U.S. Senate See Full Big Line

(D) J. Hickenlooper*

(R) Somebody

80%

20%

Governor See Full Big Line
(D) Phil Weiser

(D) Joe Neguse

(D) Jena Griswold

60%

60%

40%↓

Att. General See Full Big Line

(D) M. Dougherty

(D) Alexis King

(D) Brian Mason

40%

40%

30%

Sec. of State See Full Big Line
(D) A. Gonzalez

(D) George Stern

(R) Sheri Davis

50%↑

40%

30%

State Treasurer See Full Big Line

(D) Brianna Titone

(R) Kevin Grantham

(D) Jerry DiTullio

60%

30%

20%

CO-01 (Denver) See Full Big Line

(D) Diana DeGette*

(R) Somebody

90%

2%

CO-02 (Boulder-ish) See Full Big Line

(D) Joe Neguse*

(R) Somebody

90%

2%

CO-03 (West & Southern CO) See Full Big Line

(R) Jeff Hurd*

(D) Somebody

80%

40%

CO-04 (Northeast-ish Colorado) See Full Big Line

(R) Lauren Boebert*

(D) Somebody

90%

10%

CO-05 (Colorado Springs) See Full Big Line

(R) Jeff Crank*

(D) Somebody

80%

20%

CO-06 (Aurora) See Full Big Line

(D) Jason Crow*

(R) Somebody

90%

10%

CO-07 (Jefferson County) See Full Big Line

(D) B. Pettersen*

(R) Somebody

90%

10%

CO-08 (Northern Colo.) See Full Big Line

(R) Gabe Evans*

(D) Yadira Caraveo

(D) Joe Salazar

50%

40%

40%

State Senate Majority See Full Big Line

DEMOCRATS

REPUBLICANS

80%

20%

State House Majority See Full Big Line

DEMOCRATS

REPUBLICANS

95%

5%

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
July 20, 2007 04:59 PM UTC

Polis Articulates Broad Platform

  • 36 Comments
  • by: Colorado Pols

The Colorado Daily has some worthwhile insight into CD-2 candidate Jared Polis’ history in Colorado politics and motivations for running, touching on Iraq, healthcare, and Amendment 41 along the way:

The name of Jared Polis is well known in state and local political circles, but he hopes to take it nationwide by running for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Polis’ bid to win a possible Democrat primary and the 2nd Congressional District seat currently held by Rep. Mark Udall, D-Eldorado Springs, won’t be his first political race. He is the former chair and a member for six years of Colorado’s State Board of Education, and he won his statewide race in 2000 – if only by 90 votes out of the roughly 1.5 million votes cast.

Since 2000, Polis has used his Board position, his activism and his money to work for politically progressive causes – and his name is politically synonymous with “money.” He has made millions in the online world, in part by starting and selling the businesses American Information Systems and Bluemountain.com…

Polis told the Daily Thursday that his work helped the Democrats gain a majority in the state Legislature after years of GOP control; that he’s fought to increase state educational funding and to improve schools; and that he’s fought for ethics reform in the state political process…

The situation in Iraq will certainly be a top-shelf issue during the 2008 election cycle. Polis favors a “controlled withdrawal” of U.S. troops, along with commitments from regional and other Western nations to rebuild Iraqi infrastructure and to foster a stable Iraqi government.

“With the Bush administration, all fiscal discipline has gone out the window,” said Polis. “There have been irresponsible tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, and at the same time we have increased spending, partially because of the war in Iraq. We need a budget surplus or a neutral budget every year, and I’ll work for that at the federal level.”

Polis was a primary financial backer and proponent of [Amendment 41], and said two elements of the measure that aren’t being challenged will lead to positive change in Colorado…

“It passed with over 62 percent of the vote, and I think national voters are of a similar mind,” said Polis. “I’m a candidate who will go to Washington and never forget that message, and I will always fight for ethics and campaign finance reform.”

Tweet
Share

Comments

36 thoughts on “Polis Articulates Broad Platform”

  1. Now, would be a good time to say exactly WHAT he will push to clean up the feds and solve the deficit issue.

    Do not get me wrong, but the problem is the current crop of politicians. The dems promised a NUMBER of changes. But they really have not delivered. In particular, their promise to clean up lead to bills that start compromised from the git-go. And the republicans made their share of promises that were pure spin. 

