By TCS Publisher and Editor in Chief Jared Wright_@JaredWright_

Friday, March 11, 2016

DENVER — Good morning and Happy Friday. From your friend Donald Trump: “We’re all in this together, we’re going to come up with solutions, we’re going to find the answers to things and so far I cannot believe how civil it’s been up here.” 

Now, your substrata feed straight from the politics pipeline:

DEBATE WITH LESS HATE

(AP photo)

Takeaways from last night’s Republican debate in Coral Gables, Florida —

Marco Rubio knows his attacks on Trump backfired, and it showed, because they were gone from the stage last night. He gave a commanding, Rubioesque performance and his home state audience gave him the applause he loves, but it seemed more a polite curtain call than a call for an encore.

Ted Cruz, who might still be able to stop Trump mathematically — but not likely — according to this data heavy analysis by Nate Silver, tried to cast the debate as a two-man skirmish, the only one on stage who seemed willing to directly challenge Trump last night. Cruz, referring to Trump’s having supporters pledge their votes with their emblematic right hands raised to him at his rallies said, “That’s exactly backwards. This is a job interview. We are here pledging our support to you, not the other way around.”

John Kasich: I’ve run an “unwavering positive campaign” all along — staying positive, both eyes squarely on home state Ohio. But, as this NBC News story reveals, as one of the most popular governor’s in the country, Ohioans might just want to keep him (Headline) — vote against him for president as a vote to keep him in Ohio (Kasich’s term doesn’t expire until 2018). Come on really? Not sure the electorate as a whole thinks things through to that extent. Nevertheless, a Kasich win in Ohio gives him enough of a solid footing to do battle at a contested convention. He loses … they probably get to keep their governor.

Debate Nutshell — Trump: “The Republican establishment, or whatever you want to call it, should embrace what’s happening.”

“Marco Rubio’s presidential campaign has raised $40 million in the last week. When he heard that, Rubio said, ‘Hey, any chance I can drop out of the race and just keep the 40 million?” — Jimmy Fallon

Williams votes for vaccination amendment … by accident? — In a well-performed, tactical strike utilizing procedural weaponry on the House floor yesterday, the Republican minority bested House Speaker Pro Tem Dan Pabon on his favorite topic — mandatory vaccinations. Pabon brought his bill, HB 1164, seeking to require parents or students to submit immunization documentation to the state Department of Public Health and Environment rather than the schools students attend.

While there was an opt-out policy in the bill, this wasn’t enough for Republicans — specifically the libertarian leaning ones. Rep. Patrick Neville ran a committee of the whole amendment to change it from opt-out to opt-in mandate, meaning the bill would only apply to parents who specifically ask for their student’s information to be sent to the department of health. Essentially — this gutted Pabon’s bill. Two Democrats joined the Republican minority to pass the bill on a recorded vote — Reps. Steve Lebsock and Angela Williams. This gave the Republicans just enough votes to pass the amendment 33-32. The catch is, Williams reportedly voted for the motion by accident. The bill comes back up on third reading this morning, where the Dems will likely lock down their caucus (they are so good at that) — specifically the accidental supporters of the measure — to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory for the Republicans. Rumor is they will send the bill back to second reading to make the fixes less noticeably there.

Perlmutter getting “challenges” from all sides — How challenging these “challenges” will be we have yet to see, but the five term congressman, U.S. Rep.Ed Perlmutter, CD-7, now has a third person making a play for his seat, this time from his own party. Shawn Carlson, a 31-year-old retired Army Captain, Futuramafan and Bernie Sanders supporter from Orlando, Florida, will be trying to outmaneuver Perlmutter from the left this cycle. Read the full story from The Colorado Statesman’s Ernest Luning here

Carlson is the first Democratic candidate to register against incumbent Perlmutter, but two others on the Republican side have already jumped in the race, retired Army Major George Athanasopoulos and “no more immigration” Westminster City Councilman Bruce Baker.

Perlmutter has won all of his five elections in what has become a very safe seat for the incumbent with well over 50 percent of the vote, the closest being last cycle against Republican former GOP state party vice chairman Don Yterrberg, who still took in 27,000 fewer votes than Perlmutter in the 2014 general election.

