Coyote Gulch

Thursday, May 13, 2004

2004 Presidential Election
CBS News: "Bush ratings fall amid Iraq woes." From the article, "President Bush's overall approval rating has fallen to the lowest level of his presidency, 44 percent, in the latest CBS News poll, reflecting the weight of instability in Iraq on public opinion, despite signs of improvement in the economy. Two weeks ago, 46 percent of Americans approved of the job President Bush was doing. On April 9, his approval rating was 51 percent. American's opinion of Mr. Bush's handling of the economy is also at an all-time low, 34 percent, while 60 percent disapprove, also a high of the Bush presidency. Increasing employment is seemingly not affecting Americans' view of Mr. Bush's economic policy. Just as startling, the poll finds that for the first time a clear majority of Americans disapprove of Mr. Bush[base ']s handling of the war in Iraq, believe the United States is not in control of the country and think U.S. troops should turn over power to Iraq as soon as possible, even if the country is unstable. The highest figure ever recorded, 64 percent, say the result of the war in Iraq has not been worth the cost in lives or money. Only 29 percent, the lowest figure yet, believe the war has been worth it. And just 31 percent of Americans now say the United States is winning the war."
Senator John Kerry is leading President Bush 49% to 42% in Ohio, according to a recent American Research Group poll. Thanks to the Daily Kos for the link.
7:00:07 AM

Denver November 2004 Election
Mike Miles is trying to convince voters that he can beat Attorney General Ken Salazar in the August 10th primary, according to the Rocky Mountain News [May 13, 2004, "Dems count on issues"]. From the article, "In speeches and on his Web site, Miles touts his early opposition to the Iraq war, his plan to scrap President Bush's signature education bill and his support for a universal health care program. He favors gay marriage. It's a detailed, liberal platform that the school administrator credits for his recent surge among die-hard Democrats at county assemblies. Ken Salazar, Colorado's attorney general and the party front-runner, cranked up a more centrist agenda this month, after entering the race mid-March with an image-focused campaign. Salazar supported the war, felt duped by the president and now wants to bring NATO and the United Nations into Iraq. He wants new federal tax credits to bring jobs to rural areas. His plan to boost health care includes legalizing the importation of cheaper Canadian prescription drugs. He opposes gay marriage."
More on the race for the U.S. Senate from the editorial staff of the Denver Post [May 13, 2004, "Miles enlivens Senate race"]. From the opinion piece, "Mike Miles has been relentless in his pursuit of the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate. His dogged persistence in the last 2 1/2 years has paid off in a strong showing in the Democratic Party's county assemblies. He won four counties - El Paso, Gunnison, Montezuma and Montrose - and garnered impressive numbers in Denver, Boulder, Larimer and Jefferson counties. The surprising results were enough to raise questions about whether the former Army Ranger from Colorado Springs poses a real threat to the Democratic frontrunner, Attorney General Ken Salazar. The answer is probably not, but he is testing Salazar to be sure and making a terrific impression as he moves across the state. Indeed, he may be the most active of the four main Senate candidates."
It's interesting that both the Republicans and Democrats have a contested primary on their hands this year when the leadership of both parties sought to avoid one.
Howard Dean's organization has morphed into a force in local politics. Here's the post about the Dean Dozen, 12 candidates that the Dean organization will be supporting for election. The weblog says that, "These twelve candidates will be followed by hundreds of additional candidates in the next few months. No incumbents are on the initial Dean Dozen, though Democracy for America will be announcing its support of incumbent candidates soon."
Blog for America is supporting Donna Redwing for Colorado House District #25. From Blog for America, "After serving as the GLBT Field Advisor for the Dean for America campaign, Donna has returned to the mountains of Colorado to mobilize progressive activists in communities across her district."
Update: It'll probably be standing room only at tomorrow's Denver DA Forum, sponsored by the Downtown Democratic Forum at the Oxford Hotel - 7a.m.
6:47:08 AM

Colorado Water
Denver Water will again offer incentives to customers that install appliances and flora that conserve water, according to the Rocky Mountain News, [May 13, 2004, "Conservation rebates return"]. From the article, "Beginning June 1, if the plan wins board approval later this month, homeowners will be eligible for five different cash rebates: $15 per cubic yard of compost, minimum of three cubic yards, up to a maximum of $510 per household; $200 for each ultra-low flush toilet, up to three per household. These fixtures use just 1.1 gallons per flush, compared with standard low-flow toilets that use 1.6 gallons; $150 for each high-efficiency washing machine, one per household; $50 for a large-lot landscape audit, up to $1,000 per household for lawns at least 2 acres in size. Lots must have clock-controlled irrigation system; $50 for large-lot water-use analysis, up to $1,000 per household. Lots must be at least 2 acres and have clock-controlled irrigation system."
Meanwhile, Denver Water is considering hikes in fees to restore some of the lost revenue from conservation, according to the Denver Post [May 13, 2004, "Denver Water considers fee hike, but for whom?"]. How's that for schizophrenic policy?
6:40:08 AM

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