Week In Review June 18-22, 2007

Democratic Officials Visit Denver to Look at Hotels

State delegations from Washington, Arizona, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Illinois and New Jersey came to Denver to look at the array of hotels available for the upcoming 2008 Democratic Convention.

http://www.denverpost.com/politics/ci_6189424

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/other_business/article/0,2777,DRMN_23916_5595579,00.html

President Bush Vetoes Stem Cell Legislation

President Bush once again denied hope to Coloradans and millions of other Americans by vetoing critical legislation to expand federal funding of stem cells. Respected scientists have confirmed that embryonic stem cell research holds the most promise of helping to cure debilitating diseases like Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and Parkinson's. Yet, the President and Bush Republicans in Congress are determined to put their ideology above compassion for Americans who are suffering.

Expanding stem cell research is supported by a bipartisan majority in Congress and by 72 percent of Americans. Instead of listening to the will of the American people the President continues to pander to a minority of right-wing extremists.

Tickets Still Available for Governor Ritter Breakfast

The June 27, 2007 breakfast with Governor Bill Ritter still has some tickets available. You can register online by Monday, June 25, 2007 or email Christine Pokrandt at cpokrandt@coloradodems.org. The breakfast will held from 7:30-9:00 A.M. at the Historic Crawford Hill Mansion, offices of Haddon Morgan Mueller Jordan Mackey and Foreman, 150 East 10th Avenue, Denver, Colorado. This event is a fundraiser on behalf of the Colorado Democratic Party.

Daryl Grant Joins CDP and the DNC State Partnership Program

Daryl Grant is the new SW Field Director for the Colorado Democratic Party. Daryl has a strong background in communications and has been working with WBBJ (ABC Affiliate) in Jackson, Tennessee. Before that he was with KOLD (CBS Affiliate) in Tucson, Arizona. However Daryl is a Coloradan, graduating from Antonito High School in Antonito, Colorado. His father is a former county commissioner, and his mother is currently the chair of the Saguache Democratic County Party. Daryl's territory will include Gunnison, Fremont, Custer, Chaffee, Teller, Park, Saguache, Dolores, San Juan, Montezuma, La Plata, Rio Grande, Archuleta, Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral and Hinsdale Counties. Annajo Sanchez will become the SE Field Director and will have Pueblo, Huerfano, Las Animas, Otero, Bent and Baca Counties. Kim Phillips, the NW Field Director will retain the other NW counties, and Robin VanAusdall will continue with the other counties in the NE, in addition to some of the plains counties. These assignments will leave no rural county without coordination.

Republicans Not Likely to Win Either Legislative House in 2008

The chair of the Colorado Republican Party is repeating his prediction that his party will not get control of either the state house or senate in the next election. A lot of excitement was generated around his statement to the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel this past week.

However, the statement is not a new one. Months ago in joint interviews with both parties, the Republican chair made the same statement. Lowered expectations may serve to try and catch the Democrats off guard. He has also said that the Democrats are "cocky."

Pat Waak's response in the earlier interviews has been consistent. Democrats need to continue working county by county. They need to find the most authentic, honest candidates who are listening to the voters and finding solutions to challenges that affect the daily lives of Coloradans.