Salazar ain’t done with oil and gas “bullies” — Rep. Joe Salazar penned a scathing Facebook post last night, calling out the oil and gas industry as “bullies” in the state. “I was always one of the smallest kids in my class growing up,” Salazar said. “Because of my size, I had to defend myself from bigger kids. It didn’t take long before the bigger kids realized that I was going to give more than what I took from them. If I saw other kids being picked on, I would run to defend them. This afternoon, on behalf of my neighbors, constituents, friends in Thornton and throughout the state, I will be taking on the biggest bully at the CO Legislature – Oil and Gas (you know, the industry that employs the largest number of lobbyists at the State Capitol).”

Salazar was referring to one specific bill of his 15 introduced to date, HB 1310, which significantly loosens tort laws in the state for people to be able to sue and receive compensation from the oil and gas industry. The bill would allow people who suffer “harm or injury to themselves or their property” as a result of oil and gas operations to be compensated by the oil and gas company. The legislation includes an earthquake provision, holding the oil and gas operator strictly liable for their conduct, including fracking, that results in “causing” and earthquake that damages property or injures people. The bill passed the House Health, Insurance and Environment committee last night after an over 7 hour hearing on a 7-6 party line vote. In this year’s divided government, it would be a highly unlikely upset for the bill to pick up the two Republican votes necessary on a kill committee in the Republican-controlled Senate, where the bill will most certainly head if it makes it out of the House.

Who’s more pro-Israel? —

Trump: “If I become president of the United States, one of the things that will be an absolute priority is number one, protection of Israel, but also seeing if a deal can be made, the toughest deal, the toughest negotiation there probably is of any kind no matter where you look, no matter how hard you look. But I would like to give it a shot. Very, very pro-Israel, nobody more pro-Israel. But I would love to give it a shot. And I have to tell you this, Hugh. I have friend, Israelis, non-Israelis, people from New York City that happen to be Jewish and love Israel, and some are very tough people, every single one of them, they know it’s tough, but every single one of them wants to see if we could ever have peace in Israel. And some believe it’s possible. It may not be, in which case we’ll find out. But it would be a priority if I become president to see what I could do.”

Rubio: “… There’s no one to negotiate with. The Palestinian Authority is not interested in a serious deal and they are now in union with Hamas, an organization whose specific purpose is the destruction of the Jewish state. Every time that Israel has turned over territory of any kind, be is Gaza, or now in Judea and Sumaira, it is used as a launching pad to attack Israel. And that’s what will happen again. These groups are not interested in a deal with Israel. What they are interested in is ultimately removing the Jewish state and occupying its entire territory. So maybe in 30 years the conditions will exist, but they do not exist now.”

Cruz: “You know, we need a president who understands the national security interests of this country. The reason we are friends and allies with Israel is they are a liberal Democratic country that share our values, they’re our strongest ally in the region. We get billions in intelligence resources, billions in military resources. And the Palestinian Authority that Donald, along with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama say they want to treat neutrally, the same as Israel. The Palestinian Authority is in a unity government with Hamas, a terrorist organization. They pay the families of these terrorists who murder people. And this is exactly the moral relativism Barack Obama has. And the answer is not scream, all Muslims bad. Let me give you an example of a Muslim for example, we ought to be standing with, President el-Sisi of Egypt, a president of a Muslim country who is targeting radical Islamic terrorists.”

Kasich: “Well, there’s no question (the Palestinian Authority is inciting violence). They were saying that the Israelis intended to go to the Dome of the Rock. And I mean, when you think about this, thank goodness we work with Israelis to give them the Iron Dome where they can protect themselves against all the missiles that were flying in. Could you imagine living in like Miami here and having people shooting missiles in? Secondly, there was just an article the other day, Hugh, that I know you’re familiar with the Israelis are learning to train underground in combat because the Palestinians now, Hamas in particular, is digging these tunnels trying to get under Israel.”

