Coyote Gulch

Monday, November 7, 2005

Embryonic stem-cell research
The Denver Post editorial staff is hoping that the Congress will fund embryonic stem-cell research next session [November 7, 2005, "Make stem cells a priority"]. From the editorial, "The House of Representatives last spring approved legislation to loosen restrictions on federal funding for such research. And we hoped the Senate would do the same, but with only six weeks left in the congressional year, the issue has been shoved into early 2006. It's important that Congress not dodge its responsibility to act on a matter which could lead to cures for deadly diseases. Given that 2006 is an election year, we don't want to see it lost in a blitz of grandstanding. The legislation would authorize funding for research on excess human embryos that otherwise would be destroyed in fertility clinics. It's an emotional issue for opponents, some of whom believe the legislation authorizes the taking of human life in order to save it. President Bush has threatened to wield his veto pen if Congress approves it, but we hope it won't come to that."

The Moderate Voice: "Sen. Joseph Biden predicts Supreme Court nominee Judge Samuel Alito will get an up and down vote."

Category: 2008 Presidential Election

6:46:21 AM

Referendum C funds
How will the excess TABOR funds over the next five years be spent? The Denver Post looks at the issue today [November 7, 2005, "Talk turns to C funds' use"]. From the article, "With control of the legislature and Governor's Mansion up for grabs next year, Democrats and Republicans have already begun trying to position themselves as the best stewards of the billions in additional revenue approved by voters last week. Leaders of both parties have said they will use the estimated $3.7 billion expected to roll in over the next five years as outlined by Referendum C. How they actually work within those broad guidelines during the legislative session next year will set the stage for what is expected to be the most costly and contested election season in years."

Category: Denver November 2005 Election

6:38:09 AM

? for Governor?
Mike Littwin has a roundup of the gubernatorial candidates and non-candidates in his column in today's Rocky Mountain News [November 7, 2005, "Littwin: Will Hickenlooper take a do-over?"]. He writes, "I don't want to say we should make this a rule, more like a guideline. But anyone willing to jump out of an airplane to get a referendum passed - and who survives the fall - ought to be considered for some kind of special dispensation. In the case of Jumpin' John Hickenlooper, who has repeatedly said he would not run for governor, that would mean a chance to perform a gubernatorial do-over. The question is, will he take the leap? What I know is, the world shifted on Tuesday when Referendum C passed. You can still feel the tectonic plates - not to mention Bob Beauprez's teeth - rattling. It wasn't just Hickenlooper who did an extraordinary thing. There were the voters themselves - who made a real investment in the future. Not in a slogan about the future, but in the real future. When you vote to take $3.7 billion out of your pockets, that is more than just upping the ante. That's the electoral equivalent of going all-in."

Mt. Virtus: "Mike has already given a thoughtful description of our meeting yesterday with Republican gubernatorial hopeful Marc Holtzman. (I'm sure Joshua has one forthcoming as well.) Holtzman and his campaign adviser Laura Teal graciously gave us more than an hour of their time and of the candidate's vision, passion, and optimism. The former president of the University of Denver & state technology secretary talked with facility and command about how to solve the budget's structural problems in creative and courageous ways. He shared his plan for strengthening the state[base ']s Republican Party structure. He has concrete ideas to address the current and looming issues of illegal immigration, eminent domain abuse, energy dependence, and public health management. He sought to distinguish himself from his GOP rival, Congressman Bob Beauprez, by making a case for his principled leadership."

Category: Denver November 2006 Election

6:27:47 AM

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