During one of the most important weeks of the legislative session, the Colorado state House’s most junior member is vacationing on a beach in Puerto Vallarta with her family for Spring Break, according to her husband, Larry Beer’s, status on the Facebook social-networking site (as accessed Wednesday, linked here.)
Puerto VallartaZigfils/Flickr
Rep. Karen Middleton, D-Aurora, has been absent and excused from session since Monday, with Republicans stumped by her disappearance during such an important week and Democrats keeping a tight lip on her whereabouts.
The contentious "Long Bill" is being debated in the House this week and is going to determine the state’s fiscal path for the next year. Middleton has a responsibility to her constituents to make sure they have a voice as the state’s limited funds are distributed.
Calls to the House majority press office were not returned.
Middleton was sworn in Feb. 13 filling the seat vacated by former Rep. Michael Garcia, D-Aurora, who resigned amid allegations that he exposed himself and made lewd comments to a female lobbyist. Middleton had served on the Colorado State Board of Education before moving to the General Assembly.
After joining the General Assembly a month after session began Middleton is already playing catch up – making it that much more crucial that she not miss a moment of work unless it is absolutely necessary. Playing on the beach in Puerto Vallarta can hardly be considered necessary.