How does Israel feel about Donald Trump? — Politifact rated Cruz’s claim that Trump “wants to be neutral on Israel and the Palestinians” as “half true,” because, while the billionaire did say this, he has also repeatedly supported Israel, including his endorsement of Benjamin Netanyahu — a fact that Cruz omits.

So what about Israel? Do Israelis and Jewish Americans support Donald Trump? The headline in an August 8, 2015, The Times of Israel article reads, “When it comes to Jewish ties, no GOP candidate trumps Trump.” The article points out that Trump has Jewish ties within his family and that his right-hand man is a Jewish lawyer, Michael Cohen. Another article by the same author says, “…Trump’s Jewish supporters see the candidate as refreshingly honest, unafraid to challenge political orthodoxies (including conservative ones) and successful in business – which, they say, is just the sort of experience a president needs. They also believe he’ll be good for Israel, not least because, they say, he’s a savvy negotiator who knows enough not to publicly take sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” So the answer is yes, Trump does have a base of Jewish support built from within deep Jewish ties and a step-forward pragmatic friendliness toward Israel.

Will it ever be possible again to write a Hot Sheet without mentioning the name Donald Trump? — Probably not, unless Florida and Ohio turn up big surprises or a contested convention turns out to be more than an empty threat.

“Would I laugh?” “Matter of fact, you would,” says Zeb. “Heart like shale. What you need is a good fracking.” — Margaret Atwood, MaddAddam

From the wires:

The Alamosa Valley Courier’s Ruth Heide reports that while it remains above last year’s levels, snowpack in the Rio Grande Basin is slipping below normal

The Pueblo Chieftain’s Peter Strescino reports on the symbolic resolution passed by Sen. Kevin Grantham yesterday to keep Guantanamo Bay closed, 28-7

The Durango Herald’s Peter Marcus reports on police reform measures advancing in the legislature.

The Denver Post’s David Olinger reports on a Colorado study that says Medicaid expansion is a boon to the state’s economy

The Denver Post’s Joey Bunch reports that House Majority Leader Crisanta Duran is a finalist to be a national Gabrielle Giffords rising starEvents:

International Women’s Day Walk in Solidarity with migrant women and families — Today, Mar. 11, This event is a continuation of the 100 miles 100 women march that migrant women did on Sept 2015 to demand dignity and justice for migrant women. Meeting at Centro Humanitario and will go to the Capitol carrying a message of solidarity, love and justice for 11 million immigrants in this country especially migrant women and families, 11:50 am – 1:00 pm

At the Capitol we’ll hear from the women what they want to see happen around immigration justice for women and the honoring of women’s lives. We’ll end with a celebratory Poetic Action led by local Latina artist Adriana RondonCentro Humanitario Para Los Trabajadores, 2260 California St, Denver, 11:50 am – 1:00 pm

Arapahoe County Democratic Party Convention — Sat. Mar. 12, Aurora Central High School, Check-in at 7:00 am

Amendment 69, A Prescription for Disaster — Sat. Mar. 12, Sponsored by Americans for Prosperity CO, what you need to know about “ColoradoCare” Single-Payer Health Care Measure, Crossroads Church, 53 E. 128th Ave., Thornton, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Community discussion and town hall meeting about the proposed land swap with the Broadmoor — Mon., Mar. 14, Broadmoor Community Church, 315 Lake Ave, Colorado Springs, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Facts on refugees and immigrants event — Mon., Mar. 14, Colorado Capitol, Old Supreme Court, 11:45 pm — 1:30 pm

Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association 7th Annual “Delightful Dishes and Dreamy Getaways” — Tues., Mar. 15, Denver Marriott City Center, 6:00 am — 9:00 pm

Agriculture Day at the Capitol — Set for Tuesdays, March 16 — get ready for awesome food and great folks to descend upon the Capitol.

Colorado Young Democrats 2016 Legislative Showdown — Wed., Mar. 16, The 1up, 717 E Colfax Ave, Denver, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Please join Sen. Ulibarri, Rep. Garnett, Rep. Melton, Rep. Moreno, and other legislators for one of our signature annual events.

