leroy garcia
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ELECTION 2018 | Blue wave gives Polis a Democratic-controlled state Senate
Colorado’s blue wave didn’t just put Democrat Jared Polis into the governor’s mansion. It also gave him a Democratic-controlled state Senate for his first term in office. As of now, Republicans have a narrow advantage in the state Senate. Come 2019, the Democrats will have control over both chambers of the General Assembly to go…
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This Independence Day, let’s celebrate patriots of all stripes
As my family and I get ready to celebrate Independence Day, I cannot help but reflect, and be thankful to our men and women in uniform who fought for, and continue to fight for, our independence and freedoms both at home and abroad. While the 4th of July is a day where we join together…
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Colo. legislative leaders size up accomplishments, stress
The morning after the four-month Colorado legislative session adjourned, Democratic and Republican leaders lauded their achievements Thursday, noting the stress brought on by controversy and conflict. The General Assembly put billions into transportation, shored up the public employees’ pension plan, reauthorized the state’s civil rights watchdog agency and tweaked how and where beer is sold.…
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ENDORSEMENT WATCH: Lundberg backs Watson in GOP treasurer’s race
The recent slew of endorsements has slowed a bit recently, perhaps because the Legislature’s waning days have drawn the focus of Colorado’s political world, perhaps because few bigwigs remain who have not bestowed their blessings during this long political season. Still, some candidates learned in the last week that they won the support of notables,…
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Senate Democrats call Baumgardner punishment a slap on the wrist
Senate President Kevin Grantham of Cañon City has removed Republican Sen. Randy Baumgardner from four committees as punishment for allegations that he sexually harassed a nonpartisan Senate staffer and created a hostile work environment for other Senate staffers. But a statement by Grantham that implied he had the cooperation of Senate Minority Leader Leroy Garcia…
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Grantham: Latest harassment report on Baumgardner ‘much more professional’
Colorado state Senate President Kevin Grantham of Cañon City told reporters this morning he believes the latest investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against Sen. Randy Baumgardner “was done in a much more professional manner.” That statement is in marked contrast to his views of an earlier investigation into a separate allegation against the Hot Sulphur…
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Colorado Senate Democrats take a stand on the Great Sand Dunes
Every Democrat in the Colorado Senate has signed a letter opposing the Trump administration’s proposal to sell off public land for energy development near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. But Gov. John Hickenlooper is not joining them in challenging the plan, noting that the parcels involved are on the opposite side of the…
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Colorado Senate passes bill to speed response to school shootings
Colorado, the state who made school shootings a national concern at Columbine High School two decades ago, hopes to lead the way in making them safer, evidenced by Senate Bill 158. The legislation would provide money for technology, equipment and training to connect schools quickly to to first-responders when seconds mean lives. School radios, for…
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Sexual harassment cases taking a toll on lawmakers, not just the accused
DENVER – As the Colorado Senate debated the fate of Sen. Randy Baumgardner over sexual harassment charges in a rare evening session, Sen. Lucia Guzman was thinking of sunrise on Good Friday, a time of atonement and healing. The resolution to expel Baumgardner failed in a 17-17 tie after a four-hour hearing. In speech after speech,…