    1. Who gave me shit for putting Polis and Britney Spears in the same money catergory? The Colroado Daily made the same comparison with Polis having more money than that southern bell.

      “A 2004 story in Fortune Magazine ranked him 28th in net worth among Americans under 40 years of age, behind actor Will Smith (26th) and tennis star Andre Agassi (27th), but ahead of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen as well as Britney Spears.” http://coloradodaily…

      And on a policy note, is a “controlled withdraw” from Iraq the same as ending “the occupation as soon as possible?”

      Overall, it’s a good article for Jared.

      1. And on a policy note, is a “controlled withdraw” from Iraq the same as ending “the occupation as soon as possible?”

        Many dems are calling for a quick pull-out from Iraq at any costs. That is one of the worst options that we have. I think that the withdrawal that he is calling for is one that takes a year or more.

        I am not still not sure that we should go yet. I would like to see how things shake out. Petraus did say originally, that by Sept he would know, and is now asking for time till November. In the end, he will get it. Even if the gov. orders a pull-out., it will take some time to plan it and to start bringing troops back (decontamination of troops and equipment is VERY important as is securing anything of military value from the opposition). In light of the sunnis now starting to fight against Al Qaeda, I am guessing that 2 things have happened. The first being that Al Qaeda has shown their heavy hand and it is NOT liked. The second is that W. is most likely making deals and promises with them. I would not be surprised to hear that W. made secret deals for territory for them that will work against the shias. But if it keeps out Al Qaeda and limits the civil war (things will get worse, not better when we pull out), it may be worth it.

        1. on this: “Many dems are calling for a quick pull-out from Iraq at any costs.”

          I’m sure you have sources for your lie. Go ahead and print them here.

          Now, Bush has already smashed Iraq to pieces and put our troops in unnecessary jeopardy. What makes you think he can improve things now after so many horrible decisions since 2002?

          1. My lie? Read what many dems (and those that support them) are saying. They want out. Now. It is exactly what I am reading in the press and hearing from most politicians.

            You seem to make the EXACT same mistake as Bush. If you are not with us, then you are against us. I am VERY opposed to W and his neo-cons. They are a blight on America (from both the 80’s, and current).

            But am I a dem? Not a chance. But it does not mean that I do not share a number of beliefs with them. I think that W. screwed all in getting us into Iraq, but to just pull out would only make things worse. I think that petreus needs a bit more time, and we should give it to him. It will costs us very little and may possibly rescue a number of lives from the iraqi occupation. Besides, chances are it will only help you dems at the next election.

  2. If his proposed plan for Iraq is similar to his “controlled withdrawl” from his closet, then we’re in for a long game of hokey pokey.  It’s interesting to read all the candidates platforms on Iraq when none of them have been there.  And I would pay generously to see Jared meeting with military officials to understand the situation in the middle east… 

    I hope the Rocky Mountain News starts to print material on Jared. I’m tired of reading the sunshine the Colorado Daily shines up his a&& on a weekly basis.  He claims to be an environmentalist when he flies privately (confirmed by Jared’s staff on Colorado Pols on 7/6).  And while supposedly having the desire to remove money from politics, he’s giving generously out of his own coffers to his campaign and lavishing large gifts to key politicos throughout the state.

    When will Boulder and CD2 voters recognize Jared as a rich dilettante, a poser with a gross sense of entitlement?  And where is Will and Joan’s opposition research?  This stuff is juicy.

      1.   Obviously, no one looks good standing next to M.J.  On the other hand, Joan’s pose makes her look like she should be riding a bicycle w/ a basket chasing a small dog w/ a funnel cloud in the background.

    2. You really think you’ll get a single Democratic vote by gratuitously bashing the fact that he is gay?

      “Controlled withdrawal from the closet” — fuck you. That crap only works on Republicans, maybe you should become one like Joan Fitz-Gerald “became” a resident of CD-2.

      And did you ever think the author(s) of gayerthanjared stopped writing because they grew a fucking conscience?

        1. Both you and JeffCo are missing the point.

          First, I am gay, a democrat and do not work for any campaign.  I value truth in politics and will always bring that to light. 

          Pointing out that someone slept with men for years and didn’t come out until last year is not gay-bashing, it’s the truth.  Making light of Jared pandering to the GLBT community and not fully telling the truth is not a crime. QUIT playing the victim card.  You make gays look bad. 

          Joan has done more for gay rights than Jared and pointing that out doesn’t qualify me for hate crimes. 

          The truth just stings a little bit.

          1.   What exactly does that mean?  Did he deny that he was gay when asked?  Did he parade around with a girlfriend, or worse, actually marry a woman and live a lie?
              Joan put a civil rights issue on a general election ballot which was doomed to failure rather than follow the morally right but politically risky route of running the bill through the General Assembly like the legislatures in Conn., N.J., N.H. and California did.

            1. Queer Dude, last I checked Referendum I had to go through the General Assembly before putting on the ballot.  Placing HB06-1344 on Gov. Owens would have doomed domestic partnerships.  I think sponsoring the bill was a politically brave thing to do, especially for a senator from a rural mountain district like Joan’s.

              1. ….which was promptly reintroduced in ’07 when we had a new governor who signed the bill.  Same could have been done Ref. “I”.
                  But by putting “I” on the ballot, the legislative leadership has essentially killed any chance of revisiting this measure until 2016.

            2. I don’t really have a dog in this fight but I did see him a fews years back at an event where local gays took over a straight bar for a night and he was there with a girl.  Whether that was designed to look like a girlfriend or not, just funny that he chose to come to a straight bar that was gay for a night.  Never saw him at any other gay bars or events.  I mean except for now.  But only in the last year.  For whatever that’s worth.

                1. but your point was that he did not parade around town with a woman.  I was simply pointing out that a reasonable person could assume that he brought her to the bar as cover for him.  not really a big deal, but he was not out at that time.

          2. It seems wrong to go around bashing his judgment on when to come out.  I imagine it’s easier than it used to be, but there is still a certain risk in coming out.  It’s not as if he was living a lie for years and got caught (as happened with Foley and Haggard, among many others).  I recall that he said his friends and family had known for years.  He just chose to be more public, as to do otherwise would indeed raise questions of what he was trying to hide.

            1. your orientation is your business.  Whether you want to live in the closet or not is your choice. Unless you are actively working against the gay community, you should be allowed the personal freedom to choose privacy. 

              1. If you’re talking to your 21 year old son or daughter.  But we’re talking about a grown man living in Boulder who’s running for Congress. 

                If we can’t question the way he makes personal decisions, then are we expected to hold his hand for those hard votes in Congress?!?

                 

                1. It’s despicable that you’re focusing on these personal matters instead of issues that matter. It’s unfortunate to witness the Joanies getting so nasty so early, but at least you’re making an ass of yourself for all to see. I don’t give a damn whether you’re “also gay,” you’re an offensive cad.

        2. for either campaign, but can you prove that it’s Joan’s people who built that site or are gay bashing Jared? It doesn’t sounds like something she would do. It sounds like a third party problem.

          1. A website detailing Joan’s work on behalf of the LGBT community is not gay bashing.  You’re not a victim Go Blue – and neither is Jared. 

            Joan championed Referedum I onto the ballot through the state legislature – FACT

            Joan pushed through second parent adoption – TRUE

            Joan gave the LGBT community ENDA (Employee Non-Discrimination Act) – True.

            Posting a few silly photos – priceless.

             

      2. Fitz-Gerald has lived at her current address in CD 2 for three years after downsizing from a larger home. BTW, the law states that any candidate can run for a congressional seat and should they win the election, they have six months to move into their new district. So what’s your beef?

        1. I suppose if she hadn’t actually run for Congress in another district and lost, it would look better. But that’s ok, Bob Beauprez and Peggy Lamm did it too.

          1. and took the risk and the challenge against an incumbent Republican in a very Republican district. She was very gutsy to take this on.

              As Southwest Airlines says, “You are free to move about the cabin.” There is no rule that says we have to live our lives in the same place that we were born. Since that time she has been serving constituents in her Senate district as well as raising money for Democrats in state legislatures all over the country by chairing the DLCC.

              I really object to your very petty criticism about someone who has worked tirelessly for the Democratic Party in Colorado and in the country. She has been acknowledged by the DLCC and by the GLBT community long before she announced her candidacy for CD 2. She has championed women’s issues and environmental issues before it was fashionable and she took a lot of crap for standing up for victims of sexual abuse by priests pediphiles.

            If you don’t like her stand on issues, that’s one thing, but your spiteful pettiness about where she lives or what she wears is over the top.

            1. I agree that the spiteful pettiness is a little much. However, I disagree that where she lives is not an issue. She is trying to become a Representative for CD-2. While her work at the national and state level may or may not have been good (I don’t want to get into it), she is asking to represent the people in the district she now lives in. I’m sure someone is capable of representing a district after living in it for a few years and near it for longer, but I certainly don’t think the question is an invalid one. If one of the candidates moved from Texas into CD-2 right before the cut off line, there would certainly be questions as to their ability to properly represent the district.

              Here, Joan Fitz-Gerald ran for Congress and lost in ’96. I think it is fairly clear to anyone paying attention that her career after that was based on building herself up for a future congressional run. CD-2 was the obvious district to move to after Udall started having higher aspirations, and she did so. I don’t think there is anything necessarily wrong with any of this, but it does paint a picture of someone who is clearly a career politician in the plainest meaning of the word. Some people like that because they believe it means the person has more experience. Others dislike it because they think it means the person has become too bogged down in the political system (beholden to special interests, etc).

              I, for one, think it is a legitimate issue. What she wears, on the other hand (as long as it is not hateful in some manner) is not a legitimate issue. You are now free to move about the cabin.

              1. You become a career politician or rather and elected public servant.  Your election is a reflection of the support you receive. If your support continues, you are elected to serve again and again.  If Will or Jared are elected, they may become career politicians as well. What else would we call them,  a career entrepeneur who happens to represent a political constituency and only wants a two year term or a life long environmentalist who now that he is elected will not run for a second term for fear of being a “career politician.” Are you saying that either of them will not have the focus or consistency to run again and again because they will be labeled “career politician.” Running for Congress every two years is a daunting task.

                While some politicians are jerks and opportunists, there are those that run for office that actually get things done. Joan is one of those politicians, or public servants, who have achieved that. The fact is, she has been a resident of Colorado for 30 years and has represented her constituents on the Western slope as well as in the more liberal areas of Boulder in a very effective manner. The desire to run for Congress is neither a mid life crisis nor a passing whim because she can afford to do it. 

                1. “You become a career politician or rather and elected public servant.”

                  I disagree. You become a career politician once you make a career out of being a politician. Being elected to office once does not make you a career politician. I fully admit that I have no bright line distinction between a public servant and a career politician. But when one meticulously plans how they can move  up the political ladder, that leads me to believe that they have made a career out of it.

                  Like I said before…some people think this is a good trait. Others don’t. Only time will tell which side the Democratic voters in CD-2 fall on. Being a life long Coloradan myself, I get the feeling that Coloradans aren’t too fond of career politicians (whether that is the “intelligent” choice or not).

                  Maybe I’m wrong. Plenty of political “insiders” seem to think so.

              2. You’re just upset I don’t put much stock in that other guy, Schafferoth or whatever his name is. I’ve heard he’s a nice guy from a friend of mine who’s actually heard of him.

                1. What was the snotty remark for? I was essentially agreeing with you and defending your position. The only thing half way negative that I said was agreeing that your spitefulness was a little much. You did, after all, say “fuck you.”

  3. It bothers me that JP keeps saying 41 was a good thing. When he says things like it will “level the playing field” (what about millionaire self funders? Isn’t that a special interest?) Or it “passed with 60%”. yeah so did the Iraq war (70% support).  Most people thought that was a bad idea too once they found out what actually was going to happen. 

    I thought that 41 was a great idea in theory, but it was poorly conceived and poorly executed. 

    What is crazy is he is running on 41, ethics and a level playing field.  If he has his way, the playing field will only be level for multi-millionaires.

    1. That’s a good point that many people tried to make before the question was even put on the ballot, but unfortunately someone didn’t want to listen.

      And will someone please call Peter Boyle and tell him a Democrat actually agrees with him on something?

    2. But he may be able to spin A41 to voters as a good thing.  Few know or followed the whole brouhaha and fewer understood the politics behind it.

      If I lived in the district Jared would have lost my vote because of the A41 clusterpuck he caused in the session last year.

      Actually, know that I think about it, if A41 is his idea of good ethics reform he may be perfect for DC…

Leave a Comment

Recent Comments


Posts about

Donald Trump
SEE MORE

Posts about

Rep. Lauren Boebert
SEE MORE

Posts about

Rep. Gabe Evans
SEE MORE

Posts about

Colorado House
SEE MORE

Posts about

Colorado Senate
SEE MORE

112 readers online now

Newsletter

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to stay in the loop with regular updates!