VOL. 01 NO. 48 | MARCH 22, 2016 | COLORADOSTATESMAN.COM/THE-HOT-SHEET | © 2016

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

DENVER — Not a good Tuesday morning in the world with yet another terrorist attack striking the heart of Brussels, Belgium, 2 explosions at Brussels Airport and one at a subway station with at least 31 reported dead. “We were fearing terrorist attacks, and that has now happened,” Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel told reporters. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

In the midst of presidential politics back in the U.S., Donald Trump is advocating for shutting down the borders in response to the Brussels attacks and has revived his call for waterboarding as an interrogation method against terror suspects. “Do you all remember how beautiful and safe a place Brussels was, Trump asked (without using a question mark) on Twitter. “Not anymore, it is from a different world! U.S. must be vigilant and smart!”

On Brussels:

Hillary Clinton: ‘We’ve got to be absolutely smart and strong and steady in how we respond’Ted Cruz: ‘Extreme strain of Islam’ must be defeatedJohn Kasich: ‘I am sickened’ by Brussels attacksBernie Sanders: A ‘cowardly attempt to terrorize innocent civilians’

Additional news from your daily Track a Trump™ service:

Trump on track to win barely enough delegates for GOP nominationTrump: ‘I would close our borders’ after BrusselsTrump on Brussels attacks: I told you soTrump: U.S. should rethink NATO involvementDonald Trump and Hillary Clinton viewed unfavorably by majorityDonald Trump pushes serious image in the CapitalDonald Trump’s machismo becomes sexism once he faces ClintonA contested convention is no panacea for those against Trump

Hillary Clinton Headline Tracker:Bill Clinton: Hillary can ‘put the awful legacy of the last eight years behind us’Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump Vow to Protect Israel but Differ on MeansHillary Clinton lays out her own Middle East approach — and it’s not Obama’sHillary Clinton’s backers prepare general election ad blitzHillary Clinton leads Bernie Sanders in national CBS/NYT pollHillary Clinton denounces Donald Trump before pro-Israel lobby groupAs Hillary Clinton bolstered Boeing, company returned the favorHillary Clinton: Male candidates don’t get grief over smiling, shouting

Another big presidential contest for delegates today with “Western Tuesday.” Read on below for an update on where we stand, some nuanced stories and the likely results tonight.

“The purpose of terrorism lies not in the violent act itself. It is in producing terror. It sets out to inflame, to divide, to produce consequences which they then use to justify further terror.” — Tony Blair

Now, your substrata feed straight from the politics pipeline:

Lucero flips, vows to give voters a choice

Tom Lucero (Photo via Facebook)

Lucero lost to McKean Saturday at the Larimer County Republican Party Assembly, taking only 29 percent of the delegate vote to McKean’s 71 percent. Taking less than 30 percent meant Lucero was kept off the ballot through the party assembly process. But he still has the ability to petition, which is the route he is choosing to take now, after initially telling reporters prior to the assembly that he would not seek to petition. Lucero will need to gather 1,000 signatures to be placed on the 2016 primary ballot with McKean.

Read Lucero’s full Facebook post here

According to a Reporter-Herald story by reporter Saja Hindi, Lucero stated many delegates were told by McKean’s campaign that DelGrosso was endorsing McKean, which was not true.

Read the full Reporter-Herald story here

More states in play today, ‘Western Tuesday’

Three states hold presidential primaries or caucuses today, Arizona, Idaho (Democratic) and Utah.

Delegates up for grabs:

GOP Arizona: 58GOP Utah: 40Democratic Arizona: 85Democratic Idaho: 27Democratic Utah: 37

Polling data going in:

GOP:

Arizona — Trump 36.6 percent to Cruz’s 20.2 percent and Kasich’s 15.9 percent

Related headline: Arizona U.S. Sen. John McCain faces toughest election of his career

“The basic problem for John McCain is the same kind of thing that faces a lot of incumbents right now. He’s been there a long time. People are leery of Washington. They don’t like Washington,” said former Republican Rep. Jim Kolbe, who served 18 years alongside McCain in Arizona’s congressional delegation. “This is a very tough challenge, probably the toughest race that he’s faced since he was first elected.”

McCain has not endorsed nor will he endorse any candidate in the GOP presidential primary (and all the pundits say — Duh!)

Utah — Cruz 53.0 percent to Trump’s 11.5 percent and Kasich’s 4.0 percent

Related headline: Mitt Romney stabs John Kasich in the back

Less than one week after Romney helped Ohio governor John Kasich win the winner-takes-all primary in his home state last Tuesday, the former presidential candidate swiftly turned his back on Kasich, writing in a Facebook post Friday that “a vote for Governor Kasich in future contests makes it extremely likely that Trumpism would prevail.”

Democratic:

Arizona — Clinton 50.0 percent to Sanders’ 24.0 percent

Related headline: Hillary Clinton in Phoenix: ‘Anger is not a strategy’

Idaho — Too close to call with a February poll showing Sanders with 47 percent to Clinton at 45 percent

Related headline: In run-up to Idaho Democratic Caucuses, Sanders attracts thousands, Clinton sends surrogates

Utah — Sanders 52 percent to Clinton 44 percent

Related headline: Cruz Sanders top picks in Tuesday’s Utah caucuses, poll says

Hickenlooper votes for Duran … Lt. Gov?

Gov. John Hickenlooper says he has cast his vote for House Majority LeaderCrisanta Duran for the Emily’s List 2016 Rising Star Award. Is this a hint into who the governor’s pick will be to fill Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia‘s vacancy in June? Not likely, as we continue to hear the candidate will come from the private sector business world and be relatively apolitical.

Conservation Colorado Executive Director Pete Maysmith joined in singing Duran’s praises as well, casting his vote on Emily’s List:

Republicans quietly sign paperwork for Cruz

Several sources wishing to remain anonymous are telling us that they are aware of Republican elected officials signing papers — literally — in support of Ted Cruz’s candidacy for president in the wake of Marco Rubio‘s exit from the race. For those who recall the Trump pledge salutes at his rallies, the “sign here on the dotted line” approach seems almost as creepy … sort of the Americans for Tax Reform approach to presidential campaigns. But, hey, politics is fertile ground for trust but verify.

Some of the current Colorado supporters of the Cruz campaign include U.S. Rep.Ken Buck, state Sen. Chris Holbert and state Rep. Kevin Van Winkle (who was just nominated by Republican acclamation to run for his House District 43 seat again, by the way — sorry we missed that yesterday, Kevin).

AIPAC condemns Trump’s Obama attack

American Israeli Public Affairs Committee president Lillian Pinkus read a statement from the stage on Tuesday at the AIPAC policy conference, disavowing comments made by Trump at the event last night.

 AP Photo

Pinkus did not stop short there, also calling out AIPAC members who reacted supportively to Trumps remarks.

“There are people in our AIPAC family who were deeply hurt last night, and for that, we are deeply sorry,” Pinkus said. “We are disappointed that so many people applauded a sentiment that we neither agree with or condone.”

Read the full story at POLITICO here

Perlmutter not going out of way to talk about his visit to Cuba

Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (or staff) posted a photo collage on his Facebook page from his visit to the Jeffco Democratic Assembly Saturday.

On one of his Twitter accounts, he posted a statement on the Brussels terrorist attack this morning, saying, “It is a solemn day for the people of Belgium but they do not stand alone. We will support Belgium as they heal and find justice. #Brussels”

But, strangely, Perlmutter has still not made one single, self-initiated social media post about his visit to Cuba, joining President Barack Obama on his historic trip to the country Sunday.

We at least want to see photos of the cool old classic cars, congressman!

Perlmutter did comment to Denver Post reporter Mark Matthews in a telephone interview from Havana saying, “It’s time to move on and that embargo should be repealed,” said Perlmutter, referring to the U.S. Cold War era embargo on Cuba. “There are real opportunities for America and for Cuba to develop a much stronger relationship despite the different approaches to the economy.”

Perlmutter also told Matthews he is spending time meeting with Cuban foreign ministers, a civil society activist working to combat racism in Cuba and and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce representatives.

Read Matthews’ full blog post here

Speaking in a joint news conference last night with Cuban President Raul Castro, Obama and Castro spared over human rights issues.

