mario nicolais
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Q&A w/Kristin Strohm | Republican rainmaker and agent of change
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So, what is to be done about the unholy alliance between money and politics? Policy wonks and editorialists wring their hands over that perennial talking point, but streetwise insiders say the answer’s simple: Get yourself a good fundraiser. And Colorado’s center-right political realm has found just that in the Starboard Group and its president, Kristin…
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Colo. Supreme Court will review ballot challenge to Lamborn
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The Colorado Supreme Court will decide whether U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn stays on the primary ballot, or if a legal challenge over petition signatures will derail the Colorado Springs Republican’s bid for a seventh term. The high court on Monday agreed to review an appeal arguing that some of the signatures that secured Lamborn a…
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In bipartisan vote, state Senate votes down religious freedom-style bill
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The Republican-controlled Senate Tuesday voted down a “right to disagree” bill that opponents view as either an untested or euphemistic version of the religious freedom bills introduced in recent years by conservatives around the country that many believe risk diluting the nation’s anti-discrimination laws. All of the Democrats in the chamber were joined by three…
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Nicolais: State RFRA bill dies a faster, quieter death
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A perennially contentious proposal, this year’s religious freedom restoration bill, HB 17-1013, died a faster, quieter death than in years past. Sent to the state House committee on State, Veterans, and Military Affairs – a Democratic “kill committee” – in January, the bill’s fate was a foregone conclusion. While the political tumult over the bill declined dramatically,…
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Nicolais: A police department’s pattern of unconstitutional conduct
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In 164 pages, the U.S. Department of Justice eviscerated the Chicago Police Department. After a year-long investigation, the DOJ found the CPD “engages in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional use of force.” The detailed report outlines a systematic failure, not only in the CPD, but the entire city government for its dereliction to oversee and provide…
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Nicolais: Dylann Roof, absolutists and the death penalty
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Dylann Roof is set to die. A federal jury recently sentenced the unapologetic mass-murderer to the death penalty. More than any other individual, his case brings the contrast between political positions on capital punishment to a head. Roof’s sentence draws a clear distinction between pure death penalty opponents and anyone who struggles with the issue. I find…
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Nicolais: A history of hate crimes
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Shocking video showing four black youths torturing a disabled, white captive spread across the internet and media outlets recently. Almost immediately, some politicians and members of the media began calling for hate crime charges. No policy conflicts me as much as hate crimes. The rationales for adopting hate crime legislation are powerful and moving. Yet,…
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Nicolais: In 2017, Legislature’s judiciary committees are in good hands
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For the Colorado Legislature, the new year means new bills and new issues to tackle under the gold dome. In one of the legislative chambers, the state Senate, this new season in state politics will also mean plenty of new faces as well. Even before the session convenes on Jan. 11, the judiciary committees will begin their work.…
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Nicolais: Death sentence gone awry
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Every law school student loves to argue. Most see reflections of Gregory Peck or Spencer Tracy in their mirrors. And, in my law school experience, nothing brought about an argument as fast and as fierce as the death penalty. Stakes cannot be greater or an outcome more final. I even remember former Illinois Gov. George…
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Nicolais: Colorado bail reform leading the way
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Years ago I defended a pro bono client against battery and disorderly conduct charges. He worked a blue-collar construction job, tried hard to take care of his children, and had a lengthy, but distant criminal record. When we went in for his arraignment, the prosecutor offered to drop the battery charge in exchange for a…
