VOL. 01 NO. 45 | MARCH 17, 2016 | COLORADOSTATESMAN.COM/THE-HOT-SHEET | © 2016

By TCS Publisher and Editor in Chief Jared Wright _@JaredWright_

DENVER — Happy St. Patricks Day! Lot’s of phone calls and emails from y’all yesterday. You folks absolutely love The Hot Sheet. It warms my heart. We are going to continue to dig deep here and report what other’s aren’t regardless of how minor it might seem at the time. Oftentimes, the seemingly little, shallow things turn into far deeper rabbit holes. Sometimes truth hurts, but truthful analysis in Colorado politics is in demand as you’ve proven. And, we’re going to have fun here too; add some levity to these topics. For political nerds, this game is fun. That’s how we run The Hot Sheet. We’re guiding you to and through the undercurrent, and making it fun in the process. Keep loving The Hot Sheet, and it will love you back.

Now business …

Correction: Yesterday, I stated in The Hot Sheet Top Line that Marco Rubio won zero state contests in his quest for the presidency, when, of course, he did win Minnesota on Super Tuesday, March 1. I regret that I forgot to include the Lake Wobegon voters’ choice GOP nominee.

Minnesota GOP delegates go rogue … like in Colorado — The Rubio-Minnesota issue also raises an interesting question — particularly for the Republican Minnesotans it impacts. What happens to those 17 delegates that Rubio won in Minnesota in that short glimpse of sunshine in an otherwise dark night and overall glum remaining campaign? Pretty straight forward stuff: those delegates are now like Colorado’s Republican national convention-bound delegates — they are “unbound.” In other words, they will be able to switch their support to another candidate in the race up until the National Convention. Thirteen delegates in Minnesota went to Ted Cruz and the remaining 8 went to Donald Trump on Super Tuesday, Needless to say, those two candidates as well as confetti-showering John Kasich will be trying to woo those delegates into their campaign webs. “There will be a lot of action at the congressional district and state conventions,” where delegates are selected for the Republican National Convention, Minnesota GOP party chair Keith Downey told MinnPost.

“The rules haven’t kept up,” Haugland said. “The rules are still designed to have a political party choose its nominee at a convention. That’s just the way it is. I can’t help it. Don’t hate me because I love the rules.” — Unbound North Dakota GOP Delegate Curly Haughland 

Now, your substrata feed straight from the politics pipeline:

Eric Nelson takes top line, rocks establishment pick

Dr. Eric Nelson

Democratic candidate for House District 42, Eric Nelson, won top line on the ballot against another Democratic candidate with a long list of establishment endorsements at the Arapahoe County Assembly on Saturday — somewhat of an upset really. Nelson, a member of the Aurora Public Schools Board of Education, Air Force veteran and Ph.D, won over 40 percent of the vote to Dominique Jackson‘s just over 30 percent. Jackson has a long list of big-name endorsements from current and former elected officials including former Mayor Wellington Webb, Sen. Nancy Todd, Sen. Jessie Ulibarri, Rep. Alec Garnett, Rep. Joe Salazar, Joe Neguse and many more. Nelson, who is also a community organizer clearly not only organized but also motivated his supporters well. Nelson also has a long list of endorsements from members of the Aurora and surrounding communities — notably those working in education and with USAF affiliation. Naquetta Ricks was kept off the ballot, taking less than 30 percent at the assembly and would have to petition on to the primary ballot. She has not announced an intent to do so. Last cycle, Jackson out-raised Nelson 2-1, raising over $15,000 to his $7,000. Whether the assembly results will have a negative impact on Jackson’s endorsements and fundraising ability, we will have to wait and see. There are no candidates from any other parties filed in the race at this time.

In a key policy speech this morning, SOS Kerry uses the word ‘genocide’ in reference to ISIS

In an important speech from the Department of State this morning, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry invoked the word “genocide” for the administration’s first time in referring to ISIS.

“Daesh is responsible for genocide against groups in areas under its control including Yazidis, Christians, and Shia Muslims. Daesh is genocidal by proclamation, by ideology and by action — in what it says, what it believes and what it does,” Kerry said. “Daesh is also responsible for crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing, directed at these same groups and in some cases also against Sunni Muslims, Kurds and other minorities.”

Michelle Obama drops a new single recording

In an ever-increasingly musical White House, Michelle Obama is dropping a new single song titled, “This Is For My Girls,” Featuring an all-star lineup Missy Elliott, Zendaya, Janelle Monae and Kelly Clarkson. The anthem “celebrates the strength and resilience of ladies across the globe; while also lending a hand to those struggling to get a quality education.” Read the full story here in The Source.

George Athanasopoulos wants more press followers

Hey Denver Post, “you might get more tips if your reporters followed more people, allowing them to send private messages,” Athanasopolous said in a Tweet yesterday to the Post and Politics Editor Chuck Plunkett. He went on in another tweet saying, “for instance, both [The Colorado Statesman] and [Ernest Luning] follow me. Just sayin’. New media isn’t all bad.”

No one responded. But clearly Athanasopoulos would like some more earned media attention in what will be a challenging race against a popular incumbent congressman from an opposing party. Athanasopoulos continues to count on the hope that, in what could be an epic “throw the bums out” year, being a popular incumbent congressman will work to U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter‘s disadvantage. Garland is just a strategic chess move

“For all his qualifications, and a lifetime spent in public service, simply being nominated will likely be the peak of Judge Garland’s career. Because like it or not, his nomination is nothing more than a chess move – or if you read my last column, a poker play – in the political brawl between a liberal president and a conservative senate.” Read the full opinion column by Statesman legal contributor Mario Nicolais here.

