Coyote Gulch

Monday, August 21, 2006

Romney for president?
Salt Lake Tribune: "As the Massachusetts Republican governor ascends into the elite ranks bidding for the presidency in 2008, the public interest in every aspect of his life - including his family history - will undoubtedly become more intense. Everyone will want to know what's in the Romney closet. Many Americans still associate Mormons with multiple wives. That stereotype has long been battled by the faith that now claims more than 12 million members worldwide. But it has been reinforced of late with the HBO show "Big Love," about a Salt Lake Valley man with three wives, and with the elevation of fundamentalist Utah polygamist Warren Jeffs to the FBI's Top 10 Most Wanted list. Romney is a confirmed monogamist of nearly four decades and polygamy has been absent from his family going back two generations. But, like many Mormons whose pioneer ancestors trekked the Midwest to settle in Utah, Romney's family tree is rife with polygamists on the paternal side."

Thanks to Dan Haley for the link.
"2008 pres"
6:06:27 PM

It's official: Nevada caucus to follow Iowa caucus in 2008
Western Democrat: "In 2008, a Nevada caucus will be scheduled after the Iowa caucus - and before the New Hampshire primary. New Hampshire will retain its first-primary tradition (not that they see it that way) while the addition of the Nevada caucus will adjust the demographic mix, issue mix, and political tone & style of the presidential nominating process."
"2008 pres"
7:04:41 AM

McCain for president?
Political Wire: "Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) 'is locking up a cast of top-shelf Republican strategists, policy experts, fund-raisers and donors, in a methodical effort to build a 2008 presidential campaign machine that is drawing supporters of President Bush despite the sometimes rocky history between the two men,' reports the New York Times. As McCain attempts to 'woo a diverse lineup of backers and scare off rivals,' the GOP's 2008 presidential frontrunner is sending the message to Republicans that 'anyone who wants a place on his bandwagon should jump on now.'"
"2008 pres"
6:48:43 AM

Ritter or Beauprez for governor?
Last fall's Referendum C ballot issue is providing an interesting dynamic in the gubernatorial race this year. Bill Ritter supported the Referendum while Congressman Bob Beauprez did not. Ritter's support is garnering him votes from Republicans fearful that Colorado is underfunding schools and infrastructure, according to the Rocky Mountain News. From the article, "That discontent has been a boon to Democrat Bill Ritter in his race for governor against U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez. Ritter endorsed Ref C, while Beauprez opposed it. Ref C was approved by voters last fall and allowed the state to keep billions in tax revenue that otherwise would have been returned to taxpayers. Colorado business organizations played a key role in the passage of Ref C, fearing that huge cuts in higher education and transportation funding would harm the state's economy. Scott says many executives share Ritter's fear that Colorado is falling behind other states in funding its universities and roads. Business people like Scott tend to be Republicans, but many of them are now saying they'll support Ritter. 'I hear an increasing number of Republicans say they'll either be on the sidelines or they're going to vote for Ritter,' said Scott, who has yet to endorse a candidate. Last week, dozens of Republican business executives met with Ritter at a breakfast in Denver to discuss economic development. Republican businessman Blair Richardson, former finance chairman for Mark Holtzman's campaign for governor, hosted the breakfast."
"denver 2006"
6:32:32 AM

Who's drying up this week?

This spring 400 wells in the South Platte alluvial aquifer were shut down. Here's a short report about the situation from the Rocky Mountain News. From the article, "This has been a long, awful summer for farmers along the South Platte River growing wheat, corn, sugar beets and melons. Many already had planted when the state engineer issued a forecast anticipating lower-than-average flows in the river, leading to the shutdown of wells drawing water that would otherwise flow into the northeastern Colorado river. When river levels are low, the wells must be turned off to ensure that water users with higher-priority rights get their share. State law allows the wells to be used - as long as they can replace water when it's needed downstream."
"colorado water"
6:11:59 AM

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