relaxing regulations for oil and gas producers in an effort to cut back on duplicative reporting mandates and spur domestic energy development. Pendley said his goal is to advance Trump’s agenda of “building the economy, providing for jobs, increasing recreational opportunities, and just being a better neighbor as a land management agency.”
In addition to instituting several rule changes to ease the regulatory burdens on energy companies, the BLM under Pendley has also helped bring about the Great American Outdoors Act, moved the BLM’s headquarters to Colorado and prepared firefighters to battle fires during COVID-19.
But several conservation groups in Wyoming have long protested what they call the unconstitutional appointment of Pendley to lead the BLM in any capacity. Many have alleged he his position by opening up too much federal land to energy development, rolling back environmental protections to serve private interests at the expense of the climate and negating the bureau’s multiple use mandate.
In the most recent wrinkle in the case against Pendley, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock struck again by requesting a court block three resource management plans approved by Pendley, which among other changes, made available sweeping swaths of public land for oil and gas development.
On Monday, conservation groups, including Western Environmental Law Center, Western Watersheds Project, Center for Biological Diversity and WildEarth Guardians filed a brief providing the court with examples of actions taken under Pendley. The groups listed amendments for a resource management plan amendment to make way for the Moneta Divide oil and gas project in Wyoming as an example, according to court documents reviewed by the Star-Tribune.
The recent litigation against Pendley has roiled some concern among oil and gas operators, fearful the decision could invalidate decisions made by the Wyoming native during his tenure.


thedenverpost--2020-10-11--Gardner vs. Hickenlooper: Colorado’s U.S. Senate candidates on 13 issues

In Colorado ’ s high-profile U.S. Senate race , former Gov .
John Hickenlooper and incumbent Sen. Cory Gardner bring very different visions for the country .
As ballots drop and the state ’ s voters prepare to decide a contest that could help determine control of the Senate , here ’ s where Hickenlooper , a Democrat , and Gardner , a Republican , stand on 13 key issues : Gardner has voted to confirm 98 % of President Donald Trump ’ s judicial nominees , including Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh .
He supports taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick Amy Coney Barrett .
This is a reversal of position from 2016 , when , nearly a year out from that year ’ s election , he opposed a vote on President Barack Obama ’ s nominee because , he said , it was too close to the election to fill the seat .
Hickenlooper supported Merrick Garland ’ s confirmation in 2016 , but he says because Republicans created a new precedent that year by declining to vote on Garland , the same standard should apply now , and he opposes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed mixed but mostly skeptical feelings in the past when asked whether Democrats should try to expand the court with new seats to flip the power balance , and he ’ s been mum on this topic lately .
Gardner was critical of Trump during the 2016 election and said he did not vote for him .
Things have changed significantly since then , and Gardner was an early Senate endorser of Trump ’ s reelection bid .
He voted against impeaching the president earlier this year , and Trump has thanked him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hickenlooper called for impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump in mid-2019 and then slammed Gardner and the GOP-controlled Senate for its handling of the impeachment trial .
He has been consistently critical of the president and has centered much of his messaging this election on Gardner ’ s closeness with Trump .
Gardner condemned the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in May , but , remarking on the Black Lives Matter protests that followed , he said he supports police having the ability to “ stop the carnage that is happening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this year about the president calling for law enforcement and National Guard troops to “ dominate ” protesters , Gardner said merely that he hadn ’ t heard those remarks .
During a Senate primary debate , Hickenlooper responded to a question about what “ Black Lives Matter ” means to him by saying that “ every life matters.
” He later said he misspoke and that he is proud to stand with anyone who , like him , wants to combat systemic racism .
As Denver mayor , he hired as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for “ broken windows ” policing — that is , cracking down on minor crimes — which has been shown to lead to over-policing of nonwhite communities .
Gardner describes himself as a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment , and he consistently receives “ A ” grades from the National Rifle Association .
His campaigns have taken in more money from the NRA than those of nearly any other member of Congress .
When asked about gun violence — such as the fact that Colorado has been home to several mass shootings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the first step .
Hickenlooper , as governor , came to support new gun safety laws later than most other Democrats in the state .
In 2013 , following the Aurora movie theater shooting , he signed two new gun laws — one requiring background checks for purchases , the other limiting magazine size .
By early last year , when he was running for president , he ’ d made gun safety a central campaign theme .
As a Senate candidate , he has called for universal background checks and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional and been a critic of it for the past decade .
He says a replacement for the ACA must ensure people with preexisting conditions are covered – something the ACA requires – and has introduced legislation he says would do that .
The bill has not progressed in the Senate and has been widely criticized by health care policy experts .
Hickenlooper has held to the position that most people want a solution somewhere between repealing the Affordable Care Act and enacting Medicare for All .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government insurance plan .
Hickenlooper has said he expects everyone would eventually sign on to a public option , leading to a government-run health insurance system .
Colorado ’ s uninsured rate dropped dramatically while he was governor .
As part of what he calls his “ all-of-the-above ” energy strategy , Gardner is a supporter of the oil and gas industry and opposes any attempts to ban hydraulic fracturing , widely known as fracking .
Gardner has avoided making direct links between human activity such as fracking and climate change , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hickenlooper , who worked as a geologist for an oil and gas company as a young man , defended fracking as governor – frustrating environmentalists in his political party , who called him “ Frackenlooper.
” He remains opposed to an outright ban of fracking but says he hopes to make it obsolete through a slow transition to renewable energy sources .
The Great American Outdoors Act is a Gardner bill that became law in August after the Colorado senator persuaded Trump to support it .
It provides permanent funding for the Land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been underfunded for decades , and addressed a $ 20 billion backlog of deferred maintenance in national parks .
Gardner doesn ’ t support the CORE Act .
Hickenlooper supports the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act as well as the GAO Act .
