A true believer questions Ritter's 'new energy economy'

Liberal Denver Post columnist Susan Greene likes alternative energy sources, but she isn't falling for Gov. Bill Ritter's rhetoric about the "new energy economy."

In her Tuesday column, Greene called Ritter out for praising Tri-State Generation, a leading producer of power in Colorado. Ritter applauded Tri-State for its "leadership" in the energy sector, despite the fact that less than 1 percent of the company's power comes from renewable sources.

"It seems curious, then, that the co-op has plastered its website with back-patting by Ritter, who has made clear energy the cornerstone of his term," wrote Greene.

Ritter's approval ratings are down, his fundraising is low, fellow party members are scrutinizing his every move, and even the unions seem to be turning their back on the Ritter's presumed 2010 re-election bid. All of that is manageable with a good campaign team.

When The Denver Post's most liberal columnist starts turning on you, however, it's time to take a second look at that composting pile.