Both of Denver's major daily newspapers today editorialized on the potential for a special session of the state legislature to deal with the "Defend Colorado" ballot initiative.
The Denver Post editorial is a muddle. It prefers that the state Supreme Court reverse itself, allowing the initiative on the ballot. If that doesn't happen, the Post then tells us what the legislature in special session could do, but doesn't express an opinion about what such a convocation should decide.
The Rocky Mountain News editorial is clearer in calling for the legislature to rebuke the state Supreme Court and refer the question to the ballot. The Rocky says:
It is certainly appropriate for the legislature to place this issue on the ballot and let the voters decide, given the behavior of the high court.I agree.
As for the News' thinking that the legislature should take the opportunity of a special session to change the secretary of state's role in settling ballot-access disputes, well, that's premature ... let's see if the Petition Rights Amendment (that I endorsed yesterday) is approved in November.
It is a matter of principle for me that efforts to widen participation in the civic affairs of our state and nation is to be encouraged. Whether one agrees with the "Defend Colorado" proposal or not, it is a grassroots effort that has been following all the laws, rules, and regulations for placing a question on the ballot. The state Supreme Court seems to have purposefully waited to render a decision on the "single subject" lawsuit until late in the process. Frankly, I find their action suspicious and their reasoning for rejecting the question highly political.
Therefore, I stick with the principle that Coloradoans should be allowed to vote. If it takes a special session of the legislature to place the "Defend Colorado" question on the ballot -- then that is what should happen.
As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, the citizens of the 7th Congressional District can be assured that I will never forget that government is meant to an instrument to exercise the will of the people -- ALL the people -- not just the well-connected, not just the wealthy, not just the folks in my party -- ALL the people.
By not accepting campaign contributions from anyone but individuals and by placing a premium on grassroots democracy, if I am elected, the people of the 7th will have honest, forthright and principled representation in the nation's capital.
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