The CORE Act , which has passed the House but not the Senate , would affect 400,000 acres of Colorado by adding areas in the White River National Forest , prohibiting oil and gas drilling on 200,000 acres of the Thompson Divide , and designating land near Camp Hale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cast votes both for and against legislation to help Dreamers — beneficiaries of an Obama-era program to protect undocumented people who came to the U.S. as children .
He stands apart from the Senate Republican caucus in supporting the American Dream and Promise Act , House Democrats ’ bill concerning Dreamers .
Gardner has at various points both criticized and supported new funding for Trump ’ s border wall .
Hickenlooper opposed Trump ’ s effort to end DACA ( Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ) and has been outspoken against the administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children at the border .
He has called for comprehensive immigration reform , which has proven extremely elusive in Washington .
As governor he signed multiple bills that afforded new rights and protection to undocumented immigrants , but under his watch the state also referred thousands of people for possible deportation .
Hickenlooper believes the federal minimum wage should be raised to at least $ 15 per hour .
He says he ’ d support a bill to install a paid family and medical leave benefit nationwide .
Gardner opposes a federal minimum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the federal government should mandate a paid family and medical leave benefit for employees .
In recent years Colorado voters and journalists have rarely had access to Gardner , with no broadly publicized town halls in about three years .
Hickenlooper has signed a pledge to hold at least four halls per year if he is elected .
As governor he was known for his accessibility , but he has turned down a number of Senate debates — particularly outside of Denver .
Gardner says he is pro-life .
He has supported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also supported “ personhood ” bills .
Hickenlooper supports keeping abortion legal .
He often touts a state contraceptive initiative during his governorship that led to a dramatic reduction in teen pregnancy .
During his first run for the U.S. Senate , Gardner said he had long believed that marriage should be between a man and a woman , but in a debate Friday , he said marriage equality is settled law following the Supreme Court ’ s 2015 Obergefell ruling .
As governor , Hickenlooper called a special session in 2012 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil unions in Colorado , which he eventually signed into law .
He has said that if elected , he will support legislation to expand rights and protections for transgender people and to fight discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity .
Gardner voted for the CARES Act , a $ 2.2 trillion stimulus that passed 96-0 in March , and has supported other relief bills since that time .
Last month , Gardner voted for a slimmed-down relief bill that failed to pass the Senate .
Hickenlooper also supported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent Senate bill as insufficient considering the nation ’ s dire economic straits .
He supports the HEROES Act , a roughly $ 3 trillion stimulus package passed by House Democrats in May .

In Colorado’s high-profile U.S. Senate race, former Gov. John Hickenlooper and incumbent Sen. Cory Gardner bring very different visions for the country.
As ballots drop and the state’s voters prepare to decide a contest that could help determine control of the Senate, here’s where Hickenlooper, a Democrat, and Gardner, a Republican, stand on 13 key issues:
Supreme Court
Gardner has voted to confirm 98% of President Donald Trump’s judicial nominees, including Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. He supports taking a vote before Inauguration Day on Trump pick Amy Coney Barrett. This is a reversal of position from 2016, when, nearly a year out from that year’s election, he opposed a vote on President Barack Obama’s nominee because, he said, it was too close to the election to fill the seat.
Hickenlooper supported Merrick Garland’s confirmation in 2016, but he says because Republicans created a new precedent that year by declining to vote on Garland, the same standard should apply now, and he opposes Barrett’s nomination. He has expressed mixed but mostly skeptical feelings in the past when asked whether Democrats should try to expand the court with new seats to flip the power balance, and he’s been mum on this topic lately.
Donald Trump
Gardner was critical of Trump during the 2016 election and said he did not vote for him. Things have changed significantly since then, and Gardner was an early Senate endorser of Trump’s reelection bid. He voted against impeaching the president earlier this year, and Trump has thanked him publicly at various points for his loyalty.
Hickenlooper called for impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump in mid-2019 and then slammed Gardner and the GOP-controlled Senate for its handling of the impeachment trial. He has been consistently critical of the president and has centered much of his messaging this election on Gardner’s closeness with Trump.
Black Lives Matter and police
Gardner condemned the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in May, but, remarking on the Black Lives Matter protests that followed, he said he supports police having the ability to “stop the carnage that is happening” in the streets. When asked earlier this year about the president calling for law enforcement and National Guard troops to “dominate” protesters, Gardner said merely that he hadn’t heard those remarks.
During a Senate primary debate, Hickenlooper responded to a question about what “Black Lives Matter” means to him by saying that “every life matters.” He later said he misspoke and that he is proud to stand with anyone who, like him, wants to combat systemic racism. As Denver mayor, he hired as a consultant one of the leading advocates for “broken windows” policing — that is, cracking down on minor crimes — which has been shown to lead to over-policing of nonwhite communities.
Guns
Gardner describes himself as a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment, and he consistently receives “A” grades from the National Rifle Association. His campaigns have taken in more money from the NRA than those of nearly any other member of Congress. When asked about gun violence — such as the fact that Colorado has been home to several mass shootings — Gardner consistently mentions mental health support as the first step.
Hickenlooper, as governor, came to support new gun safety laws later than most other Democrats in the state. In 2013, following the Aurora movie theater shooting, he signed two new gun laws — one requiring background checks for purchases, the other limiting magazine size. By early last year, when he was running for president, he’d made gun safety a central campaign theme. As a Senate candidate, he has called for universal background checks and a national assault weapons ban.
Health care
Gardner has called the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional and been a critic of it for the past decade. He says a replacement for the ACA must ensure people with preexisting conditions are covered – something the ACA requires – and has introduced legislation he says would do that. The bill has not progressed in the Senate and has been widely criticized by health care policy experts.
Hickenlooper has held to the position that most people want a solution somewhere between repealing the Affordable Care Act and enacting Medicare for All. That solution, he says, is a government insurance plan. Hickenlooper has said he expects everyone would eventually sign on to a public option, leading to a government-run health insurance system. Colorado’s uninsured rate dropped dramatically while he was governor.
Fracking
As part of what he calls his “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, Gardner is a supporter of the oil and gas industry and opposes any attempts to ban hydraulic fracturing, widely known as fracking. Gardner has avoided making direct links between human activity such as fracking and climate change, though scientists say those links are clear.
