I had a great lunch with a Democratic Representative yesterday. We talked Democratic Party politics and the future of the legislature here in Colorado.
“The biggest obstacle to progress in Colorado is the Democratic Party,” they said.
OUCH! I mean, seriously, as someone who has poured way too much time and treasure into this party of ours, this is not what I want to hear.
They cited the fact that a few key pieces of legislation sailed through both chambers with all Dems voting yes, only to be vetoed by Governor Polis. For example, the Workers Protection Act.
C’mon Guv!?!
I asked what I think is an obvious question (and they had a ready answer):
We Dems have had both chambers and the Governor’s office for at least a few sessions now. If there’s some burning issue, why haven’t we done it? And what is left to do, and why haven’t we done it yet?
(This provoked the answer about the Democratic Party being the biggest obstacle to progress.)
Short summary of a long answer:
“Things to do still” includes private prisons. We have too many of them. “We have a higher prison population than Russia, North Korea, and China.” Yikes. Private prison reform. I’m already leaning yes.
We talked about the need for workers to get equity. Actually, this was the one subject where I did all the talking. This is one of my core issues. Workers deserve equity for their labor. Whether we use existing programs like ESOPs or 401(k) match, worker councils or co-ops, there are plenty of existing means to get workers a slice of the pie they prepare and bake.
I left them with what I tell everyone. I’m going to organize HD32 as best I can. This way, whether I win or lose, I’ll feel good knowing that our party is better organized in this very blue district with a history of low voter turnout. The goal being a better Dem turnout in November 2026 so we elect a Dem our new Attorney General (I’m leaning to Crisanta Duran, they are “1000%” behind David Seligman). And a Dem as our new Governor (we’re both leaning towards Phil Weiser, we both agree Michael Bennet would also be a great Governor). And so the whole slate will fare better.
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