Lamborn chimes in on Garland nomination

Fifth Congressional District U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado Springs, added his voice to President Barack Obama‘s nomination of Merrick Garland for SCOTUS yesterday, standing by “the Biden Rule,” as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell would say, who continues to vow there will be no hearing on the nominee.

“It is not possible for President Obama to nominate a person who will hold the Constitution with the same reverence and original intent mindset that Justice Scalia had. For this reason, I applaud the firm stance being taken by my colleagues in the Senate. The fundamental ideological make-up of the Supreme Court is at stake and the American people deserve to be involved in this decision through their vote for the next President, Lamborn said.”

McConnell, speaking from the Senate floor yesterday stated, “It seems clear that President Obama made this nomination not, not with the intent of seeing the nominee confirmed, but in order to politicize it for purposes of the election, which is the type of thing then Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Biden was concerned about.”

If you haven’t seen this clever viral video yet, you are missing out on life — hilarious, regardless of your choice candidate

Kasich’s lack of delegates means a mathematically impossible non-contested convention path to nomination, but so it goes for Ted Cruz

“Trump leads in the delegate chase, with 661, but must win 54 percent of remaining delegates to reach the clinching number of 1,237. Cruz, with 406 delegates, is farther along than Kasich, with 142, but the Texan has no realistic path to win a majority during the primaries. It’s impossible for Kasich because there are not enough delegates left.

However, Kasich could return to Cleveland in July with hundreds more delegates, perhaps enough to persuade many of the rest to side with the candidate described by his strategist, John Weaver, as the ‘only one who can win a general election.’” Read the full AP Story here.

Former three-term Utah Gov. Leavitt jumps aboard the Kasich bandwagon

Amidst growing calls for Kasich to jump out of the race to give Ted Cruz a leg up against Trump, former Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt announced his endorsement of John Kasich for president. “I have witnessed his ability to bring people together and get things done,” Leavitt said in a statement. “I think he has the best opportunity to beat Hillary.”

Clinton Super PAC done spending $$$ after Arizona buy plays out

Priorities USA Action, the primary Super PAC that has been supporting the election efforts of Hillary Clinton has made the decision to  cease spending in the March Democratic primaries according to a POLITICO report. Guy Cecil, the PAC’s chief strategist, told POLITICO the PAC will play out its ongoing ad buy in Arizona leading up to the March 22 primary, but it will not continue spending resources in the Democratic primary beyond that. Priorities USA Action spent approximately $5 million in February and March and reported having $45 million cash on hand to the FEC in February. Read the full POLITICO report here.

Strategists not convinced new voters are turning out to the polls 

According to Roger Pattison, the Deputy Director of Freedom Partners, a Koch brother’s funded strategic group, it appears the GOP’s higher voter turn out is a product of competitive primaries in states “where in past years the nomination has been already wrapped up by this point,” not because of new voters showing up for the first time.

Proud to be a farmer’s daughter

Former Legislative Director for Gov. John Hickenlooper and Tracee Bentley, like many during Ag Day at Colorado’s state Captiol is proud of her agricultural upbringing. “Proud to be a farmers (sic) daughter,” she said on Twitter. “I’m proud of my heritage.” This in response to a tweet from Colorado’s legislative king of ag, Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg who said, “Another example of Colorado Agriculture feeding the entire world… especially those less fortunate.”

A very, very green minority leader

Actually, a kind of trendy looking, even old-timey, gangsta-looking House Minority Leader Brian Delgrosso appears in this shot with Majority Leader Crisanta Duran, captured by Grand Junction Daily Sentinel reporter Charles Ashby this morning.

Palacio politely: Bernie’s done

In a statement to KUNC, Palacio said, “[Bernie’s] going to have to pull over some major wins by large margins if he’s going to pick up enough pledged delegates.” In the same interview, he said, “At all four of those events we have a presidential straw poll. There is a possibility that you have people realign every time you have a straw poll, so in Colorado we have not awarded any delegates yet. The first of those delegates won’t be awarded until congressional district conventions,” referring to Colorado’s Four-Step caucus system. Full report and interview from KUNC here.Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it.” — Oprah Winfrey

Birthdays:

Grand Junction Daily Sentinel reporter Charles Ashby celebrates his 111th birthday this year. Joelle Martinez, Executive Director of the Latino Leadership Institute and George Merritt, Director of Public Policy at Parris Communications. Happy Birthday to each of you!

Events:

NFIB Colorado Small Business Day at the Capitol — Today, 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 — Today, 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

Congressman Mike Coffman’s 61st birthday celebration — Sun., Mar. 20, The Summit Steakhouse, 2700 South Havana St., Aurora, 2:00 pm — 4:00 pm. RSVP to paige@thestarboardgroup.com by Monday March 14.

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 — Mon., Mar. 21, 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

Jewish National Fund’s Colorado Water Summit Legislative Reception with Bestselling Author Seth Siegel — Mon., Mar. 28, University Club Denver, 1673 Sherman St., 5:00 pm — 7:00 pm. Please RSVP to Boaz Meir by March 22nd bmeir@jnf.org or 303-573-7095

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:

30 New Bills Yesterday (portrait) – 25 from the House in a wee bit late30 New Bills (spreadsheet)553 All Bills – with votes – as of 3/16 (portrait)553 All Bills – with votes – as of 3/16 (sortable by category)Bipartisan Bills as of 3/1629 Governor Signed Bills as of 3/16

96 PI Bills as of 3/15House Wrap-Up

Senate Wrap-Up

Audio Updates– Calendars –

3/16 Bills in order of appearance

3/16 Bills sortable by time, number…

All Upcoming Bills From Today Forward

House and Senate Calendars:

HOUSE – Your Mar. 17 Calendar here SENATE – Your Mar. 17 Calendar here 

You’re up to date. Have a great Thursday! Until tomorrow …

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