Obama today told a crowd of Cubans in Havana, “I have come here to bury the last remnant of the Cold War in the Americas.”

Graham holds D.C. fundraiser for Cruz

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, who made a play for president this cycle, dropping his bid December 21, was a special guest at a high-dollar fundraiser for Ted Cruz at Clyde’s Gallery Place in Washington D.C. yesterday afternoon. The event was hosted by national finance co-chairs Elissa and Edward Czuker, “to honor and support a great friend of Israel and the Jewish people, and the next President of the United States.” Contribution amounts were $1,000 and up to attend.

Aguilar, Martinez Humenik drop sponsorship from Pabon immunization bill

Both Sens. Irene Aguilar and Beth Martinez Humenik have reportedly requested their names be removed from HB 16-1164, Rep. Dan Pabon‘s bill to centralize immunization record keeping with the Department of Public Health and Environment. Martinez Humenik’s name was confirmed dropped from the bill this morning, one day after Pabon’s public apology for his DUI arrest March 17. However, neither senator dropped their names from sponsorship due to Pabon’s DUI incident, but instead due to issues with the bill. If the bill does not pick up another sponsor in the senate, it will die on the calendar.

Marijuana czar Tyler Henson exploring Littleton City Council At-Large bid

Tyler Henson, president of the Colorado Cannabis Chamber of Commerce has begun exploring a bid for the Littleton City Council. Henson said he takes “great pride in residing in this city. I cannot think of a greater place to raise a young family.” Littleton holds it’s council elections in odd years. The next election will be held in 2017, and the terms for at-large council members are two years. Lifting a ban on recreational marijuana shops in Littleton is currently a big issue, and one that is undergoing a study by the council.

“The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t being said. The art of reading between the lines is a life long quest of the wise.” — Shannon L. Alder

Birthdays:

State Rep. Kit Roupe celebrates her birthday today. Happy Birthday, Rep. Roupe, and we are thrilled to hear about your quick recovery as well!

Former Arapahoe County Democratic Party Chair and campaign treasurer for state Rep. Rhonda Fields Carolyn Boller also celebrates her birthday today and former Colorado state Senate President Brandon Shaffer turns 45. Happy birthday to both of you!

New stories and opinion from The Colorado Statesman:

Tearful Pabon apologizes for House DUI arrest

In latest battle over drilling, House Dems advance bill to boost local control

More from the wires:

Vox’s German Lopez reports that Bernie Sanders territory, Vermont, could be the first state to legalize marijuana through its legislature

The Denver Post ‘s Your Hub reports on Sens. John Kefalas and Kent Lambert receiving the Legislators of the Year award from the Colorado Nonprofit Association

The AP reports on the transgender birth certificate bill dying in the Colorado Senate yesterday

The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel’s Charles Ashby reports on Reps. J. Paul Brown and Don Coram, on behalf of the Western Slope, are taking a stand against Reps. Arndt and J. Becker’s water bill, HB-1228, which was passed on third reading this morning

The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel’s Charles Ashby reports Reps. Yeulin Willet and Terri Carver are opposing a discretion sentencing bill being run by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Daniel Kagan

The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel’s Charles Ashby reports on Sen. Kerry Donovan’s hunting safety pink bill coming to the House, sponsored there by Rep. Yeulin Willet, which was passed on third reading this morning

The Denver Channel reports that threats against colleges could become a felony, proposed in a bill sponsored by Rep. Jovan Melton

Events:

Aaron Goldhamer for Colorado HD-8 Pre-Assembly Meet & Greet — Tues., Mar. 22, Join us at Carol Peeples’ residence for a meet and greet and refreshments before the county assembly, and learn more about Aaron Goldhamer’s campaign for House District 8, 1250 Humboldt St., Apt 603, 6:00 pm — 7:30 pm

Barnstorm for Bernie Organizing Rally —Tues., Mar. 22, Join other local volunteers and grassroots organizers for a “barnstorm” organizing rally and learn how to get to work for Bernie Sanders. Bernie Organizing Staff will present an update from the national campaign, talk about our plan to win and plug you into a voter contact program locally. RSVP here: https://go.berniesanders.com/page/event/detail/barnstorm/4gj75. 7:00 pm — 8:30 pm

