From boyhood to top senator, Grantham grew up in politics
Coming Sunday on ColoradoPolitics.com and in the Colorado Springs Gazette, we take a look at the statehouse odd couple, new Senate President Kevin Grantham of Canon City and House Speaker Crisanta Duran of Denver.
As leaders of the majority in their chambers, the relationship they have determines what gets done in the four-month legislative session that starts Jan. 11. And what happens there winds up on Coloradans’ doorsteps and on their daily commutes pretty fast.
A lot is known about Duran. She has been in the state and national media as a supporter of Hillary Clinton and for her fast rise in politics. In just her mid-30s, she already has served as the Democrats’ leader in the House and becomes the state’s first Latina speaker.
Her story as a descendant of working class Latinos in Southern Colorado is often told.
Grantham, not so much. As a public figure, he puts the low in low-key; he listens more than he speaks. His story also is one of deep roots.
His father was a Republican Party chairman in Crowley County.
“I was involved in caucuses and county assemblies long before I could vote,” he said Thursday.
Grantham was genuinely interested in politics in junior high school and high school, going door to door to help elect state Rep. Elwood Gillis, who, like Grantham, served on the powerful Joint Budget Committee.
He grew up with an abiding respect for legislators, who work up in Denver for four months to defend and advance the interests of folks back home.
“These are real folks and they’re doing real things, and just trying to help folks out,” Grantham recalled Thursday. “You heard them talked about with respect and reverence down home.”
That respect, especially voiced by his parents, instilled in him that representing constituents in the Capitol is a public service and an honor.
“I think we all believe at some point we can make a difference, hopefully get a few things done for our district and for our folks,” he said. “You think you can do some good and help out.”
Grantham concedes that public confidence in political institutions and leaders has eroded. He doesn’t blame the public for its cynicism.
“I think a lot of it has been well-deserved over time,” he said. “Politicians, you can look back at those who were shown respect and they showed respect to the people. They honored their word.”
He added, “I want folks long after I’m gone to have a little more respect for the position, because hopefully I showed respect for them and what they wanted and how they wanted to be represented up here. What ground you lose in a day might take a decade to regain.”