NFIB Colorado Small Business Day at the Capitol — Thurs., Mar. 17, Luncheon Speaker: Phil Kalin, Pinnacol Assurance, Keynote Speaker: Jake Jabs, Founder American Furniture. Tickets are $20.00 and include breakfast, Lunch and legislative program. Register and pay by calling 303-860-1778

Brave Leaders Award Ceremony and Panel Discussion — Thurs., May 17, Panelists DU Chancellor Rebecca Chopp PhD, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and Colorado State Treasurer Walker Stapleton will participate in what is sure to become one of Colorado’s great events. Frederico Peña will serve as moderator. Margery Reed Hall, 2306 E Evans Ave, 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Colorado Republican Business Coalition Monthly Luncheon — Guest Speaker Sen. Chris Holbert, Fri., Mar. 18, Brooklyn’s at the Pepsi Center, 901 Auraria Pkwy, Denver, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

17th Annual Icon Awards Gala — Fri., Mar. 18, Grand Hyatt Denver Downtown, 6:00 pm, Ticket includes appetizers, seated dinner, open bar, fabulous entertainment and dancing! Voted year after year as the best party in Denver! Tickets available at: http://bit.ly/1PN5Jj3

Roasting Mike Rosen — Sat. Mar. 19, Denver Marriott Tech Center, 4900 S Syracuse St, Denver, 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm, www.taps.org/classic

CD-1 Meet and Greet for candidates for Delegates to the 2016 Republican National Convention — Tues., Mar. 22. This is your opportunity to meet with candidates who are running to become delegates to the 2016 Republican National Convention. The people CD-1 chooses will have a direct opportunity to vote for the GOP candidate for President. Come if you wish to run or come if you wish to know more about those who wish to be delegates. 290 E Speer Blvd, Denver, 5:30 – 8:30 pm

Fundraiser for Denver DA candidate Rep. Beth McCann at the Denver Athletic Club — Wed., Mar. 23. Join hosts Pres Askew, Mary Ricketson, Mary Frances Kelley, John Maslanik & Linda Kreem, Craig Joyce, Jorge Castillo, Jack Melito & Tess Ellis, Chuck Holum, Mark Fulford, Alice Barton, and Jesse Ogas to hear Beth McCann‘s vision for the Denver District Attorney’s office. Denver Athletic Club, 1325 Glenarm Pl, Denver, 5:30 pm — 7:00 pm

Larimer County Republican Breakfast Club — John Keyser, candidate for U.S. Senate will be there, Johnson’s Corner meeting room, 2842 SE Frontage Rd., Johnstown, 7:00 am – 8:30 am

Morgan Carroll for Colorado Grassroots Happy Hour — Tues., Mar. 29, Apex Sports Lounge, 14567 E Alameda Ave, Aurora, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

2nd Annual Westminster Chamber Awards Gala — Fri., Apr. 29, Westminster Chamber of Commerce, Denver Marriott Westminster, 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm. Join us for our 2nd Annual Awards Gala on April 29th at the Denver Marriott Westminster. Awards will be given to area business in different categories. Food, Music and a Silent Auction will be part of this years event. There will be a 1 hour preview for VIP members and higher from 5-6pm and doors open to the public at 6pm. Purchase your ticket early and save $5 per ticket.

Want your event listed? Just let me know.

Colorado Capitol Watch — From our bill tracking partners:

– Bill Summary – 

2 New Bills (portrait)

2 New Bills (landscape/spreadsheet)

All Bills as of 3/10: 505

All Bipartisan Bills as of 3/10: 311

All PIed Bills as of 3/10: 77 in the Kill Hill

House Wrap-Up: Today

Senate Wrap-Up: Today

Audio Updates: Today

– Calendars –

3/11 Bills in order of appearance 

3/11 Bills sortable by time, number 

All Upcoming Bills From Today Forward

House and Senate Calendars:

HOUSE – Your Mar. 11 Calendar here SENATE – Your Mar. 11 Calendar here 

You’re up to date. Have a great Friday and weekend! Until Monday …

Tell us what you know! — To submit a tip, event, happening, gossuping, chattering or other interesting tidbit to The Hot Sheet, click here to submit via our contact form … yes, even anonymously if you’re feeling all cloak and dagger.

JW