Hickenlooper, who worked as a geologist for an oil and gas company as a young man, defended fracking as governor – frustrating environmentalists in his political party, who called him “Frackenlooper.” He remains opposed to an outright ban of fracking but says he hopes to make it obsolete through a slow transition to renewable energy sources.
Public lands
The Great American Outdoors Act is a Gardner bill that became law in August after the Colorado senator persuaded Trump to support it. It provides permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has been underfunded for decades, and addressed a $20 billion backlog of deferred maintenance in national parks. Gardner doesn’t support the CORE Act.
Hickenlooper supports the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act as well as the GAO Act. The CORE Act, which has passed the House but not the Senate, would affect 400,000 acres of Colorado by adding areas in the White River National Forest, prohibiting oil and gas drilling on 200,000 acres of the Thompson Divide, and designating land near Camp Hale a national historic landscape.
Immigration
Gardner has cast votes both for and against legislation to help Dreamers — beneficiaries of an Obama-era program to protect undocumented people who came to the U.S. as children. He stands apart from the Senate Republican caucus in supporting the American Dream and Promise Act, House Democrats’ bill concerning Dreamers. Gardner has at various points both criticized and supported new funding for Trump’s border wall.
Hickenlooper opposed Trump’s effort to end DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and has been outspoken against the administration’s policy of separating parents and children at the border. He has called for comprehensive immigration reform, which has proven extremely elusive in Washington. As governor he signed multiple bills that afforded new rights and protection to undocumented immigrants, but under his watch the state also referred thousands of people for possible deportation.
Wages and benefits
Hickenlooper believes the federal minimum wage should be raised to at least $15 per hour. He says he’d support a bill to install a paid family and medical leave benefit nationwide.
Gardner opposes a federal minimum wage hike. He does not believe that the federal government should mandate a paid family and medical leave benefit for employees.
Accessibility
In recent years Colorado voters and journalists have rarely had access to Gardner, with no broadly publicized town halls in about three years.
Hickenlooper has signed a pledge to hold at least four halls per year if he is elected. As governor he was known for his accessibility, but he has turned down a number of Senate debates — particularly outside of Denver.
Reproductive health
Gardner says he is pro-life. He has supported expanding access to over-the-counter contraceptives. He has also supported “personhood” bills.
Hickenlooper supports keeping abortion legal. He often touts a state contraceptive initiative during his governorship that led to a dramatic reduction in teen pregnancy.
LGBTQ rights
During his first run for the U.S. Senate, Gardner said he had long believed that marriage should be between a man and a woman, but in a debate Friday, he said marriage equality is settled law following the Supreme Court’s 2015 Obergefell ruling.
As governor, Hickenlooper called a special session in 2012 in hopes of advancing a bill establishing civil unions in Colorado, which he eventually signed into law. He has said that if elected, he will support legislation to expand rights and protections for transgender people and to fight discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Coronavirus relief
Gardner voted for the CARES Act, a $2.2 trillion stimulus that passed 96-0 in March, and has supported other relief bills since that time. Last month, Gardner voted for a slimmed-down relief bill that failed to pass the Senate.
Hickenlooper also supported the CARES Act but criticized a more recent Senate bill as insufficient considering the nation’s dire economic straits. He supports the HEROES Act, a roughly $3 trillion stimulus package passed by House Democrats in May.


thedenverpost--2020-10-11--GOP could lose control of University of Colorado Board of Regents for the first time in 4 decades

The University of Colorado Board of Regents is due for some new blood in 2020 with three positions up for election .
One contentious race has the potential to flip the board majority from Republican to Democrat for the first time since the 1970s .
Regardless of party , the nine-member board hasn ’ t had three newcomers at once since 2008 .
“ Three new regents on a board of nine is a good challenge in terms of how they become part of the team , who they see as their constituents and dealing with all of the important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gallegos , R-Grand Junction , who serves as board chair .
The regents serve staggered six-year terms .
One is elected from each of Colorado ’ s seven congressional districts and two are elected from the state at large .
The board is responsible for governing the four-campus , multibillion-dollar university system , making decisions about how CU spends money and who should be selected as university president when the time comes .
Democrat Callie Rennison , Republican Dick Murphy and Libertarian Christian Vernaza will be facing off in the Democratic stronghold of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Democrat Nolbert Chavez is running unopposed for outgoing Democrat Irene Griego ’ s seat in District 7 .
The District 6 race — covering a wide swath of the north , east and south Denver area — is garnering the most attention , with Republican Richard Murray , Democrat Ilana Spiegel and Unity candidates Christopher Otwell and Robert Worthey competing to replace outgoing John Carson , R-Highlands Ranch .
“ The big issue is will the political control of the board flip from Republican to Democrat ?
” said Ken McConnellogue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of just a handful of universities in the nation whose governing boards are chosen through partisan political elections .
The board has long been criticized for its partisan nature , most recently after voting 5-4 along party lines to name controversial finalist Mark Kennedy the new president last year .
Gallegos said the board usually unanimously agrees on matters , including keeping tuition low , but there are a few issues that wind up with political division .
“ There are some things that it pays to be in the majority , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot , and it matters to a lot of our Democratic colleagues who believe that the board over the years should have been more balanced .
It ’ s the elephant in the room .
There are issues that people feel like the majority is always going to win.
” Outgoing board member Griego said a few of those partisan issues revolve around diversity and social justice .
“ It ’ s really been a struggle for us to move some of our agendas forward because we just don ’ t have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s been 41 years since we ’ ve had Democrats in the majority , and I believe these last nine years we have avoided really tough conversations because of political agendas.
” During a virtual candidate forum held by CU Staff Council , CU Faculty Council and CU Anschutz Faculty Assembly last week , Murray and Spiegel shared their ideas about the future of CU and answered questions presented by the CU community .
