The Democrats have had their turn running the state legislature and it has been a disaster. It is time for a change so that people capable of putting Colorado back on the right track have a chance. (Photo/manufrakass, Flickr)

Democrats have had a monopoly controlling Colorado government.  With them in charge of the governor’s office, the State House and the State Senate, the state has continued a downhill slide with out of control spending and the trampling of our rights.  It has to stop.

I firmly believe that it is never a good idea for one party to have complete control of all parts of government.  Checks and balances get pushed by the wayside and the controlling party usually pushes through an agenda that is out of the mainstream.  For this reason it is important that the House and / or the Senate change hands in 2010. 

The state budget needs a complete revamping and whoever is elected in 2010 needs to be capable of making tough choices.  Further, we need legislators that understand that it is not the government’s role to be a nanny to the people nor should the government wield unlimited power at the expense of our rights. 

It should also be noted that in the wake of the 2010 census, a big fight is looming – that of redistricting.  The drawing of congressional boundaries is important in providing a fair and accurate representation of the demographics of the state.  We need to elect legislators that will handle this very important task with aplomb and ensure all voices are heard. 

Below I offer my endorsements for some of the races for the Colorado House of Representatives and the Colorado Senate.  Most are for the area in which I live in Adams County, some are bordering areas and races in which I feel particularly strong for or against a candidate. 

State Representative, District 31 – Tom Janich

There likely has never been a state representative outside of Boulder more beholden to liberal interests than the current holder of this seat, Judy Solano.  To say she is out of tune with the views of her constituents is an understatement. 

In her time in the State House, Solano has steadfastly supported tax increases that affect every Thornton and Adams County household, protected the special interest unions that donate tens of thousands of dollars to her campaign, and worked to drive businesses out of the state.  It is because of her and many of her colleagues that the state of Colorado finds itself in the situation it does today.

Worse yet, despite the proven failures of these policies, Solano stated in the MetroNorth Newspapers Voters’ Guide last week that she would continue to seek ways to raise taxes on businesses.  Is there truly anyone with a rational mind that thinks raising taxes on businesses – the entities that create jobs and drive the economy – is a good idea?  Put simply, it is time for Solano to go. Click here for a look back at recent actions by Judy Solano in the state legislature.

Tom Janich is a relative unknown to many but represents an alternative to the liberal representation that the district has seen over the past six years.  I do have some reservations about Janich – specifically his support of Amendment 60 & 61 and Proposition 101 – but he will be but one voice of many in the legislature.  The Adams County native has served his community in a number of capacities and has shown himself to be ready to take the step to the State House and provide District 31 with competent representation.  Vote for Tom Janich, State Representative, District 31.

State Representative, District 32 – Kaarl Hoopes

The current holder of this seat, Democrat Edward Casso, represents another staunch liberal beholden to labor unions.  While they fund his campaign coffers, Casso has forgotten that he was elected to represent the people, not special interests.  He has voted to increase taxes and has driven businesses out of Colorado as they flee the unfriendly policies he has pushed.  Further, like Solano, Casso says he wants to continue to raise taxes on business. 

Republican Kaarl Hoopes stands in stark contrast to Casso.  An advocate for controlled government spending and restraint, Hoopes offers common sense solutions to the challenges ahead.  Vote for Kaarl Hoopes for State Representative, District 32.

State Senate, District 24 – Lois Tochtrop

Lois Tochtrop is probably the only Democrat I will endorse in this election cycle and in doing so I will likely upset many of my conservative friends and readers.  However, I do this with good reason.

This endorsement is by no means an indictment of her Republican opponent Luis Alvarez.  While I have never met Mr. Alvarez personally, we have corresponded online on occasion and I believe he is a fine candidate.  He appears to be a true conservative that would uphold those ideals and this is certainly admirable. 

However, I have known Senator Tochtrop for many years now and have found her to be a woman of unquestionable integrity.  Unlike many of her colleagues in the Senate and House she has shown she is not beholden to any one point of view or one party. 

Tochtrop has shown a willingness to go against the grain even when her more liberal friends are pushing the other way.  She knows that neither Republicans or Democrats hold a monopoly on good ideas – both can and do have their merits. 

In her representation of Senate District 24, Tochtrop has shown an uncommon ability to look beyond who is pushing an issue and understand how it affects her constituents.   She votes with a clear mind and conscience with the people’s best interests at heart and that is why I can easily offer my endorsement.  Re-elect Senator Lois Tochtrop in Colorado’s Senate District 24.

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