There were plenty of high fives to go around at the Senate Republicans caucus last week as members of the GOP team rejoiced in having successfully punted the political football across the goal line for an 18-17 victory on the big Nov. 4 game day. At a Tuesday morning rehash of all the action, Sen. Bill Cadman, R-Colorado Springs, was the consensus pick for MVP and tapped Senate president-designate. He will report to camp on Jan. 7 for opening day of the new legislative season.

“I’ve seen you operate, dream, strategize and work tirelessly for this day,” said fellow teammate Sen. Mark Scheffel, R-Parker. “You are a true servant leader, acted tirelessly in the best interests of the people at this table and the citizenry of Colorado. You are a good man with a great heart,” Scheffel added. “A friend, colleague, senator. It is a privilege to call you Mr. President.”

“I’m obviously honored and I’m amazed,” Cadman said in response.

“We started two years and four days ago to get here,” Cadman recalled about training camp. “I’m relieved it’s over and that counting ballots is finally done.”

As he surveyed the large committee room on the third floor of the Capitol previously reserved for the Senate Dems, their biggest rivals, Cadman gleefully exlaimed, “We got the big room! I haven’t been here in eight years!”

What’s unique about the Senate, Cadman continued, is that the caucus must do the same amount of groundwork as their counterparts in the larger house chamber but with half the number of players. “That means freshmen, I’m really glad you and veterans are here alike.”

The team leader offered some coaching tips from his playbook. “Read the rules, read the rules, read the rules,” Cadman stressed. “Ask questions, ask questions, ask questions,” he continued, “and then read the rules again. There’s no end to the learning curve.” Cadman recalled the advice he had received from Hall of Famer Ray Powers, the revered Colorado Springs lawmaker who served as Senate president for many years. “He took me into his office. ‘Been here for over two decades,’ he said, ‘and have learned something new about how it works every year.’”

Cadman urged members to not only learn everything they could about public policy but more importantly, “focus on what brings us together, it’s the right thing to do but is essential to success here.” Cadman said the difference between passing and blocking a bill on the floor often comes down to something greater than the policy itself.

He added, “[The] chamber is under new management. It is a privilege to do this as a team of 18, ready to lead, ready to govern, as a team of 18 liberty-loving freedom fighters to build a better Colorado.”

Play action continued with the election of special team captains. Sen. Ellen Roberts,R-Durango, was named president pro tem; Scheffel was recruited for majority leader; Sen. Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud, is the new assistant majority leader; Sen. Randy Baumgardner, R-Hot Sulphur Springs, will lead the caucus as whip; and Sen. Vickie Marble, R-Fort Collins, will serve as caucus chair.

Cadman was presented with a genuine Denver Broncos Peyton Manning football jersey, which he immediately donned. The symbolism of Manning’s number 18 and the Senate Republicans’ 18-member majority was clear, although Cadman joked that he would have taken 20.

“That 18 sticks in your head,” Cadman enthused. “Without each and every one of us this number is irrelevant,” he said, “This is what’s going to give us our strength, each and every one of you.”

Then, unveiling his similar game plan, Cadman issued an audible. “I went to the team store, too!” He distributed No. 18 jerseys to all his team members who promptly layered the blue and orange over their street clothes. Lined up at the front of the room, the Senate Republican players extended their arms out for a group cheer.All hands in: “One, two, three, 18!”

— Jody@coloradostatesman.com

See the November 14 print edition for full photo coverage.