Murray , a 38-year-old Highlands Ranch attorney and two-time CU Boulder alum , said his time spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president along with his role as the former chair of the CU Law Alumni Board gave him an inside look into how to get things done at CU .
“ I am everything I am because of CU , ” Murray said .
“ I got into this race because of my love and devotion to the University of Colorado.
” Murray told The Denver Post his top three priorities if elected would be academics , affordability and community , adding that students should not be forced to incur “ decades of debt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have an entire generation of students who are literally taking out a mortgage on their future to get a bachelor ’ s degree , ” Murray said during the forum .
“ I have a personal passion for this .
I ’ ve lived it firsthand.
” Murray said he hopes to dig into CU ’ s budget and identify where CU can lower the cost of the delivery of programs and work with legislators to address funding deficiencies .
Colorado is close to the bottom in the nation when it comes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 51-year-old Englewood education advocate , said in her experience as a K-12 public school teacher and public education advocate she fought for policies to eliminate opportunity gaps for students of color , students with disabilities , and low-income and first-generation students .
Spiegel also said if she were a regent during a presidential search , she would push for more transparency in the process and prioritize feedback from students , staff and faculty .
“ The current board majority has had many controversial , partisan decisions against supporting Black students and the hiring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spiegel said during Monday ’ s forum .
“ These decisions often happen without listening to and respecting shared governance .
It ’ s time for change.
” Spiegel told The Denver Post her top priorities if elected would be affordability , accessibility and inclusivity and opportunity .
Spiegel said she wants to fundamentally reform higher education finance by working to expand the scope and size of PELL grants for low-income students , among other initiatives .
“ I would hope that people start paying attention not just for this election but from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The University of Colorado has almost 70,000 students .
Four campuses .
$ 5 billion budget .
The medical campus , the economic impact we have on the state , the research we do , space programs , engineering … I think it ’ s pretty true that as goes CU , so goes the state .
”

The University of Colorado Board of Regents is due for some new blood in 2020 with three positions up for election.
One contentious race has the potential to flip the board majority from Republican to Democrat for the first time since the 1970s. Regardless of party, the nine-member board hasn’t had three newcomers at once since 2008.
“Three new regents on a board of nine is a good challenge in terms of how they become part of the team, who they see as their constituents and dealing with all of the important issues moving forward,” said Glen Gallegos, R-Grand Junction, who serves as board chair.
The regents serve staggered six-year terms. One is elected from each of Colorado’s seven congressional districts and two are elected from the state at large. The board is responsible for governing the four-campus, multibillion-dollar university system, making decisions about how CU spends money and who should be selected as university president when the time comes.
Democrat Callie Rennison, Republican Dick Murphy and Libertarian Christian Vernaza will be facing off in the Democratic stronghold of District 2 to replace incumbent Linda Shoemaker.
Democrat Nolbert Chavez is running unopposed for outgoing Democrat Irene Griego’s seat in District 7.
The District 6 race — covering a wide swath of the north, east and south Denver area — is garnering the most attention, with Republican Richard Murray, Democrat Ilana Spiegel and Unity candidates Christopher Otwell and Robert Worthey competing to replace outgoing John Carson, R-Highlands Ranch.
“The big issue is will the political control of the board flip from Republican to Democrat?” said Ken McConnellogue, CU system spokesman.
CU is one of just a handful of universities in the nation whose governing boards are chosen through partisan political elections. The board has long been criticized for its partisan nature, most recently after voting 5-4 along party lines to name controversial finalist Mark Kennedy the new president last year.
Gallegos said the board usually unanimously agrees on matters, including keeping tuition low, but there are a few issues that wind up with political division.
“There are some things that it pays to be in the majority,” Gallegos said. “It matters a lot, and it matters to a lot of our Democratic colleagues who believe that the board over the years should have been more balanced. It’s the elephant in the room. There are issues that people feel like the majority is always going to win.”
Outgoing board member Griego said a few of those partisan issues revolve around diversity and social justice.
“It’s really been a struggle for us to move some of our agendas forward because we just don’t have the votes,” Griego said. “It’s been 41 years since we’ve had Democrats in the majority, and I believe these last nine years we have avoided really tough conversations because of political agendas.”
During a virtual candidate forum held by CU Staff Council, CU Faculty Council and CU Anschutz Faculty Assembly last week, Murray and Spiegel shared their ideas about the future of CU and answered questions presented by the CU community.
Murray, a 38-year-old Highlands Ranch attorney and two-time CU Boulder alum, said his time spent as CU Boulder’s student body president along with his role as the former chair of the CU Law Alumni Board gave him an inside look into how to get things done at CU.
“I am everything I am because of CU,” Murray said. “I got into this race because of my love and devotion to the University of Colorado.”
Murray told The Denver Post his top three priorities if elected would be academics, affordability and community, adding that students should not be forced to incur “decades of debt” for a degree.
“We have an entire generation of students who are literally taking out a mortgage on their future to get a bachelor’s degree,” Murray said during the forum. “I have a personal passion for this. I’ve lived it firsthand.”
Murray said he hopes to dig into CU’s budget and identify where CU can lower the cost of the delivery of programs and work with legislators to address funding deficiencies. Colorado is close to the bottom in the nation when it comes to funding higher education.
Spiegel, a 51-year-old Englewood education advocate, said in her experience as a K-12 public school teacher and public education advocate she fought for policies to eliminate opportunity gaps for students of color, students with disabilities, and low-income and first-generation students.
Spiegel also said if she were a regent during a presidential search, she would push for more transparency in the process and prioritize feedback from students, staff and faculty.
“The current board majority has had many controversial, partisan decisions against supporting Black students and the hiring of a controversial new president,” Spiegel said during Monday’s forum. “These decisions often happen without listening to and respecting shared governance. It’s time for change.”
Spiegel told The Denver Post her top priorities if elected would be affordability, accessibility and inclusivity and opportunity.
Spiegel said she wants to fundamentally reform higher education finance by working to expand the scope and size of PELL grants for low-income students, among other initiatives.
