Blog Archives

READILY CONVERTIBLE: Jon Caldara demonstrates how easily a 15-round magazine can be expanded to a 17-round magazine by snapping on an extender

DENVER–Colorado gun-rights advocates launched a last-ditch effort Thursday to convince Gov. John Hickenlooper to veto a bill limiting ammunition capacity, but if the governor signs it, they’re prepared to take the issue to the voters.

At least two efforts are underway to overturn House Bill 1224, which bans the sale and transfer of ammunition magazines holding more than 15 rounds. Read more »

The report, which includes 58 recommendations, was sent Wednesday to the state legislature

DENVER–Still no word from the Justice Department on Colorado’s decision to legalize pot for adults, but the chairman of the state marijuana task force said Wednesday that he believes the state’s sober approach will keep the feds at bay.

Jack Finlaw, co-chairman of the Amendment 64 Implementation Task Force, said the 165-page report released Wednesday shows that Colorado is taking seriously its responsibility to regulate marijuana, keep it away from children, and prevent it from leaving the state. Read more »

By the time prosecutors decide whether to seek the death penalty for James Holmes, capital punishment may be on the verge of being abolished in Colorado

CENTENNIAL–By the time prosecutors decide in the next few weeks whether to seek the death penalty for James Eagan Holmes, capital punishment may be on the verge of being abolished in Colorado.

That’s the schizophrenic scenario unfolding now as Democratic legislators move to challenge the state’s capital-punishment law even as Arapahoe County prepares to host what could become the most riveting death-penalty trial in the nation. Read more »

Republicans proposed putting the question to Colorado voters, but Democrats rejected the amendment

DENVER–A bill to extend in-state tuition rates to illegal immigrants moves to the governor’s desk after gaining final approval Friday in the state House. Read more »

The Commission has agreed to hire an outside investigator following allegations of political bias

DENVER–The Independent Ethics Commission has agreed to hire an outside investigator for the ethics complaint against Secretary of State Scott Gessler following allegations of political bias.

At the same time, the five-member commission refused at its Monday meeting to recuse two of its members or its executive director from the case. Read more »

Hickenlooper said Monday that he isn’t worried that signing a slew of Democratic gun-control bills will hurt his reelection chances

DENVER–Gov. John Hickenlooper said in an interview Monday that he isn’t worried that signing a slew of Democratic gun-control bills will hurt his reelection chances, despite overwhelming opposition from gun-rights advocates at Monday’s hearings.

More than 1,000 protestors swarmed the state capitol Monday in an unsuccessful effort to stop seven Democrat-sponsored gun-control measures. Read more »

Call won a second term as Colorado Republican Party chairman Saturday against challenger Mark Baisley (donkeyhotey image)

ENGLEWOOD–Ryan Call won a second term as Colorado Republican Party chairman Saturday against challenger Mark Baisley at a meeting that also served as a pep rally for conservatives in need of a picker-upper.

Call won by 272-1/3 to 158-2/3 after receiving the backing of most of the state’s elected officials at the state party central-committee meeting, held at Cherry Creek High School. Read more »

TOO HIGH? Some are concerned that a high tax on marijuana could push buyers back into the black market

DENVER–Marijuana could become a lucrative cash crop for Colorado under a taxation system discussed Thursday at the final meeting of the state’s Amendment 64 Implementation Task Force.

The group agreed to recommend a 15 percent excise tax as well as a special sales tax on retails sales of recreational marijuana. No specific tax rate was agreed upon, but one figure under discussion was 25 percent, in addition to applicable county sales taxes. Read more »

Colorado GOP chairman Ryan Call is facing a challenge from Douglas County Republican Party chairman Mark Baisley (foter / donkeyhotey image)

DENVER—After suffering a beatdown in November, Colorado Republicans have some tough decisions to make, starting with whether to stick with their party leadership.

Colorado Republican Party chairman Ryan Call is facing a challenge in his bid for a second two-year term from Douglas County Republican Party chairman Mark Baisley. Read more »