Dem to challenge for HD59

Former La Plata County Attorney and state solicitor general, Michael McLachlan, has announced his bid for House District 59 in southwest Colorado.

The Democrat, now in private practice in Durango, once served in the No. 3 spot in the Colorado Attorney General's Office under Ken Salazar, who now is secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior. He will challenge Rep. J.Paul Brown, R-Ignacio, for the newly redrawn district, which includes Archuleta, La Plata, Ouray, Hinsdale, San Juan and parts of Gunnison counties.

A Marine and veteran of the Vietnam War, McLachlan has lived in Durango for 38 years. McLachlan has been twice named one of "The Best Lawyers In America."

“I’ve worked locally and all over this region for years. I know the issues we’re facing, and I know how to solve problems and get things done,” McLachlan said. “I’m tired of seeing government gridlocked by partisanship and extremism. That’s why our mountain communities deserve new representation.”

Guv helps Romanoff retire debt

Gov. John Hickenlooper has sent out an email blast asking Colordans to help retire a debt former House Speaker Andrew Romanoff's incurred in his failed 2010 bid for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.

The Denver Democrat sold his Washington Park home to finance last-minute ads in his bid against U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, and still owes about $250,000.

In the email, Hickenlooper is asking folks for $2,400 per person. Here's his plea:

I’ve known Andrew Romanoff for more than a decade and can think of few Coloradans who have given more of themselves — literally — to public service.

Andrew won national acclaim as one of the most effective legislative leaders in America. As the Speaker of the House, he forged consensus among Democrats and Republicans on issues that had long seemed intractable. When our state faced a deep recession, some people told me to jump in a lake for Referenda C and D, but Andrew convinced me to jump out of a plane!

Andrew has championed causes we care about, including affordable housing, early childhood education, and mental health care. And he is still at it, turning his considerable talent to the battle against global poverty.

Bipartisan leaders like Andrew don’t come around very often. We should let him know we appreciate all that he has done, and all he is doing, to make our world a better place.

As you may know, Andrew sold his house to finance his last campaign. That left him $250,000 in debt. Please join me in helping retire Andrew’s debt.

The maximum contribution is $2,400 per person. I am pleased to make that investment. I know Andrew will appreciate any amount you can afford.

Please click here to make a donation - http://www.andrewromanoff.com.

Andrew Romanoff has been a great friend whose public service has benefited all Coloradans.
 

State senator publishes book

From her press release:

Sen. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, has published her first book, "Take Back Your Government: A Citizen's Guide to Grassroots Change" through Fulcrum Publishing and is now available online and in bookstores across the country.

This book is a practical, non-partisan, practical "how-to" guide for citizen's to know how to most effectively participate to make and change laws and public policy at the state level and includes, tips, checklists, resources, samples and stories from actual citizens who have changed laws.

"I wrote this book because despite studying political science and getting a law degree at no point did I feel like I was ever taught the basic real-world tools about how to actually impact the system. I realized that most other people were in the same position. This book is written with inside information I have learned to help de-mystify the legislative process and given citizens their birthright keys to the capitol to make sure government is working for them," Carroll said.

"After seven years in the legislature it is painfully clear to me that the only real check-and-balance to the influence of lobbyists and special interests in the legislature is when people participate and everyone has a right to know how to be effective in shaping their own government and their own state."

Pace steps down as minority leader

State Rep. Sal Pace, D-Pueblo, announced today that he will step down as minority leader of the Colorado House.

Pace, who is staying in office, is seeking the Democratic nomination for the 3rd Congressional District and the right to challenge U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton, a Republicans, for that seat.

The House Democrats are to hold a caucus meeting to choose a new leader on Friday in the basement of the state capitol.

Pace was elected to the Colorado House in 2008. Prior to running for office, he directed former U.S. Rep. John Salazar’s district office, serving southern Colorado and the Western Slope. In his capacity as district director,

Deputy secretary of state to retire

The real man behind the power in the Colorado Secretary of State's Office is retiring.

Bill Hobbs, who has spent the past 12 years behind five secretaries of state, announced today he was stepping away from state governorment work after a 31-year career.

“It is with a great deal of excitement — and a little sadness — that I announce to you my plan to retire from state government,” Hobbs said in an email to friends and colleagues. “After 31 years with state government, including the last 12 years with the Secretary of State’s Office, the timing feels right for me to try some new adventures, both personal and professional.”

Appointed by Secretary of State Donetta Davidson in 1999, Hobbs has been the power behind the power, including serving as interim secretary of state twice when the elected secretary left for other positions.

“I am truly fortunate to have worked with so many outstanding individuals in my career with state government,” Hobbs said. “I will miss the camaraderie and the wonderful colleagues I’ve had the pleasure to work with.”