One of the few post-election bright spots for Republicans was the defeat of Rep. Bernie Buescher, D-Grand Junction. He was slated to become the next Speaker of the House but lost to political newcomer Laura Bradford by just 583 votes. Bradford heavily criticized Buescher for his support of Gov. Bill Ritter's mill levy tax increase, ruled unconstitutional in district court and now being considered by the Colorado Supreme Court.
COLORADO'S FRONTPAGE
Face the State
Content Index: 2008 Colorado State Legislative Races
Follow this topic by RSSRelated Topics: Colorado Elections, Colorado's 2008 U.S. Senate Race, General Assembly, State Government
Segment 2 - Sen. Josh Penry on the coming legislative session
Sen. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, the newly-elected Senate minority leader, reacts to the 2008 election and talks about his legislative agenda.
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Video: Bernie Buescher's loss is the gift that keeps on giving
November 26, 2008Dem Hanfling spices up Denver political scene
A Face the State Staff Report
November 25, 2008
With a touch of funk, a lot of spunk, and allies on both sides of the political aisle, Denver's Josh Hanfling is gunning for his second political bid in less than a year. And while he once again finds himself a longshot, he's managing to turn a lot of heads.
Senate District 26 Republican candidate concedes but recount inevitable
A Face the State Staff Report
November 20, 2008Sixteen days after the general election, Republican candidate Lauri Clapp has announced she has conceded her race for Senate District 26 to Democrat Linda Newell.
"The Buzz" on Newstalk 1310 KFKA, 11/10 - Bill Ritter is 'not the Grinch'?
November 11, 2008
Face The State managing editor Brad Jones visits with Newstalk 1310 KFKA's Amy Oliver. Up for discussion: The Denver Post gives Face The State a shout-out in its Sunday edition, Gov. Bill Ritter plays Santa Claus and gives state employees an extra day off, and Rep. Bernie Buescher finds himself looking for a new job.
Groff, Carroll selections give hope to school choice supporters
A Face the State Staff Report
November 11, 2008
This year's newly minted state House and Senate Democrat leaders have given school choice supporters a reason to be cautiously optimistic, as the two men slated to lead their respective chambers have often split with their union-backed party to support school choice.
Dave Rose pulls back his concession
November 9, 2008While most Democrats were celebrating victory Tuesday night, House District 30 candidate Dave Rose was not among them after conceding his race to Republican Kevin Priola. By Wednesday morning, however, he rescinded his concession.
Rose told the Brighton Standard Blade that the flip-flopping was justified, proclaiming "I'm not by any means ready to concede."
Segment 3 - Legislative leaders
Just two days after the general election, Colorado's lawmakers gather to elect leaders for the coming session of the General Assembly. With the unexpected defeat of Rep. Bernie Buescher, D-Grand Junction, House Democrats scrambled to choose a new Speaker as he was widely favored for the position. Face The State's Rachel Boxer was on hand for the parties' caucus meetings this week.
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State Dems & GOP pick new leadership
A Face the State Staff Report
November 7, 2008
Members of the 2009 General Assembly wasted no time as they shifted from election night parties to caucus meetings just 36 hours later, where they picked new leaders to head into January's legislative session.
11/6: Finding the election's silver lining
Republicans looking for a silver lining to Tuesday's election should take a look west, to Grand Junction.
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The FTS Radio Minute
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1/7: Ritter's budget mess
Gov. Ritter has changed course on the state budget – again.