“I would hope that people start paying attention not just for this election but from here on out,” Gallegos said. “The University of Colorado has almost 70,000 students. Four campuses. $5 billion budget. The medical campus, the economic impact we have on the state, the research we do, space programs, engineering … I think it’s pretty true that as goes CU, so goes the state.”


thedenverpost--2020-10-11--On Philanthropy: Start planning your year-end giving now

In 2019 , U.S. giving to charity totaled nearly $ 450 billion .
Historically , nearly one-third of that amount takes place in December , with 12 % of all giving occurring in the last three days of the year .
December and last-minute giving is often rushed , not well-planned , nor strategic .
To maximize the impact of your giving , whether personal or in your business , start planning your approach to year-end donations now .
There are a number of steps you can take to ensure your donations have a lasting and significant impact .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what issues and causes are most important to them .
Especially in this year of a pandemic , climate change impact , voting rights challenges , racial justice efforts , income and health disparities , and economic uncertainty ( for nonprofits , too ) , meaningful conversations between and among generations about how a family wants to make the greatest impact are essential .
• Giving through your business ?
Engage your stakeholders , especially your employees , about not only what issues and causes matter most to them , but how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving programs .
If your company already has a matching gift program , or sponsors paid volunteer opportunities , take steps to make sure your employees are utilizing them .
Unfortunately , the median employee participation rate for matching gift programs is only nine per cent , leaving an estimated $ 6 to $ 10 billion of unclaimed matching funds each year !
Company volunteer programs also tend to have relatively low participation .
• Look through two lenses , by asking two critical questions in either a business or family setting : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make in our communities ?
B .
What difference do we want to make for our family or business ?
Both questions are important in creating an effective strategy to achieve both internal and external goals through philanthropy .
Donors who neglect one or both of these questions miss the opportunity not only to “ make a difference , ” but also to fully engage family members or business stakeholders in meaningful communication about values , goals , priorities and lessons learned .
• Go deep , not wide , by focusing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key issues , causes or organizations .
Many donors adopt the “ peanut butter ” approach to giving — spreading their charity thinly across a wide variety of nonprofits .
Donors and nonprofit organizations alike benefit when giving is focused more narrowly , moving philanthropy from merely transactional to actually transformational .
• Give to smaller , local organizations .
2020 has been the most challenging year for nonprofit organizations in memory .
Increased demands for services and decreased revenue , combined with remote workplaces and other COVID-19 restrictions , have put many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is estimated that up to one-third of nonprofits – mostly smaller and local – will not survive the pandemic and recession double whammy .
Unlike bigger organizations , such as universities and hospitals , very few local or smaller nonprofits have sizable endowments to help them weather the current storms .
• Do your research to find those organizations that are having an impact where it matters most to you .
Don ’ t only rely on friends ’ recommendations , glossy mailings or fancy websites to decide which nonprofits are making the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact reports , examining nonprofits ’ publicly available 990 tax returns , speaking with staff and board members , and volunteering are ways to dig deeper , learn more and find better partners to achieve your philanthropic goals .
• Give boldly and take risks with your giving .
Many donors can afford to donate more than they already give , and this year , the need to “ dig deep ” is critical .
And , because it seeks to solve seemingly intractable problems , philanthropy can be seen as the ultimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with grant making may be the only way to find new solutions to old problems .
• Ask for help from financial , tax , legal and philanthropic advisors to guide your decision-making , learn “ best practices ” and maximize both the joy and impact of your charitable efforts .
2020 has been extremely challenging for most Americans , and it ’ s not over yet .
We know , however , that philanthropy is inherently optimistic — especially in divisive and disheartening times — by expressing the belief that we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives , on the lives of others and on vital societal issues .
It also serves as a line of defense to protect core democratic values like equality , opportunity , fairness , inclusiveness and freedom of speech and thought .
The issues and needs in our communities are great – don ’ t wait until December to get started .
Chinook Fund is a community foundation that mobilizes resources for community-led social justice organizations across Colorado .
Since 1987 , Chinook has distributed $ 3.6M to 382 groups .
In 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fund to invest in groups fighting for a just COVID response AND a visionary future .
Unlike traditional foundations , Chinook uses the innovative Giving Project model where volunteers raise and democratically allocate funds .
http : //www.chinookfund.org/ Bruce DeBoskey , J.D.
, is a philanthropic strategist working across the United States with The DeBoskey Group to help families , businesses , foundations and family offices design and implement thoughtful philanthropic strategies and actionable plans .
He is a frequent keynote speaker at conferences and workshops on philanthropy .
Visit deboskeygroup.com or @ @

In 2019, U.S. giving to charity totaled nearly $450 billion. Historically, nearly one-third of that amount takes place in December, with 12% of all giving occurring in the last three days of the year.
December and last-minute giving is often rushed, not well-planned, nor strategic. To maximize the impact of your giving, whether personal or in your business, start planning your approach to year-end donations now. There are a number of steps you can take to ensure your donations have a lasting and significant impact.
Engage your family members in conversations about what issues and causes are most important to them. Especially in this year of a pandemic, climate change impact, voting rights challenges, racial justice efforts, income and health disparities, and economic uncertainty (for nonprofits, too), meaningful conversations between and among generations about how a family wants to make the greatest impact are essential. Giving through your business? Engage your stakeholders, especially your employees, about not only what issues and causes matter most to them, but how to more effectively involve them in volunteering and giving programs. If your company already has a matching gift program, or sponsors paid volunteer opportunities, take steps to make sure your employees are utilizing them. Unfortunately, the median employee participation rate for matching gift programs is only nine per cent, leaving an estimated $6 to $10 billion of unclaimed matching funds each year! Company volunteer programs also tend to have relatively low participation. Look through two lenses, by asking two critical questions in either a business or family setting:
A. What difference do we want to make in our communities?
B. What difference do we want to make for our family or business?
Both questions are important in creating an effective strategy to achieve both internal and external goals through philanthropy. Donors who neglect one or both of these questions miss the opportunity not only to “make a difference,” but also to fully engage family members or business stakeholders in meaningful communication about values, goals, priorities and lessons learned. Go deep, not wide, by focusing on a smaller number of carefully selected key issues, causes or organizations. Many donors adopt the “peanut butter” approach to giving — spreading their charity thinly across a wide variety of nonprofits. Donors and nonprofit organizations alike benefit when giving is focused more narrowly, moving philanthropy from merely transactional to actually transformational. Give to smaller, local organizations. 2020 has been the most challenging year for nonprofit organizations in memory. Increased demands for services and decreased revenue, combined with remote workplaces and other COVID-19 restrictions, have put many on the brink of survival. It is estimated that up to one-third of nonprofits – mostly smaller and local – will not survive the pandemic and recession double whammy. Unlike bigger organizations, such as universities and hospitals, very few local or smaller nonprofits have sizable endowments to help them weather the current storms. Do your research to find those organizations that are having an impact where it matters most to you. Don’t only rely on friends’ recommendations, glossy mailings or fancy websites to decide which nonprofits are making the difference you want to make. Reading impact reports, examining nonprofits’ publicly available 990 tax returns, speaking with staff and board members, and volunteering are ways to dig deeper, learn more and find better partners to achieve your philanthropic goals. Give boldly and take risks with your giving. Many donors can afford to donate more than they already give, and this year, the need to “dig deep” is critical. And, because it seeks to solve seemingly intractable problems, philanthropy can be seen as the ultimate “risk capital.” Taking calculated risks with grant making may be the only way to find new solutions to old problems. Ask for help from financial, tax, legal and philanthropic advisors to guide your decision-making, learn “best practices” and maximize both the joy and impact of your charitable efforts.
2020 has been extremely challenging for most Americans, and it’s not over yet. We know, however, that philanthropy is inherently optimistic — especially in divisive and disheartening times — by expressing the belief that we can have a positive impact on our own lives, on the lives of others and on vital societal issues. It also serves as a line of defense to protect core democratic values like equality, opportunity, fairness, inclusiveness and freedom of speech and thought. The issues and needs in our communities are great – don’t wait until December to get started.
Nonprofit of the Month
Chinook Fund is a community foundation that mobilizes resources for community-led social justice organizations across Colorado. Since 1987, Chinook has distributed $3.6M to 382 groups. In 2020, it launched the Another World is Possible Fund to invest in groups fighting for a just COVID response AND a visionary future. Unlike traditional foundations, Chinook uses the innovative Giving Project model where volunteers raise and democratically allocate funds. http://www.chinookfund.org/
Bruce DeBoskey, J.D., is a philanthropic strategist working across the United States with The DeBoskey Group to help families, businesses, foundations and family offices design and implement thoughtful philanthropic strategies and actionable plans. He is a frequent keynote speaker at conferences and workshops on philanthropy. Visit deboskeygroup.com or @BDeBo


thedenverpost--2020-10-11--Colorado voters to decide whether to pull out of national popular vote effort

State lawmakers decided last year that Colorado should join 14 other states and Washington , D.C. , in the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact , which pledges their Electoral College votes to the presidential candidate who gets the most raw votes nationwide .
On Nov. 3 , Coloradans will get the chance to affirm or reject that decision when they vote on Proposition 113 , which was put on the ballot by opponents of the movement .
A “ yes ” vote keeps the state in the compact , while a “ no ” vote maintains the system Colorado has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in which the candidate with the most statewide support gets its nine Electoral College votes .
Forty-eight states allocate their electoral votes for president on this winner-take-all basis .
“ The candidate who gets the most votes in Colorado should get Colorado ’ s votes for president , ” said Frank McNulty , a former Republican state House speaker who serves as an advisor to anti-Prop 113 group Protect Colorado ’ s Vote .
“ If 113 passes , there would be no reason for a candidate to come to Colorado anymore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our importance on national policy issues.
” But backers of the measure say Colorado and dozens of other states are already largely ignored under the current Electoral College map : Recent presidential campaigns have effectively focused on a handful of competitive swing states — like Florida and Ohio — that aren ’ t reliably Republican or Democratic .
“ We want to make sure presidential candidates think about people across the country , and what they think — not just voters in Pennsylvania , ” said Democratic state Sen. Michael Foote , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 113 .
“ The national popular vote is a way to make sure our president gets elected on the principle of one person , one vote.
” Even if voters pass Prop 113 , nothing would change for a while .
Right now , the 15 states — including Colorado — that have enacted laws embracing the national popular vote account for 196 electoral votes .
The compact won ’ t take effect until it controls 270 votes , the number needed to prevail in the Electoral College .
But Foote feels the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Donald Trump lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by nearly 3 million votes in 2016 but won the White House in the Electoral College .
Since that election , five states joined the compact .
“ There is a path to 270 ( electoral votes ) by 2024 , ” Foote said .
“ If you have some bigger states come on board , it gets pretty close.
” The national popular vote movement has been on a slow simmer for nearly a decade and a half , having launched in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to join the compact in 2007 .
Colorado made early attempts at getting onboard , with bills introduced but failing in the state legislature in 2006 , 2007 and 2009 .
The push for a popular vote for president bubbled up in the years following George W. Bush ’ s 2000 defeat of Al Gore , a historically close presidential election whose outcome had to be determined by the U.S. Supreme Court .
Even though Gore beat Bush in the popular vote by more than half a million ballots , he lost the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three other elections , all in the 1800s , in which the candidate earning fewer votes nationwide ultimately won the White House in the Electoral College .
Karen Sheek , president of the League of Women Voters of Colorado , said the national popular vote is “ an idea whose time has come.
” Under the current system , she said , the more than 1.2 million Coloradans who voted for Trump in 2016 cast votes that were “ thrown out because Trump did not receive a single Colorado electoral vote.
” Conversely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clinton supporters in Wisconsin saw their votes wasted after her campaign came up short — by less than 1 % — of Trump ’ s tally in the state .