Conversion Therapy Ban Phone Bank — Tues., Mar. 22, Join staff at the One Colorado office to call voters in crucial legislative districts and ask them to contact their legislators and hold them accountable for their votes on the conversion therapy ban. One Colorado 1490 Lafayette St., Ste 304, Denver, 5:30 pm — 8:00 pm

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

Denver Young Democrats Kick-Off Happy Hour — Wed., Mar. 23, Come have a drink and meet up with your fellow Denver Young Democrats!, Goosetown Tavern, 3242 E Colfax Ave, Denver, 5:30 pm — 7:30 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

Steve Sherick Pizza Party — Wed., Mar. 23, Are you a delegate or alternate to the County Assembly? Are you a young professional in Denver? Are you a hungry Democrat in need of some pizza? Whoever you are, come join us for an evening of pizza and good conversation. Get a chance to meet some other Democrats in the area, and to meet Steve before the County Assembly this Saturday!, 777 E 17th Ave, Denver, 5:30 pm — 7:30 pm

Rally with the Cruz Coalition and author Trevor Loudon — Thurs., Mar. 24, Trevor Loudon has championed Ted Cruz and a strong conservative coalition for the past two years and has been a surrogate speaker at several national conventions on Ted’s behalf. He brings a first-hand account of what it is like behind the stage at a Cruz rally, The Classical Academy, 975 Stout Rd, Colorado Springs, 6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.

Leslie Herod HD-8 Delegates Meet and Greet — Thurs., Mar. 24, Join fellow delegates & alternates for this fun meet & greet with Leslie Herod, democratic candidate for State House District 8. Rosenberg’s Bagels and Delicatessen, 725 E 26th Ave, Denver 5:00 pm — 7:00 pm, RSVP to info@leslieherod.com

Denver County Democratic Assembly — Sat., Mar. 26, Bellco Theatre, 700 14th St, Denver, 8:00 am

Larimer County Republican Breakfast Club — Mon., Mar. 28, 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 a

Reception for Congressman Ed Perlmutter —Mon., Mar. 28, Please join hosts Vicente Sederberg, Bruce Nassau, & The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) for a reception for Congressman Ed Perlmutter. For more information or to RSVP please contact Kelly Hogan at 720-231-5041 or kelly@perlmutterforcolorado.com. Vincente Sederberg, LLC, 1244 Grant St, Denver, 5:30 pm — 7:30 pm

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 22ndbmeir@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

Emerge Colorado’s fourth annual Women Trailblazers Cocktail Reception —Wed., Mar. 30, Join Jenny Willford, executive director of Emerge Colorado, Rep. Dickey Lee Hullinghorst, Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, Kim Cordova, president of of UFCW Local 7, Kim Jordan, co-founder of New Belgium Brewery, and Sen. Lucia Guzman, Colorado State Senate Minority Leader, Savoy Denver, 2700 Arapahoe St., Denver, 6:00 pm — 8:00 pm

Colorado Young Democrats day at the Capitol — Wed., Apr. 27, Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with legislators, attend committee meetings, tour the Dome, go on the Senate and House floors as guests, and learn how to be an effective advocate. Guest speakers: Karen Wick from the Colorado Education Association will speak on education policy, Danielle Glover, CYD Chair, will provide a Lobbying 101 training and Sen. Mike Johnston will discuss what is happening at the legislature, Colorado state Capitol, 200 E Colfax, Ste 136, 8:00 am — 2:00 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 –

FIVE NEW Bills: 3/21 portrait

FIVE NEW Bills: 3/21 spreadsheet

New Feature: Bills still in play!: 396 as of 3/21

568 All Bills – with votes – as of 3/21 (portrait)

568 All Bills – with votes – as of 3/21 (sortable by category)

Bipartisan Bills as of 3/21

69 Governor Signed Bills as of 3/21

102 PI Bills as of 3/21

House Wrap-Up

Senate Wrap-Up

Audio Updates

– Calendars –

3/22 Bills in order of appearance 

3/22 Bills sortable by time, number…  

G.A. House and Senate Calendars:

HOUSE – 

Your Mar. 22 Calendar here SENATE – Your Mar. 22 Calendar here 

You’re up to date. Have an excellent Tuesday! 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