http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/blog_rss/think Citizen journalists unite! His statement is below. Check out the conversation on Pols. What do you think? GOV. RITTER VETO MESSAGE ON HOUSE BILL 09-1170 May 19, 2009 Honorable Colorado House of Representatives 67th General Assembly First Regular Session State Capitol Denver, CO 80203 Ladies and Gentlemen, I am filing with the Secretary of State House Bill 09-1170, "Concerning unemployment insurance benefits for locked-out employees." I vetoed this bill as of 4:55 p.m. today, and this letter sets forth my reasons for doing so. There are currently ongoing contract negotiations between the United Food and Commercial Workers No. 7 and several grocery stores, including King Soopers, Safeway, Albertsons, and City Market. The parties to these negotiations have been working hard for several months to try to reach an agreement. I believe it is ill-advised and counterproductive to enact legislation that materially impacts the relative bargaining position of parties in the midst of ongoing negotiations. In these troubled economic times, I am deeply concerned about the effect a strike or lockout of employees would have on grocery store workers and consumers across the state, and I am concerned that signing this bill into law will make a negotiated resolution of the grocery store contract more difficult, not less. Therefore, under these circumstances, the state should not interject itself into these contract negotiations by enacting House Bill 09-1170 into law. The merits of this bill, however, are worthy of future discussion and perhaps future legislation. In 1999, the statutory provision that House Bill 09-1170 would repeal and reenact was substantially amended for the first time in twenty-four years, upsetting the longstanding balance governing when locked-out and striking workers were eligible for unemployment benefits. The issue of how best to restore this balance is a debate that we should have. But the debate should be had and legislation crafted outside of the shadow of a major contract negotiation that has the imminent threat of a strike or lockout. Accordingly, I have vetoed this bill. Sincerely, Bill Ritter, Jr. Governor http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CZx7 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CZx7/commentary#comments Wed, 20 May 2009 08:37:33 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CZx7 Bobby http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 1 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZx7/ This article in today's Denver Post is priceless: " GOP aligns stars to plot comeback ." The "stars" of the GOP, apparently, are former Gov. Bill Owens, former Sens. Hank Brown and Wayne Allard, former congressmen Bob Beauprez, Bob Schaffer, Scott McInnis, Dick "Undefeated Since 2008" Wadhams, and House Minority Leader Mike May. You have to read the article, but here are a few things that jump out to me. First, where was Josh Penry? Are the "wise men" of the GOP shutting him out?  Second, notice something about the race and gender of the GOP's braintrust? And if you're going to have a "members only" meeting of lilly white good old boys, do you really want the press to report on it? You think maybe, just maybe, being the Rich White Guy party is part of the problem? http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CZx8 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CZx8/commentary#comments Mon, 11 May 2009 08:59:07 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CZx8 Bobby http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZx8/ In case you didn't see it elsewhere, below is Diana DeGette's statement. This was a great moment for the Congresswoman. She was THE national leader in Congress on stem cell research funding. Restoring Stem Cell Research - now and beyond President Barack Obama has certainly had his plate full since he took office - the economy, children's health and the housing crisis, all have piled up at once. He continues to take bold action that will ensure the long-term stability of our economy. And I am proud that he has acted on expanding embryonic stem cell research. As a pro-science president, he has taken the first step in ensuring that the United States regains it preeminence in cutting-edge research by overturning the current restrictions on embryonic stem cell research. Finally, after eight years of roadblocks, millions of patients and their families now have hope for a cure. As the chief architect of bipartisan legislation passed by both a Republican and Democratic Congress, President Obama's decision is to be applauded. Embryonic stem cell research holds great promise for alleviating the suffering of more than 100 million American patients who are living with devastating diseases -- from Parkinson's to spinal cord injuries to diabetes. Even with President Obama's action, our work continues - we need a strong federal role in carrying out this research. It is important to build upon President Obama's executive order reversing these restrictions with supportive legislation that will prevent this issue from becoming a political ping-pong ball between Administrations. The recent breakthrough of skin cells derived from Parkinson's patients to create personalized stem cells has excited many scientists. These cells were transformed into the undifferentiated state of cells in an early embryo to make the dopamine-manufacturing neurons lost from the disease. This news underscores the urgency with which the Obama administration must address the deficiencies in U.S. funding and ethical oversight. Although numerous entities have published guidelines for stem cell research, there is currently no overarching set of federal guidelines to serve as the gold standard. As a result, scientists must constantly worry about meeting a patchwork of ethical requirements. And, with the many recent advances in stem cell techniques, it is imperative we allow all forms of stem cell science to flourish. It is important to outline the differences between embryonic and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are far more versatile. Embryonic and adult stem cells each have advantages and disadvantages regarding potential use for cell-based regenerative therapies. Adult and embryonic stem cells vary in the number and type of differentiated cells types they can become. Embryonic stem cells can become all cell types of the body because they are pluripotent (a cell that can create all cell types except for extra embryonic tissue). Adult stem cells are generally limited to differentiating into varying cell types of their tissue of origin. Large numbers of embryonic stem cells can be relatively easily grown in culture, while adult stem cells are rare in mature tissues and methods for expanding their numbers in cell culture have not yet been worked out. This is an important distinction, as large numbers of cells are needed for stem cell replacement therapies. Unfortunately, the previous Administration hobbled our advancement in scientific research by not only placing restrictions on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, but also by vetoing my legislation. Twice. Adding to this is the absence of funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Despite the doubling of the NIH budget in the late 1990s, research funding was flat-lined throughout the Bush administration's tenure. By every objective measure, cutting-edge stem