“ Every four years we cast a vote for the president of the United States , and every four years , thousands of voters see their vote for president discarded because they didn ’ t vote with the majority in their state , ” Sheek said .
“ The NPV will ensure that every vote cast for president in my community will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the majority of votes in the state.
” But opponents of Prop 113 say that ’ s not how the situation will play out on the ground .
Rose Pugliese , a Mesa County commissioner , said presidential candidates under a national popular vote system will go where the votes are — namely big cities in populous states .
With Colorado containing less than 2 % of the country ’ s population , the state will be flyover turf on a candidate ’ s itinerary , she said .
“ There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relevant , ” said Pugliese , a Republican who is helping spearhead the effort to overturn the General Assembly ’ s 2019 bill .
She pointed out that Nevada ’ s governor , a Democrat , vetoed that state ’ s attempt to join the compact last year .
Gov .
Steve Sisolak said then that a national popular vote “ could diminish the role of smaller states like Nevada in national electoral contests and force Nevada ’ s electors to side with whoever wins the nationwide popular vote , rather than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the national popular vote is generally falling along partisan lines , with Republicans sounding caution about changing the status quo , there are plenty of exceptions .
President Trump himself has voiced support for a national popular vote , once calling the Electoral College a “ disaster for democracy , ” according to the Washington Post .
And this year the group Conservatives for Yes on National Popular Vote formed in support of the concept .
But Peter Wallison , a senior fellow with the American Enterprise Institute , said it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party it comes from .
He warns that a national popular vote will give rise to a myriad of “ splinter parties ” and that future presidents could move into the White House earning as little as a fifth of the national vote .
“ The U.S. is a huge and diverse country , and as many different views as possible should be taken into account , ” he said .
“ This happens in part because we have only two major parties , which have to build coalitions that attract voters in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for president reflect the views of the entire country .
“ Without the two-party system there will be multiple parties — pro-life , pro-choice , pro- and anti-guns , pro- and anti-immigration , etc , etc .
— plus an unknown number of billionaires who can fund their own races without a party behind them .
A president with only 20 % of the vote will not have the authority to speak for the American people.
” McNulty , the former Colorado House speaker , said it ’ s conceivable under a national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never even appears on Colorado ’ s ballot could get the state ’ s electoral votes and win the election .
The pro-113 camp counters that America ’ s 100 largest cities only encompass 17 % of the nation ’ s population , so any viable campaign couldn ’ t restrict itself to large urban population centers .
Sheek , with the League of Women Voters of Colorado and former mayor of Cortez , said that ’ s important to her as a rural resident of the state .
“ Nationwide , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evenly distributed between urban and rural communities , ” she said .
“ If every vote was counted , candidates would need to court rural voters , not just those in urban areas.
” And that becomes even more relevant for Coloradans as the state turns increasingly blue and sheds its status as battleground territory .
Neither Trump nor Biden has made an in-person visit to Colorado since February — a far different picture from the flurry of candidate visits four years ago — though the coronavirus pandemic has made comparisons to previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most recent campaign finance filings this week , the pro-national popular vote committee brought in about $ 4.4 million in Colorado , while the main opposing committee raised close to $ 1.5 million .
But Pugliese points out that her group managed to collect more than 227,000 signatures to get Prop 113 on the ballot — far more than the 124,000 or so required .
Aside from the need for additional states to sign on to the national popular vote compact before it can become reality , legal hurdles likely stand in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart of that dispute is a constitutional conundrum .
The compact clause of the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from entering into agreements with one another without congressional consent .
On the other hand , the Constitution also gives state legislatures the power to appoint electors to the Electoral College how they see fit — a principle further fortified by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling this summer , which concluded that Colorado has the power to stop its electors from casting their vote for anyone they please .
“ The two of these ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ present some interesting legal arguments , ” McNulty said .
Rein Taagepera , a political science professor at the University of California at Irvine , said while the national popular vote appears to be more beneficial to Democrats presently , that could change .
“ Never make laws that may fly in your face 10 years from now , ” he said .
“ Remember when the South was solid Democrat ?
Remember when California had Republican governors ( Ronald ) Reagan , ( George ) Deukmejian and ( Arnold ) Schwarzenegger ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ poor predictor of the future.
” Taagepera yearns for an honest discussion on the issue — one not colored by partisan politics .
“ It ’ s worth serious discussion , ” he said .
“ And I mean discussion — not a debate where everyone defends one predetermined position and attacks another .
”

State lawmakers decided last year that Colorado should join 14 other states and Washington, D.C., in the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, which pledges their Electoral College votes to the presidential candidate who gets the most raw votes nationwide.
On Nov. 3, Coloradans will get the chance to affirm or reject that decision when they vote on Proposition 113, which was put on the ballot by opponents of the movement.
A “yes” vote keeps the state in the compact, while a “no” vote maintains the system Colorado has used for decades to choose a president, in which the candidate with the most statewide support gets its nine Electoral College votes.
Forty-eight states allocate their electoral votes for president on this winner-take-all basis.
“The candidate who gets the most votes in Colorado should get Colorado’s votes for president,” said Frank McNulty, a former Republican state House speaker who serves as an advisor to anti-Prop 113 group Protect Colorado’s Vote. “If 113 passes, there would be no reason for a candidate to come to Colorado anymore — we would lose our clout and our importance on national policy issues.”
But backers of the measure say Colorado and dozens of other states are already largely ignored under the current Electoral College map: Recent presidential campaigns have effectively focused on a handful of competitive swing states — like Florida and Ohio — that aren’t reliably Republican or Democratic.
“We want to make sure presidential candidates think about people across the country, and what they think — not just voters in Pennsylvania,” said Democratic state Sen. Michael Foote, who supports the advocacy group Yes on Prop 113. “The national popular vote is a way to make sure our president gets elected on the principle of one person, one vote.”
Even if voters pass Prop 113, nothing would change for a while. Right now, the 15 states — including Colorado — that have enacted laws embracing the national popular vote account for 196 electoral votes. The compact won’t take effect until it controls 270 votes, the number needed to prevail in the Electoral College.
But Foote feels the movement is picking up steam, especially after Donald Trump lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by nearly 3 million votes in 2016 but won the White House in the Electoral College. Since that election, five states joined the compact.
“There is a path to 270 (electoral votes) by 2024,” Foote said. “If you have some bigger states come on board, it gets pretty close.”
Long time coming
The national popular vote movement has been on a slow simmer for nearly a decade and a half, having launched in 2006. Maryland was the first state to join the compact in 2007. Colorado made early attempts at getting onboard, with bills introduced but failing in the state legislature in 2006, 2007 and 2009.
The push for a popular vote for president bubbled up in the years following George W. Bush’s 2000 defeat of Al Gore, a historically close presidential election whose outcome had to be determined by the U.S. Supreme Court. Even though Gore beat Bush in the popular vote by more than half a million ballots, he lost the electoral math.
The nation has had three other elections, all in the 1800s, in which the candidate earning fewer votes nationwide ultimately won the White House in the Electoral College.
Karen Sheek, president of the League of Women Voters of Colorado, said the national popular vote is “an idea whose time has come.” Under the current system, she said, the more than 1.2 million Coloradans who voted for Trump in 2016 cast votes that were “thrown out because Trump did not receive a single Colorado electoral vote.”
Conversely, Sheek said, nearly 1.4 million Clinton supporters in Wisconsin saw their votes wasted after her campaign came up short — by less than 1% — of Trump’s tally in the state.
“Every four years we cast a vote for the president of the United States, and every four years, thousands of voters see their vote for president discarded because they didn’t vote with the majority in their state,” Sheek said. “The NPV will ensure that every vote cast for president in my community will be counted, regardless of which candidate receives the majority of votes in the state.”
But opponents of Prop 113 say that’s not how the situation will play out on the ground. Rose Pugliese, a Mesa County commissioner, said presidential candidates under a national popular vote system will go where the votes are — namely big cities in populous states.
With Colorado containing less than 2% of the country’s population, the state will be flyover turf on a candidate’s itinerary, she said.
“There’s just not enough people to make Colorado relevant,” said Pugliese, a Republican who is helping spearhead the effort to overturn the General Assembly’s 2019 bill.
She pointed out that Nevada’s governor, a Democrat, vetoed that state’s attempt to join the compact last year. Gov. Steve Sisolak said then that a national popular vote “could diminish the role of smaller states like Nevada in national electoral contests and force Nevada’s electors to side with whoever wins the nationwide popular vote, rather than the candidate Nevadans choose.”
While the fight over the national popular vote is generally falling along partisan lines, with Republicans sounding caution about changing the status quo, there are plenty of exceptions. President Trump himself has voiced support for a national popular vote, once calling the Electoral College a “disaster for democracy,” according to the Washington Post.
And this year the group Conservatives for Yes on National Popular Vote formed in support of the concept.
But Peter Wallison, a senior fellow with the American Enterprise Institute, said it’s a bad idea no matter which party it comes from. He warns that a national popular vote will give rise to a myriad of “splinter parties” and that future presidents could move into the White House earning as little as a fifth of the national vote.
“The U.S. is a huge and diverse country, and as many different views as possible should be taken into account,” he said. “This happens in part because we have only two major parties, which have to build coalitions that attract voters in the most states, and their candidates for president reflect the views of the entire country.
“Without the two-party system there will be multiple parties — pro-life, pro-choice, pro- and anti-guns, pro- and anti-immigration, etc, etc. — plus an unknown number of billionaires who can fund their own races without a party behind them. A president with only 20% of the vote will not have the authority to speak for the American people.”
McNulty, the former Colorado House speaker, said it’s conceivable under a national popular vote that a presidential candidate who never even appears on Colorado’s ballot could get the state’s electoral votes and win the election.
Legalities, politics
The pro-113 camp counters that America’s 100 largest cities only encompass 17% of the nation’s population, so any viable campaign couldn’t restrict itself to large urban population centers. Sheek, with the League of Women Voters of Colorado and former mayor of Cortez, said that’s important to her as a rural resident of the state.
“Nationwide, it is estimated that the population is pretty evenly distributed between urban and rural communities,” she said. “If every vote was counted, candidates would need to court rural voters, not just those in urban areas.”
And that becomes even more relevant for Coloradans as the state turns increasingly blue and sheds its status as battleground territory. Neither Trump nor Biden has made an in-person visit to Colorado since February — a far different picture from the flurry of candidate visits four years ago — though the coronavirus pandemic has made comparisons to previous election cycles difficult.
As of the most recent campaign finance filings this week, the pro-national popular vote committee brought in about $4.4 million in Colorado, while the main opposing committee raised close to $1.5 million. But Pugliese points out that her group managed to collect more than 227,000 signatures to get Prop 113 on the ballot — far more than the 124,000 or so required.
Aside from the need for additional states to sign on to the national popular vote compact before it can become reality, legal hurdles likely stand in the way of the effort.
At the heart of that dispute is a constitutional conundrum. The compact clause of the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from entering into agreements with one another without congressional consent.
On the other hand, the Constitution also gives state legislatures the power to appoint electors to the Electoral College how they see fit — a principle further fortified by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling this summer, which concluded that Colorado has the power to stop its electors from casting their vote for anyone they please.
“The two of these (principles) going head to head will present some interesting legal arguments,” McNulty said.
Rein Taagepera, a political science professor at the University of California at Irvine, said while the national popular vote appears to be more beneficial to Democrats presently, that could change.
“Never make laws that may fly in your face 10 years from now,” he said. “Remember when the South was solid Democrat? Remember when California had Republican governors (Ronald) Reagan, (George) Deukmejian and (Arnold) Schwarzenegger? In politics, the present is a poor predictor of the future.”
Taagepera yearns for an honest discussion on the issue — one not colored by partisan politics.
“It’s worth serious discussion,” he said. “And I mean discussion — not a debate where everyone defends one predetermined position and attacks another.”