The last line of today's staff report on the status of Gov. Bill Ritter's Colorado Promise reads: "Multiple calls and e-mails to Ritter's campaign management firm, The Kenney Group, were not returned." Nearly 20 attempts were made by FTS staff to reach Ritter campaign manager David Kenney to answer the simple question, "Is the Colorado Promise going to be a part of Ritter's re-election platform?" One reason Kenney may not have called back? His voicemail has been full for at least the last week. (Probably mostly with staff writer Kate Melvin's patient yet persistent requests for comment.)
COLORADO'S FRONTPAGE
Face the State
Content Index: Evan Dreyer
Follow this topic by RSSHumor Column: The Peter Groff Happy Hour Special
Face The State Humor
March 16, 2009By Andrew Ripemoff
The good news is that the legislature is halfway done with its work. The bad news is that there are still more than 50 days for lawmakers to brainstorm ways to boss you around. Hold on to your wallet as we review the first half. Drumroll please...
Ritter off to the Vatican?
December 9, 2008
There are a lot of Colorado names being thrown out there for appointments in President-elect Barack Obama's administration, and the rampant speculation about political appointees gives us junkies plenty to talk about over beers at happy hour.
FTS Humor: The Grinch who stole $4.62 million
Face The State Humor
November 13, 2008By Andrew Ripemoff
The statehouse has nominated its leadership team, and it appears that the genial and well-liked Terrance Carroll will became the next House Speaker. Just in case you weren’t aware, The Denver Post wants to make sure you know that Carroll is black. On the Senate side, Peter Groff was re-elected as Senate President. And in case you weren’t aware, the Denver Post wants you to know that Groff is black, too.
"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.
In case you missed it: Fox 31 on Ritter's big freebie for state workers
November 7, 2008
Covering a story first reported by Face The State, Fox 31 News this week detailed Gov. Bill Ritter's plan to award to state employees an extra day of paid vacation time this holiday season. Republican lawmakers, including state Rep. Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, called the plan "reckless."
Does Ritter help or hurt when he comes out against an initiative?
A Face the State Staff Report
October 13, 2008
In the last two weeks, Gov. Bill Ritter has publicly come out against two ballot proposals, worked behind the scenes to knock a few more off the ballot, and has continued to serve as a key spokesman for another. And now with recent polls showing the Democrat's approval ratings at under 50 percent, his diluted stamp of approval is being dismissed by his political opponents.
Democracy Alliance memo details Dem plan to "educate the idiots" and target minorities
A Face the State Staff Report
October 1, 2008
In a confidential internal memorandum obtained by Face The State, the Colorado Democracy Alliance outlines a roster of "operatives" who worked for Democratic victory in the 2006 general election. The document outlines specific tasks for various members of the state's liberal infrastructure, including a campaign to "educate the idiots," assigned to the state's AFL-CIO union. Among the operation's intended targets: "minorities, GED's, drop-outs."
A good week for Amendment 49
September 30, 2008Jon Caldara is used to being the underdog. It's where he's at his best.
And while his Amendment 49 has suffered from a lack of financial support in a crowded ballot year, Caldara has managed to gain incredible support from Colorado's always finicky media establishment. With ballots shipped out in a matter of days, the timing couldn't be better.
FTS Humor: An insider's look at capitol bathroom politics
Face The State Humor
June 26, 2008I don’t want to get too graphic here, but I was using the men's room at the state Capitol the other day, just sitting there doing my business, when all of a sudden, I looked up and saw state Senator Jennifer Veiga staring down at me from over the stall.
Evan Dreyer’s Rhetoric of “Surprise”
June 9, 2008For being a veteran politico, Evan Dreyer sure is easily surprised these days. At least three times in the last two weeks, the spokesman for Gov. Bill Ritter has expressed his “surprise” to reporters—and not always in the most consistent fashion.
FTS Humor: Legislative wrap-up
Face The State Humor
May 15, 2008By Andrew Ripemoff
It’s been just over a week since the legislature has adjourned and yet, somehow, someway, the sun still rises every morning.