I love your state!

[WilliamPitt]

I was in Colorado this weekend as keynote speaker at the Jefferson County Democrats Eleanor Roosevelt Awards Dinner. Got to meet Gov. Ritter, who seemed like a nice enough guy but who didn't get much of a happy reaction from the crowd. Speaking from an outsider's perspective, I think the 2010 governor's race is going to be a bloodbath.

Rep. Perlmutter seemed like a truly fabulous guy, but the man I most enjoyed meeting was Andrew Romanoff. He's a hot ticket, and I hope he does well in the upcoming Senate race.

I'll say this: the dinner on Sunday was the 35th one the Jefferson County Dems have done. Part of the program was acknowledging all the elected Democratic officials in the room. I was told that in the past, that portion of the program took 30 seconds: "There's Bob, there's Sally, there's Fred," and that was it. On Sunday, the reading of the names took 25 minutes...that's how many Democrats have won office in Jefferson County.

In a state where they used to use Democrats for target practice, seeing that many office-holding Dems was really exciting. I love your state, and was thrilled to see the progress made by the party. Keep it up!

:toast:

[Hawkeye-X]

1. I know the Perlmutter family very well.

My sister's friend is married to a Perlmutter, so we got to know them pretty well.

And yes, I agree with your assessment on Andrew Romanoff - you can notice my signature already - I just put it up today. I strongly support him, and he was formerly my state rep, and he did a great job keeping us in the loop (he had a weekly updated newsletter sent by email keeping us appraised of what's happening in the capitol while the legislature was in session)

Jeffco is a pretty strong liberal county - hell, that's where our former Senator and former Presidential candidate, Gary Hart resides, that's why you sat there listening for 25 minutes on the names. Did you get a chance to meet Pat Waak - the Colorado Democratic chairwoman?

I hope you enjoyed Colorado while it was at its warmest - it just went cold yesterday and expected to remain cold all week.

Gov. Ritter has lost all labor support here in Colorado - he sold out to the business interest when he refused to sign the bill promising what was supposed to be a local EFCA bill, so he won't get my support or the labor's support. He was a decent DA, but a terrible governor. I certainly hope he can be replaced with a better opponent, and I agree it will be a bloodbath, but if he survives the primary, I doubt he will be able to survive the general election.

Hawkeye-X

[WilliamPitt]

3. Pat Waak was at my table, too

Another excellent person.

:toast:

(you are one of my favorite DUers of all time, btw; I'm glad you of all people appreciated this post)

[Hawkeye-X]

5. Waak and the Colorado Dems did a great job last year hosting the DNC convention

so they deserve a lot of kudos....

Let's see if they'll get their money back for the broken windows that some anarchist destroyed a few weeks ago at their Santa Fe Dr. location.

Hawkeye-X

[vinylsolution]

2. There's still work to do in Colorado....

.... with all the pseudo-religious nuts down here in El Paso county, and the Coors nazis still alive and funding every kind of hatred imaginable.

But yup - we are now a blue state, so Conservative backs are up against the wall.

Glad you enjoyed your visit!

[madamesilverspurs]

4. Would love to have been there!

I grew up in Jefferson County, but now live in a different part of the state. Any time you want to come visit here, just give a holler, we'd love to have you!

[eleny]

6. Terrific!

I've lived in Jeffco since 1976 and like it a lot. I'm glad you had a good time.

[blaze]

7. We love our state too!!

I sure wish Romanoff had received the Senate appointment. I think he could have held on to it pretty comfortably in the election. Now I'm afraid the vote will split and we'll risk losing that seat.

[Hawkeye-X]

8. Nope, if Bennet is primaried out, I think Romanoff has that upper hand.

Based on his state legislative experience and his work alongside with the (:puke:) Republicans when he HAD to.

I think Romanoff will be the biggest surprise in Colorado history.

Personally, I think Romanoff will be the U.S. Senator from Colorado as long as he wants it - he won't sell out to any special interests unlike other people. *cough*Ritter*cough*

[otohara]

9. I Don't

I look forward to hearing just when in the hell Michael Bennet stands for. Heck, I've never heard his voice - The Republican's call him the Silent Senator, and for the first time in my life as a "D" - I agree with the GOP.