cell research has been significantly under-funded. Between 2001 and 2008, the NIH spent $3.7 billion on all types of stem cell research -- a big number, certainly, but not the $4.83 billion received by the National Cancer Institute in one year alone (2005). Despite these limitations, there have been promising discoveries in many types of cell-based research, including embryonic stem cells, somatic cell nuclear transfer, reprogrammed adult stem cells, and more. Without the full efforts of the NIH, important advances have been delayed. President Obama's action means that scientists home and abroad will have a renewed interest in federal funding for stem cell projects that can move ahead immediately. In working with the Obama Administration on new legislation, we must also address the need for strong ethical oversight and national guidelines for all cell-based research. In our current economic climate, Congress and the Obama White House will work together to find the resources to make up for lost time in the federal commitment to this research, while private initiative will once again be unencumbered. But, I am encouraged that President Obama has taken an important first step - one that is based on science, not just politics. U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, vice chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, is chief architect of legislation overturning President Bush's 2001 restrictions on embryonic stem cell research. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQsq http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQsq/commentary#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:30:56 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQsq Bobby http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 1 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQsq/ Obama reminded us in his victory speech that an election, alone, isn't the change we want. We may have more progressive leaders in office, but powerful right-wing interest groups and big money lobbyists are making plans right now in Denver and in Washington to fight hard against change. If we really want change, we have to keep working together and make sure our elected leaders act on the mandate they've been given. Colorado's Legislature and the Congress will be back in session in early January. As part of the ProgressNowAction network --the largest progressive network in Colorado--you can play a key role in pushing for real change on issues like renewable energy investment, lowering healthcare costs, rebuilding our infrastructure, and creating jobs. It's not easy for one citizen to be heard, but ProgressNowAction members can make a huge statement together. We're expanding our grassroots lobbying work in some exciting new ways that will make an even bigger impact, and we want you to be part of it. For starters, tell us what you think our leaders should focus on? What change do you most want to see? Click here and speak up: http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQDG http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQDG/commentary#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:33:56 EST http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQDG Bobby http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 447 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQDG/ She remains the wicked witch of the west, even in defeat, by failing to call and congratulate Markey. Colorado Independent has the story. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8m http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8m/commentary#comments Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:01:50 EST http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8m Bobby http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 5 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQ8m/ http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8f http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8f/commentary#comments Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:06:06 EST http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8f Bobby http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 2 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQ8f/ Last night, in the final debate in CO's senate race, Mark Udall called out Schaffer on Schaffer's proposal to abolish the Dept. of Education. Schaffer called that "baloney". Schaffer lied: http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8Q http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8Q/commentary#comments Fri, 31 Oct 2008 18:44:26 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8Q Bobby http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQ8Q/ Or should I say "stumpfsinniger". Someone needs to remind Schaffer that FDR was a Democrat. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8c http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8c/commentary#comments Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:19:20 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8c Bobby http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 236 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQ8c/ Watch the pollsters discuss this poll. Really incredible: http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8q http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8q/commentary#comments Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:28:09 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8q Bobby http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 1 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQ8q/ Just heard on MSNBC that Alaska's U.S. Senator Ted Stevens was just found GUILTY on all counts. Tough, tough year for the right wing. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8N http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8N/commentary#comments Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:04:22 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8N Bobby http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 1 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQ8N/ I've seen a few recent stories giving Howard Dean some credit for driving the 50-state strategy that, in hindsight, seems to have been pretty wise. The latest is an article in the Las Vegas Sun. The money line: Republicans better find themselves a Howard Dean, and fast. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8J http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8J/commentary#comments Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:52:38 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8J Bobby http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 219 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQ8J/ Take special note of the children acting like monkeys and calling Obama the "monkey president". The cursing man with the baby was also a special treat: UPDATE: And now we learn that the story out of the Pittsburgh area about a supposed attack on a McCain supporter by a black Obama supporter was a fake. That's right, the girl admits she made it up to provoke racial animosity. The McCain / Palin campaign will FOREVER be remembered as the most racist, hateful, despicable campaign in modern American history. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8j http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8j/commentary#comments Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:04:06 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8j Bobby http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 2911 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQ8j/ Trouble in right-wing paradise. From the blog of the Coloradoan's Editor: The Family Research Council Action Political Action Committee is protesting the National Republican Congressional Committee's decision Wednesday to cancel $400,000 of advertising it had planned over the last week of Rep. Marilyn Musgrave's re-election campaign. The FRC accuses the NRCC of "abandoning social conservative candidates" after it scaled back spending plans for Musgrave and Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn. Here's the letter from FRC Action PAC President Tony Perkins to Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma, chair of the NRCC: "You have made a grave error in judgment by pulling your funds from the Michelle Bachmann race in Minnesota and the Marilyn Musgrave race in Colorado. "The left is attacking both of these outstanding women because they are true conservatives. They vote pro-life and pro-family. Both Congresswomen are against taxpayer funding of abortion. Both oppose embryonic stem cell research, and both are for a Marriage Protection Amendment. These are issues that motivate voters. These are issues they and other conservative candidates have won and can win with. "Reps. Bachmann and Musgrave are both in winnable districts. Pulling funds from their campaigns sends the wrong message to their supporters and gives their opponents a chance to produce headlines that the NRCC has undermined these campaigns. It appears that the NRCC is abandoning social conservative candidates and the issues for which they stand, particularly if they are championed by some of the most promising female legislators in the Congress. This is no time to cut and run from a fight. "I will urge supporters of the FRC Action PAC to stop giving to the NRCC until it starts supporting and fighting for conservative candidates in close races. "My supporters and I urge you to reconsider these decisions." http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8C http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8C/commentary#comments Thu, 23 Oct 2008 22:32:23 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CQ8C Bobby http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQ8C/ New numbers from Rassmusen: Obama 52, McCain 45 Udall (D) 51, Schaffer (R) 44 UPDATE: Take a look at the Pollster.com aggregate trendline for Colorado: http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CXFC http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CXFC/commentary#comments Sun, 19 Oct 2008 10:34:59 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CXFC Bobby http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 1 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CXFC/ He announced this morning on Meet the Press. Some reasons: Powell was concerned about McCain's response to the economic crisis. About Palin: I don't believe Sarah Palin is ready. Powell was angry about the Bill Ayers and how it was used by the McCain camapign and the Republican party. Supreme Court "I would have difficult with two more (conservative) appointments to the Supreme Court" On the use of religion as a divisive issue in : "We have got to stop polarizing ourselves this way" h/t AmericaBlog http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CXQm http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CXQm/commentary#comments Sun, 19 Oct 2008 10:26:33 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CXQm Bobby http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 20 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CXQm/ They took perhaps McCain's best moment from the debate last night, and turned it on him. Obama's campaign has been amazing to watch. They've rarely missed an opportunity. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CZCC http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CZCC/commentary#comments Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:26:55 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CZCC Bobby http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZCC/ http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CZCB http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CZCB/commentary#comments Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:25:32 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CZCB Bobby http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZCB/ CBS poll of undecided voters: Who won the debate? McCain (R) 22 Obama (D) 53 Shares your values Obama, Before the debate: 54 Obama, After the debate: 63 McCain, Before the debate: 53 McCain, After the debate: 56 CNN poll of voters who watched debate: Who won the debate? McCain (R) 31 Obama (D) 58 Favorable/Unfavorable Obama, before debate: 63/35 Obama, after debate: 66/33 McCain, before debate: 51/45 McCain, after debate: 49/49 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CZBy http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CZBy/commentary#comments Wed, 15 Oct 2008 23:32:11 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CZBy Bobby http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 2 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZBy/ Pols is speculating that the NRSC may be set to abandon Bob Schaffer's failing campaign in a move to save some of their endangered incumbents in other states. It's true enough that the Republicans have a very serious cash disadvantage, a terrible environment for their candidates, and a host of endangered incumbents. Pols lists three races where the incumbent is in trouble: 1) MN, where Franken now leads Coleman; 2) NC, where Hagan now leads Dole; and 3) KY, where Lunsford is rapidly closing on McConnell. But there's also GA, where Chambliss is in a dead heat with Martin. And OR, where Smith is now trailing Merkley. And AK, where Stevens is trailing Begich. In MS, Musgrove is giving Wicker a run for his money. In TX, Noriega has been closing the gap big-time on Cornyn. And there are even signs that Allen may be closing on Collins in ME. The strategy of the NRSC at this point has to be: fall-back, regroup, and choose the best spots they can to concentrate their efforts and try and hold off the Democrats from gaining the a 60-seat majority, which seems more and more possible every day. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CZBY http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CZBY/commentary#comments Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:21:14 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CZBY Bobby http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZBY/ We've been reading online for weeks about the fact that Todd Palin has been a member of a militaristic, separatist party in Alaska. And Sarah Palin has been "palling around with" leaders of that party for more than 10 years, including this year in the official capacity of governor. FINALLY, someone from the mainstream media has reported on this: http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CZBs http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CZBs/commentary#comments Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:46:35 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/think/CZBs Bobby http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 1 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZBs/