Podcast appearances and mentions of deborah flora

Deborah Flora is helping lead the charge against HB25-1312 'Legal Protections for Transgender Individuals' on behalf of parents and common sense Coloradans, she joins Dan to discuss.John Fabbricatore, former ICE field director delivers his inside perspective on what led to the successful DEA-led raid in Colorado Springs over the weekend.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HOME RULE IN DOUGLAS COUNTY? My friend Deborah Flora joins me at 1pm today to talk about an upcoming event open to the public put together by Douglas County Citizenry to let people ask questions about the proposal. Mark your calendar.

Despite several pairs of Democratic Senators from swing states voting in favor of the Lake Riley Act, both Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) voted against the measure. Does this make Hick potentially more vulnerable in his 2026 bid for re-election?Deborah Flora joins the program to discuss her participation in a rally to promote school choice in Colorado.

WHO WILL RUN THE DOUGCO GOP NEXT YEAR? There are elections for new leadership coming up and my friend Deborah Flora has arranged a forum where candidates will appear to answer questions from people who want to know more about them. Deborah joins me at 12:30 to talk about it and tell you where and when you can join and you can find out more here. I think this a great idea and would love to see other county GOP organizations do something similar.

Deborah Flora fills in for Dan on Thursday, commenting on John Kirby's weak (and late) explanation on potential drones or unidentified manned aircraft flying off of the Atlantic coast and overhead in New Jersey.John Fabbricatore offers his expertise as an ICE agent on the upcoming planned deportations of criminal illegal aliens by incoming border czar Tom Homan and the Trump administration.

Former Levi's executive and founder of XX-XY Athletics, Jennifer Sey joins Deborah Flora (in for Dan) to forecast where the battle to protect women's sports and spaces goes from here in the wake of Donald Trump's 2024 victory.Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? The great debate continues between Deborah and Ryan, along with texters submitting their favorite suggestions.

Deborah Flora is in for Dan on Tuesday and welcomes Douglas County Sheriff Darren M. Weekly  to discuss the outlandish comments made by Denver mayor Mike Johnston about a 'Tiannanmen Square moment' for Denverites with city police blocking entrance to the city for potential ICE deportations. Sheriff Weekly vows to cooperate to the degree he is able without violating Colorado's ridiculous 'sanctuary state' laws.

Deborah Flora fills in for Dan on Tuesday and welcomes film and television director Dallas Jenkins to the program, discussing the tremendous success of his series 'The Chosen' and the release of his film 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever' in theaters nationwide. The discussion turns to how telling the story of Jesus can work as a refreshing departure from the standard offerings of woke Hollywood.

DEBORAH FLORA IS TALKING ABOUT KIDS And she is one of the featured speakers this weekend at the March for Kids, which should bring thousands to DC for a march about protecting kids. Find out more about the march here, and Deborah joins me at 2:30 to talk about it.

IT'S TIME TO GET YOUR BALLOTS IN! Y'all it is time to vote in this primary election. Ross did a voter guide here and after I started mine it's exactly the same as his so just use it. In DougCo the only race on the ballot that matters is the County Commission race with John Carson in it, so please vote for him. Deborah Flora joins me at 2:30 to discuss.

Deborah Flora (R) joins Dan to describe the latest in Colorado's most competitive primary field, the 4th Congressional District seat to replace Ken Buck. Also, Deborah is asked her opinion on whether state GOP chair Dave Williams should be forced to resign.Also, talking about homilies, Dan asks Ryan, Kelly, and the audience whether they believe in angels. He then explains why he absolutely does believe in them.

DEBORAH FLORA ON TODAY As her race for the 4th Congressional District is heating up. At Saturday's Republican Women of Weld Rumble, which Lauren Boebert couldn't be bothered to attend, Deborah caught all the sharp questions from her opponents. She handled the questions well but it was clear she was viewed as the frontrunner there by her opponents. She won the straw poll at the event. She joins me at 1 to talk about why she deserves your vote. Find out more and give her money if you're so inclined by clicking here.

Rundown -    Dagny Van Der Jagt in Craig's Lawyers' Lounge - 25:03   Troubadour Dave Gunders - 01:47:17   "Train Keeps Coming" by Dave Gunders - 02:03:41   Orenthal James Simpson has passed away and the show's introduction discusses some of the many poignant OJ memories that occur to the host. OJ was a mighty USC and NFL running back, like a fast train, but he was an evil man. This week's song from Troubadour Dave Gunders is "Train Keeps Coming." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6_03dUueF0   Justice keeps coming for Donald Trump. The NY v Trump felony criminal trial is upcoming on April 15 in New York City and pressure is building worldwide. Dave Gunders and the host discuss OJ's death and the modern lessons applicable to Trump's litigation. The ban on abortions in Arizona is reviewed and the political consequences are considered.   The show begins by condemning Trump's recent comments that Jewish voters need to "get their heads examined" if they vote for Biden. This is divisive and should be condemned. Given the former president's erratic and divisive recent comments, champions of Trump's return to the presidency should reconsider.   Dagny Van Der Jagt will vote for Donald Trump as a proud Republican. She's a mother of four, a native of Europe and an accomplished attorney with her private practice with her husband Grant Van Der Jagt. Learn about their private practice business in Larkspur. https://vdjlaw.com/   Now, Dagny Van Der Jagt is a candidate for the 23rd Judicial District District Attorney position. The host delves into Van Der Jagt's background, qualifications and platform, particularly focusing on her stance on criminal justice reform. Her other campaign promises and policy proposals, including victim advocacy and community engagement are also discussed. https://www.votefordagny.com/   GOP candidate Dagny Van Der Jagt raises substantial concerns about her Republican primary opponent George Brauchler's integrity and qualifications. Van Der Jagt claims Brauchler, the former 18th Judicial DA, cannot be trusted. She cites political flip-flops, especially on Colorado's Red Flag Law. She claims that Brauchler prioritizes personal publicity over justice and saving dollars for his constituents.   She also raises how Brauchler has historically blurred lines as an attorney, GOP party official, DA, military officer, non-profit fellow, professor, ad man, radio talk host, candidate for innumerable Colorado political jobs and Gazette columnist. Van der Jagt is concerned that Brauchler's military position could create conflicts if there were questionable orders from Governor Polis or President Biden.   Douglas County DA candidate Dagny Van Der Jagt accuses Brauchler of grandstanding, overspending and trying to please everyone while pleasing almost no one. Van Der Jagt claims she has solid Republican Party support, given Brauchler's decision to petition rather than go through the party assembly. https://tracer.sos.colorado.gov/PublicSite/SearchPages/CandidateDetail.aspx?Type=CA&SeqID=59971   A video shows Brauchler being booed and made to leave without finishing his speech, at the controversial Douglas County GOP Executive Committee meeting headed by Douglas County GOP Chairman Steve Peck. Witness for yourself. Watch and listen to how Chairman Peck adds up the vote! https://fb.watch/rpIAvs4Fd3/   The Douglas County GOP may issue a statement similar to the Colorado GOP's rebuke of Deborah Flora for not going through the county assembly. Van Der Jagt believes her commitment to going through the Republican Party assembly makes her the better choice for 23rd Judicial District DA. She wants full GOP support. Just like Boebert received from Colorado GOP in CD4.

The CD4 Congressional race is forcing RINOs like Deborah Flora to reveal themselves.  Mark Hampton with Parker Conservatives has the receipts.   Plus kill FISA.

After a wild Colorado GOP assembly in Pueblo that saw a Colorado Sun reporter, Sandra Fish, get kicked out of the event, Deborah Flora incurs the wrath of the party and chair Dave Williams after defending Fish. The state party endorsed Rep. Lauren Boebert in the 4th Congressional District, ostensibly because Flora pursued ballot access through petitioning for signatures, rather than going through the assembly nomination process.

DEBORAH FLORA IS ON To discuss why she is taking a pass on the caucus as she's already made the ballot via petitions. We're also going to talk about the polling here which shows Democrat Ike McCorkle beating Lauren Boebert head to head. He lost handily to Ken Buck last time, so this is a big deal. Find out more about Deborah and support her run by clicking here.

On-air personnel for NBC and MSNBC have a visceral reaction to the hiring by the network of former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel as a conservative pundit. Chuck Todd went so far as to tell 'Meet the Press' host Kristen Welker that the network owed her an apology. Others suggested there was no room for an election denier on MSNBC. Joe Concha of Fox News blasts Todd for his insubordination to his employers, while Ryan weighs whether Todd's hypocrisy outweighed his sanctimony.Deborah Flora, Republican primary candidate for Colorado's 4th Congressional District to succeed Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO), joins Ryan and reveals her campaign's decision on whether to focus strictly on the primary, run in the special run-off election to serve out the remainder of Buck's term after his early resignation, or both.

Deborah Flora outlines her strategy for both the June 25 GOP primary for the 4th Congressional District and Thursday, March 28th's special convention to nominate a Republican candidate to appear on the ballot to face off against a Democrat in a separate race to serve out the remainder of Rep. Ken Buck's term through January.Heidi Ganahl, Rocky Mountain Voice founder and former Republican candidate for governor, provides her insights on the inner workings of the process and suggests the game is afoot with shenanigans at play in the timing of Buck's sudden resignation from his post.

Lauren Boebert won't compete in special election to replace Rep. Ken Buck | MO voters favor abortion rights | Kansas GOP's flat tax favors the wealthiest 20% | JB Pritzker wants to end prior authorizations in mental health | Texas right-wing billionaires get their way ELECTION 2024Missourians back initiative to restore abortion rights by small margin, new poll findsThe St. Louis University/YouGov poll found many undecided voters as ballot campaign gathers signatures. The poll also found strong support for repealing the sales tax on food and sports wageringBY: RUDI KELLER - MARCH 13, 2024 6:00 AMhttps://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/13/missourians-back-initiative-to-restore-abortion-rights-by-small-margin-new-poll-finds/In June of 2022 The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that established federal constitutional protections for abortion. Under current Missouri law, abortions are only allowed to save the life of the mother or when “a delay will create a serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.” This has made abortion virtually inaccessible in the state.Now, a group called Missourians for Constitutional Freedom is collecting signatures to put abortion rights on the November ballot. They must gather at least 171,000 signatures from registered voters by early May.A new poll shows plurality of Missourians support restoring abortion rights as they existed under Roe v. Wade, but a large undecided group holds the key to victory. The St. Louis University/YouGov Poll conducted in February found that 44% of those surveyed would vote for abortion rights after hearing the ballot language, while 37% were opposed. Almost one-fifth of voters, 19%, said they were unsure how they would vote.71% of Democrats and 24% of Republicans support the proposal.If the measure makes the ballot, poll director Steven Rogers said there are enough undecided voters to sway the result. A sports wagering initiative campaign is also underway and the poll found 60% of those surveyed back legal betting on professional sports.That poll surveyed 900 likely Missouri voters between Feb. 14 and Feb. 26, with a 3.74% margin of error. Along with the major initiatives, the poll included questions tracking attitudes toward President Joe Biden, Congress, major Missouri political figures and the General Assembly.The poll also questioned voters about their choices for governor and their views on the biggest issues confronting the state as well as current legislative debates like school choice.37% of those surveyed said they approve of the job President Biden is doing, a rating similar to the findings in four previous surveys dating to July 2021. Gov. Mike Parson, who will leave office at the end of the year due to term limits, has an approval rating of 52%, among the highest ever found by the poll. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican seeking re-election this year, has an approval rating of 50%.The race to succeed Parson is wide open, at least for the August primaries. Without named candidates, the poll found 52% of those surveyed will vote for the Republican candidate for governor while 38% selected the Democrat.When those who said they would vote Republican were asked which candidate they preferred, “not sure” was selected by almost half of those polled. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft had the largest number of committed voters, with 28%, followed by Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe at 10% and state Sen. Bill Eigel at 8%.On the Democratic side, “not sure” was selected by 66% of respondents, with House Minority Leader Crystal Quade chosen by 21% and Springfield businessman Mike Hamra chosen by 4%.New Kansas flat tax proposal would mainly benefit state's top 20% of earnersBY: RACHEL MIPRO - MARCH 13, 2024 11:19 AMhttps://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/13/new-kansas-flat-tax-proposal-would-mainly-benefit-states-top-20-of-earners-analysis-shows/TOPEKA — A revamped flat tax plan touted by Kansas Senate lawmakers on Tuesday would cost the state nearly $650 million annually, give 40% of the benefits to the state's wealthiest 20%, and reap billionaire Charles Koch a half-million dollar windfall, according to independent analysis.During the Senate Committee on Assessment and Taxation hearing, Republican lawmakers claimed the bill, Senate Bill 539, would address Kansans' needs. Committee Chair Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican who requested the bill's introduction said, “It is a product of listening to people and trying to come up with the best solution,”The state currently uses a graduated income tax rate: 3.1% for income under $15,000, 5.25% for income between $15,000 and $30,000 and 5.7% for income above $30,000. Couples filing together have those income amounts doubled.SB 539 would change income tax rates over six years, starting with a universal income tax rate of 5.7% in 2024, and reduced by .05% each year until 2029, which would set the rate at 5.45%. Under current law, the standard state deduction for income taxes is set at $3,500 for single filers and $8,000 for married couples filing jointly. The bill would set the deduction at $4,000 for single filers in 2024 and increase the standard deduction for all taxpayers by the cost-of-living adjustment published in the Internal Revenue Code beginning in tax year 2025.However, researchers estimate the top 20% of earners – those with annual incomes of over $315,000 – would see nearly 40% of the benefits. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a nonpartisan research organization that favors a progressive tax system, estimated the plan would cost the state nearly $650 million annually once fully implemented.A Kansas household making less than $55,000 a year would see $237 in benefits. Billionaire Charles Koch would receive an estimated annual $485,000 in tax breaks under the proposal.The bill would also cut the standard tax rate for banks from the current 2.25% rate to 1.94% in tax year 2024, and down to 1.63% in 2025. For savings and loan associations, taxes would be reduced from the current 2.25% rate to 1.93% in 2024 and down to 1.61% in 2025. Other provisions include eliminating the state's 2% sales tax on groceries by July 1. Currently, the tax is set to end on Jan. 1, 2025.Earlier in the legislative session, a Republican-driven effort fast-tracked the 5.25% income tax plan that would have reduced tax collections by more than $300 million per year and primarily benefited the state's top earners. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed the proposal in late January, characterizing it as “reckless.” Despite the GOP supermajority in the House and Senate, a veto override attempt failed in the House due to opposition among conservative and moderate Republicans who felt the proposal didn't do enough for the state's lower-income residents.Governor Kelly has said she will continue to veto “irresponsible flat tax proposals.”House panel opens hearings on Pritzker's health insurance reformsWednesday, March 13, 2024Bill seeks to reduce denials of coverage, improve provider networksBy PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.comhttps://capitolnewsillinois.com/NEWS/house-panel-opens-hearings-on-pritzkers-health-insurance-reformsSPRINGFIELD – A panel of Illinois lawmakers began hearing testimony Wednesday on Gov. JB Pritzker's proposals for sweeping changes in the state's health insurance industry. The changes, which Pritzker first unveiled in his State of the State address in February, would limit the ability of companies to deny claims or steer patients toward cheaper, and possibly less effective, treatments. They are contained in an amendment to House Bill 5395. They include banning prior authorization requirements for people to receive in-patient treatment at a psychiatric facility as well as all forms of so-called “step therapy” for prescription drug coverage. Step therapy refers to the practice of requiring a patient to try one or more cheaper, alternative medications before being allowed to access medications prescribed by their doctor.Other changes in the plan include requiring insurance companies to publicly post the types of treatments and therapies that do require prior authorization; requiring them to maintain accurate lists of the providers who are in their networks; and banning the sale in Illinois of short-term, limited duration insurance plans that don't meet the minimum standards under the federal Affordable Care Act.Emily Miller, a senior advisor in Pritzker's office, tried to assure the House Human Services Committee Wednesday that the administration was not waging war against the health insurance industry.“Insurance has a role to play, and I'm not here to demonize the insurance industry,” she said. “I am here, though, to say that it is time for consumers to have a say in how insurance companies are administering their health care plans. And we want to make sure that consumers are protected.”During the hearing, the committee heard personal stories from individual patients and their families, including some legislators, who spoke about their experiences having claims denied by their insurers. Among them was state Sen. Patrick Joyce, D-Essex, whose son was born with a rare heart malfunction that requires treatments for which he needs prior authorizations. He also had a daughter who died following a long battle with leukemia. He said, “We had her stay four days in the hospital because we couldn't get a nausea medication that we knew worked after chemo (round) two. We couldn't get it authorized in chemo (round) three. Very frustrating. Four days in the hospital, and I'm not sure how that saves somebody money.”Dr. Mary Dobbins, a pediatrician and psychologist who is a past president of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, testified about what she called a “mental health crisis” among children and youth in the United States. She said the crisis has been “artificially magnified by the requirements that tie up our clinical time.”She said “I've had multiple patients who destabilized because medicine they'd been doing well on was now denied, and the parents couldn't afford to pay for it out of pocket. The appropriate level of care is commonly denied.”The committee took no action Wednesday, but Chair Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, said the committee plans to hold more discussions and could vote as early as next week to advance the bill to the full House.Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.Amid white supremacist scandal, far-right billionaire powerbrokers see historic election gains in TexasAll told, 11 of the 28 House candidates supported by Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks won their primaries outright, and another eight are headed to runoffs this May.BY ROBERT DOWNENMARCH 8, 2024https://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/08/tim-dunn-farris-wilks-defend-texas-liberty-election/West Texas oil billionaires Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks entered the 2024 primary election cycle wounded.Their political network was in the middle of a scandal over its ties to white supremacists. Republicans were calling on each other to reject the billionaires' campaign money. And their enemies believed they were vulnerable — one bad election day from losing their grip on the state.Instead, Dunn and Wilks emerged from Texas' primaries last Tuesday perhaps stronger than ever — vanquishing old political foes, positioning their allies for a November takeover of the state Legislature, and leaving little doubt as to who is winning a vicious civil war to control the state party.In race after race, more moderate conservative incumbents were trounced by candidates backed by Dunn and Wilks. Their political network made good on its vows for vengeance against House Republicans who voted to impeach their key state ally, Attorney General Ken Paxton, advancing more firebrands who campaigned against bipartisanship and backed anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Tuesday's election also paved the way for the likely passage of legislation that would allow taxpayer money to fund private and religious schools — a key policy goal for a movement that seeks to infuse more Christianity into public life.All told, 11 of the 28 House candidates supported by the two billionaires won their primaries outright, and another eight are headed to runoffs this May. And, in a sign of how much the state party has moved rightward, five of their candidates beat incumbents in rematches from 2022 or 2020 — with some House districts swinging by double-digits in their favor. Of the candidates they backed, they donated $75,000 or more to 11 of them — six who won, and four who went to runoffs.Among the triumphant on Tuesday was Mitch Little, aided by at least $153,000 in Dunn and Wilks cash, who defeated Rep. Kronda Thimesch in a campaign that focused on Little's defense of Paxton from impeachment charges in the Senate trial last summer. Three days before he won, Little appeared at an event in Denton County with Paxton and, among others, Steve Bannon, the political operative who helped rally the far right behind then-candidate Donald Trump in 2016.And another Dunn and Wilks candidate, David Covey, stunned the state by winning more votes than House Speaker Dade Phelan — the No. 1 target of the state's far-right in part because of his role in the Paxton impeachment and refusal to ban Democrats from House leadership positions. Phelan now faces a runoff from Covey and the prospect of being the first Texas Speaker since 1972 to lose his primary.This election cycle, the billionaires' targets also overlapped with Gov. Greg Abbott, who poured more than $6 million into his quest to rid the Texas House of Republicans who defied his calls for school voucher legislation last year. Meanwhile, Paxton barnstormed the state as he sought retribution against incumbents who supported his impeachment. And, perhaps most importantly, former President Donald Trump was active in many contests — following the lead of Paxton and his other ally, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and offering late endorsements that bolstered right-wing candidates.We can't wait to welcome you to downtown Austin Sept. 5-7 for the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival! Join us at Texas' breakout politics and policy event as we dig into the 2024 elections, state and national politics, the state of democracy, and so much more. When tickets go on sale this spring, Tribune members will save big. Donate to join or renew today.Here's how the special election to replace Ken Buck will work in ColoradoLauren Boebert indicates she will not compete in special electionBY: SARA WILSON - MARCH 13, 2024 5:01 PMhttps://coloradonewsline.com/2024/03/13/special-election-to-replace-ken-buck-colorado/Colorado voters in the 4th Congressional District will vote in two separate elections on June 25: the congressional primary for November's general election, as well as a special election to immediately replace Republican Rep. Ken Buck, who announced on Tuesday that he is resigning and leaving Congress nine months ahead of schedule.It could add confusion to the a competitive and crowded race in Colorado's Eastern Plains.Buck had already announced his intention to retire and not seek reelection this year, but he surprised the political world this week by announcing that he would leave Congress on March 22, versus sticking around until the end of his term.That sets off a seldom-used process to fill a congressional vacancy via special election that, according to a decision announced by Gov. Jared Polis on Tuesday, will coincide with the June 25 congressional primary election. The winner of that special election will fill the remaining months of Buck's term, but would still need to win the party's nomination that day and then the general election in November to secure a full term in Congress.Each party will convene a special convention made up of party insiders to select one nominee for the special election. According to state statute, those special conventions need to happen within 20 days of the governor issuing a formal order for the special election, which hasn't technically happened yet.The 4th District leans more Republican than any in the state, so whoever wins the special Republican nomination will likely go on to win the special election, and whoever wins the Republican primary will likely go on to win the general election.That opens up a couple possibilities: The district will be represented by the same person from June 25 onward because they win both elections, or the winner of the special election will hand the seat off to the winner of the general election — almost certainly the winner of the Republican primary — early next year.The state Democratic Party said on Tuesday night that it will hold its special convention no later than April 1. The convention will include the district's central committee members and all the precinct organizers in the district. Ike McCorkle and John Padora have both signaled they will seek the Democratic special nomination.The state Republican Party has not yet made its special convention plans public and leaders did not reply to requests for comment Wednesday. That gathering will involve officers of the congressional district and the county chairmen in the district, according to party bylaws. The state party's assembly, where delegates will pick candidates to appear on the primary ballot, is already set for April 5 in Pueblo.Nine Republicans were vying for the Republican nomination in the district before Buck's early retirement announcement: current 3rd Congressional District Rep. Lauren Boebert, former state Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, state Reps. Mike Lynch and Richard Holtorf, conservative radio host Deborah Flora, former state lawmaker Ted Harvey, businessman Chris Phelen, businessman Peter Yu and Justin Schreiber.Those candidates can all put themselves forward to be considered for the special election nomination.Sonnenberg, Flora and Harvey have all indicated they will pursue the nomination.“This new vacancy doesn't change my race, nor my commitment to proving to Republicans voters why I am the strongest conservative voice to serve them in Washington. I look forward to earning this nomination and getting to D.C. as soon as possible,” Sonnenberg wrote in a statement.Flora wrote in her own statement that the district can't afford a “placeholder” between Buck's retirement and the new term next year.Holtorf has not indicated if he will seek the special nomination, but he called Buck's decision a “selfish move” that will “potentially create bias during the election cycle” in a statement Tuesday.Boebert, however, will not seek the special nomination. If she wins the special election, she would have to resign her current position representing the 3rd District, setting off a vacancy process in that district.“I will not further imperil the already very slim House Republican majority by resigning my current seat and will continue to deliver on my constituents' priorities while also working hard to earn the votes of the people of Colorado's 4th District who have made clear they are hungry for a real conservative,” she said in a statement.She called Buck's announcement a “swampy backroom deal to try to rig an election.”With Buck's resignation, the GOP's majority in the U.S. House of Representatives will shrink to 218-213.The 4th District includes most of Douglas County and the Eastern Plains. @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Post)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Post) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/

Lauren Boebert won't compete in special election to replace Rep. Ken Buck | MO voters favor abortion rights | Kansas GOP's flat tax favors the wealthiest 20% | JB Pritzker wants to end prior authorizations in mental health | Texas right-wing billionaires get their way ELECTION 2024Missourians back initiative to restore abortion rights by small margin, new poll findsThe St. Louis University/YouGov poll found many undecided voters as ballot campaign gathers signatures. The poll also found strong support for repealing the sales tax on food and sports wageringBY: RUDI KELLER - MARCH 13, 2024 6:00 AMhttps://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/13/missourians-back-initiative-to-restore-abortion-rights-by-small-margin-new-poll-finds/In June of 2022 The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that established federal constitutional protections for abortion. Under current Missouri law, abortions are only allowed to save the life of the mother or when “a delay will create a serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.” This has made abortion virtually inaccessible in the state.Now, a group called Missourians for Constitutional Freedom is collecting signatures to put abortion rights on the November ballot. They must gather at least 171,000 signatures from registered voters by early May.A new poll shows plurality of Missourians support restoring abortion rights as they existed under Roe v. Wade, but a large undecided group holds the key to victory. The St. Louis University/YouGov Poll conducted in February found that 44% of those surveyed would vote for abortion rights after hearing the ballot language, while 37% were opposed. Almost one-fifth of voters, 19%, said they were unsure how they would vote.71% of Democrats and 24% of Republicans support the proposal.If the measure makes the ballot, poll director Steven Rogers said there are enough undecided voters to sway the result. A sports wagering initiative campaign is also underway and the poll found 60% of those surveyed back legal betting on professional sports.That poll surveyed 900 likely Missouri voters between Feb. 14 and Feb. 26, with a 3.74% margin of error. Along with the major initiatives, the poll included questions tracking attitudes toward President Joe Biden, Congress, major Missouri political figures and the General Assembly.The poll also questioned voters about their choices for governor and their views on the biggest issues confronting the state as well as current legislative debates like school choice.37% of those surveyed said they approve of the job President Biden is doing, a rating similar to the findings in four previous surveys dating to July 2021. Gov. Mike Parson, who will leave office at the end of the year due to term limits, has an approval rating of 52%, among the highest ever found by the poll. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican seeking re-election this year, has an approval rating of 50%.The race to succeed Parson is wide open, at least for the August primaries. Without named candidates, the poll found 52% of those surveyed will vote for the Republican candidate for governor while 38% selected the Democrat.When those who said they would vote Republican were asked which candidate they preferred, “not sure” was selected by almost half of those polled. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft had the largest number of committed voters, with 28%, followed by Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe at 10% and state Sen. Bill Eigel at 8%.On the Democratic side, “not sure” was selected by 66% of respondents, with House Minority Leader Crystal Quade chosen by 21% and Springfield businessman Mike Hamra chosen by 4%.New Kansas flat tax proposal would mainly benefit state's top 20% of earnersBY: RACHEL MIPRO - MARCH 13, 2024 11:19 AMhttps://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/13/new-kansas-flat-tax-proposal-would-mainly-benefit-states-top-20-of-earners-analysis-shows/TOPEKA — A revamped flat tax plan touted by Kansas Senate lawmakers on Tuesday would cost the state nearly $650 million annually, give 40% of the benefits to the state's wealthiest 20%, and reap billionaire Charles Koch a half-million dollar windfall, according to independent analysis.During the Senate Committee on Assessment and Taxation hearing, Republican lawmakers claimed the bill, Senate Bill 539, would address Kansans' needs. Committee Chair Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican who requested the bill's introduction said, “It is a product of listening to people and trying to come up with the best solution,”The state currently uses a graduated income tax rate: 3.1% for income under $15,000, 5.25% for income between $15,000 and $30,000 and 5.7% for income above $30,000. Couples filing together have those income amounts doubled.SB 539 would change income tax rates over six years, starting with a universal income tax rate of 5.7% in 2024, and reduced by .05% each year until 2029, which would set the rate at 5.45%. Under current law, the standard state deduction for income taxes is set at $3,500 for single filers and $8,000 for married couples filing jointly. The bill would set the deduction at $4,000 for single filers in 2024 and increase the standard deduction for all taxpayers by the cost-of-living adjustment published in the Internal Revenue Code beginning in tax year 2025.However, researchers estimate the top 20% of earners – those with annual incomes of over $315,000 – would see nearly 40% of the benefits. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a nonpartisan research organization that favors a progressive tax system, estimated the plan would cost the state nearly $650 million annually once fully implemented.A Kansas household making less than $55,000 a year would see $237 in benefits. Billionaire Charles Koch would receive an estimated annual $485,000 in tax breaks under the proposal.The bill would also cut the standard tax rate for banks from the current 2.25% rate to 1.94% in tax year 2024, and down to 1.63% in 2025. For savings and loan associations, taxes would be reduced from the current 2.25% rate to 1.93% in 2024 and down to 1.61% in 2025. Other provisions include eliminating the state's 2% sales tax on groceries by July 1. Currently, the tax is set to end on Jan. 1, 2025.Earlier in the legislative session, a Republican-driven effort fast-tracked the 5.25% income tax plan that would have reduced tax collections by more than $300 million per year and primarily benefited the state's top earners. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed the proposal in late January, characterizing it as “reckless.” Despite the GOP supermajority in the House and Senate, a veto override attempt failed in the House due to opposition among conservative and moderate Republicans who felt the proposal didn't do enough for the state's lower-income residents.Governor Kelly has said she will continue to veto “irresponsible flat tax proposals.”House panel opens hearings on Pritzker's health insurance reformsWednesday, March 13, 2024Bill seeks to reduce denials of coverage, improve provider networksBy PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.comhttps://capitolnewsillinois.com/NEWS/house-panel-opens-hearings-on-pritzkers-health-insurance-reformsSPRINGFIELD – A panel of Illinois lawmakers began hearing testimony Wednesday on Gov. JB Pritzker's proposals for sweeping changes in the state's health insurance industry. The changes, which Pritzker first unveiled in his State of the State address in February, would limit the ability of companies to deny claims or steer patients toward cheaper, and possibly less effective, treatments. They are contained in an amendment to House Bill 5395. They include banning prior authorization requirements for people to receive in-patient treatment at a psychiatric facility as well as all forms of so-called “step therapy” for prescription drug coverage. Step therapy refers to the practice of requiring a patient to try one or more cheaper, alternative medications before being allowed to access medications prescribed by their doctor.Other changes in the plan include requiring insurance companies to publicly post the types of treatments and therapies that do require prior authorization; requiring them to maintain accurate lists of the providers who are in their networks; and banning the sale in Illinois of short-term, limited duration insurance plans that don't meet the minimum standards under the federal Affordable Care Act.Emily Miller, a senior advisor in Pritzker's office, tried to assure the House Human Services Committee Wednesday that the administration was not waging war against the health insurance industry.“Insurance has a role to play, and I'm not here to demonize the insurance industry,” she said. “I am here, though, to say that it is time for consumers to have a say in how insurance companies are administering their health care plans. And we want to make sure that consumers are protected.”During the hearing, the committee heard personal stories from individual patients and their families, including some legislators, who spoke about their experiences having claims denied by their insurers. Among them was state Sen. Patrick Joyce, D-Essex, whose son was born with a rare heart malfunction that requires treatments for which he needs prior authorizations. He also had a daughter who died following a long battle with leukemia. He said, “We had her stay four days in the hospital because we couldn't get a nausea medication that we knew worked after chemo (round) two. We couldn't get it authorized in chemo (round) three. Very frustrating. Four days in the hospital, and I'm not sure how that saves somebody money.”Dr. Mary Dobbins, a pediatrician and psychologist who is a past president of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, testified about what she called a “mental health crisis” among children and youth in the United States. She said the crisis has been “artificially magnified by the requirements that tie up our clinical time.”She said “I've had multiple patients who destabilized because medicine they'd been doing well on was now denied, and the parents couldn't afford to pay for it out of pocket. The appropriate level of care is commonly denied.”The committee took no action Wednesday, but Chair Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, said the committee plans to hold more discussions and could vote as early as next week to advance the bill to the full House.Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.Amid white supremacist scandal, far-right billionaire powerbrokers see historic election gains in TexasAll told, 11 of the 28 House candidates supported by Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks won their primaries outright, and another eight are headed to runoffs this May.BY ROBERT DOWNENMARCH 8, 2024https://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/08/tim-dunn-farris-wilks-defend-texas-liberty-election/West Texas oil billionaires Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks entered the 2024 primary election cycle wounded.Their political network was in the middle of a scandal over its ties to white supremacists. Republicans were calling on each other to reject the billionaires' campaign money. And their enemies believed they were vulnerable — one bad election day from losing their grip on the state.Instead, Dunn and Wilks emerged from Texas' primaries last Tuesday perhaps stronger than ever — vanquishing old political foes, positioning their allies for a November takeover of the state Legislature, and leaving little doubt as to who is winning a vicious civil war to control the state party.In race after race, more moderate conservative incumbents were trounced by candidates backed by Dunn and Wilks. Their political network made good on its vows for vengeance against House Republicans who voted to impeach their key state ally, Attorney General Ken Paxton, advancing more firebrands who campaigned against bipartisanship and backed anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Tuesday's election also paved the way for the likely passage of legislation that would allow taxpayer money to fund private and religious schools — a key policy goal for a movement that seeks to infuse more Christianity into public life.All told, 11 of the 28 House candidates supported by the two billionaires won their primaries outright, and another eight are headed to runoffs this May. And, in a sign of how much the state party has moved rightward, five of their candidates beat incumbents in rematches from 2022 or 2020 — with some House districts swinging by double-digits in their favor. Of the candidates they backed, they donated $75,000 or more to 11 of them — six who won, and four who went to runoffs.Among the triumphant on Tuesday was Mitch Little, aided by at least $153,000 in Dunn and Wilks cash, who defeated Rep. Kronda Thimesch in a campaign that focused on Little's defense of Paxton from impeachment charges in the Senate trial last summer. Three days before he won, Little appeared at an event in Denton County with Paxton and, among others, Steve Bannon, the political operative who helped rally the far right behind then-candidate Donald Trump in 2016.And another Dunn and Wilks candidate, David Covey, stunned the state by winning more votes than House Speaker Dade Phelan — the No. 1 target of the state's far-right in part because of his role in the Paxton impeachment and refusal to ban Democrats from House leadership positions. Phelan now faces a runoff from Covey and the prospect of being the first Texas Speaker since 1972 to lose his primary.This election cycle, the billionaires' targets also overlapped with Gov. Greg Abbott, who poured more than $6 million into his quest to rid the Texas House of Republicans who defied his calls for school voucher legislation last year. Meanwhile, Paxton barnstormed the state as he sought retribution against incumbents who supported his impeachment. And, perhaps most importantly, former President Donald Trump was active in many contests — following the lead of Paxton and his other ally, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and offering late endorsements that bolstered right-wing candidates.We can't wait to welcome you to downtown Austin Sept. 5-7 for the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival! Join us at Texas' breakout politics and policy event as we dig into the 2024 elections, state and national politics, the state of democracy, and so much more. When tickets go on sale this spring, Tribune members will save big. Donate to join or renew today.Here's how the special election to replace Ken Buck will work in ColoradoLauren Boebert indicates she will not compete in special electionBY: SARA WILSON - MARCH 13, 2024 5:01 PMhttps://coloradonewsline.com/2024/03/13/special-election-to-replace-ken-buck-colorado/Colorado voters in the 4th Congressional District will vote in two separate elections on June 25: the congressional primary for November's general election, as well as a special election to immediately replace Republican Rep. Ken Buck, who announced on Tuesday that he is resigning and leaving Congress nine months ahead of schedule.It could add confusion to the a competitive and crowded race in Colorado's Eastern Plains.Buck had already announced his intention to retire and not seek reelection this year, but he surprised the political world this week by announcing that he would leave Congress on March 22, versus sticking around until the end of his term.That sets off a seldom-used process to fill a congressional vacancy via special election that, according to a decision announced by Gov. Jared Polis on Tuesday, will coincide with the June 25 congressional primary election. The winner of that special election will fill the remaining months of Buck's term, but would still need to win the party's nomination that day and then the general election in November to secure a full term in Congress.Each party will convene a special convention made up of party insiders to select one nominee for the special election. According to state statute, those special conventions need to happen within 20 days of the governor issuing a formal order for the special election, which hasn't technically happened yet.The 4th District leans more Republican than any in the state, so whoever wins the special Republican nomination will likely go on to win the special election, and whoever wins the Republican primary will likely go on to win the general election.That opens up a couple possibilities: The district will be represented by the same person from June 25 onward because they win both elections, or the winner of the special election will hand the seat off to the winner of the general election — almost certainly the winner of the Republican primary — early next year.The state Democratic Party said on Tuesday night that it will hold its special convention no later than April 1. The convention will include the district's central committee members and all the precinct organizers in the district. Ike McCorkle and John Padora have both signaled they will seek the Democratic special nomination.The state Republican Party has not yet made its special convention plans public and leaders did not reply to requests for comment Wednesday. That gathering will involve officers of the congressional district and the county chairmen in the district, according to party bylaws. The state party's assembly, where delegates will pick candidates to appear on the primary ballot, is already set for April 5 in Pueblo.Nine Republicans were vying for the Republican nomination in the district before Buck's early retirement announcement: current 3rd Congressional District Rep. Lauren Boebert, former state Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, state Reps. Mike Lynch and Richard Holtorf, conservative radio host Deborah Flora, former state lawmaker Ted Harvey, businessman Chris Phelen, businessman Peter Yu and Justin Schreiber.Those candidates can all put themselves forward to be considered for the special election nomination.Sonnenberg, Flora and Harvey have all indicated they will pursue the nomination.“This new vacancy doesn't change my race, nor my commitment to proving to Republicans voters why I am the strongest conservative voice to serve them in Washington. I look forward to earning this nomination and getting to D.C. as soon as possible,” Sonnenberg wrote in a statement.Flora wrote in her own statement that the district can't afford a “placeholder” between Buck's retirement and the new term next year.Holtorf has not indicated if he will seek the special nomination, but he called Buck's decision a “selfish move” that will “potentially create bias during the election cycle” in a statement Tuesday.Boebert, however, will not seek the special nomination. If she wins the special election, she would have to resign her current position representing the 3rd District, setting off a vacancy process in that district.“I will not further imperil the already very slim House Republican majority by resigning my current seat and will continue to deliver on my constituents' priorities while also working hard to earn the votes of the people of Colorado's 4th District who have made clear they are hungry for a real conservative,” she said in a statement.She called Buck's announcement a “swampy backroom deal to try to rig an election.”With Buck's resignation, the GOP's majority in the U.S. House of Representatives will shrink to 218-213.The 4th District includes most of Douglas County and the Eastern Plains. @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Post)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Post) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/

What motivates someone to jump into a Congressional race despite not holding public office before?  It's a blast from the recent past this hour as George welcomes former Salem talk show host and current CD 4 candidate Deborah Flora.  Deb explains her evolution from mom who gets involved to someone who is going to make a change in government.  What are her top priorities?  Would she impeach the Homeland Secretary?  This and more... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DEBORAH FLORA HAS NEVER BEEN ARRESTED And she's one of three candidates out of nine running for the 4th Congressional seat being vacated by Ken Buck who can say that. She's on today to talk about her policy positions, her plans if she gets elected and more. I sure hope you tune in at 1 to listen. You can click here for more or to give her money.

Ryan fills in for Dan and welcomes Deborah Flora, Republican primary candidate for Colorado's 4th Congressional District, after a spirited debate in Weld County featuring lots of colorful characters.Gordon Chang also joins the program to sound the alarm on China exploiting America's southern border with military-aged men in an effort to infiltrate our economy and threaten our national security.

Trent Leisy joins Ryan live in-studio for two segments to discuss his motivation for running to replace Ken Buck in Colorado's 4th congressional district, as well as what differentiates him from primary opponents Deborah Flora and state Rep. Richard Holtorf.

SOMEONE IS IN THE CD-4 RACE And I've got that someone on the show today at 1:30 to talk about why they are running. Tune in to find out who!

Deborah Flora talks with Michael Dickson, Executive Director of StandWithUs in Israel, about what the recent attack in Israel means. He describes the situation in Israel as a devastating tragedy, with horrific acts of violence perpetrated by Palestinian terrorists. He emphasized the importance of supporting Israel, sharing accurate information, and standing against terrorism.

Townhall Review – September 23, 2023  Hugh Hewitt turns to Robert C. O'Brien, National Security Advisor under President Donald Trump, to analyze the implications of the Biden administration's recent hostage deal with Iran.   Sebastian Gorka welcomes Walid Phares, advisor on foreign policy under President Trump, to discuss the ramifications of a controversial $6 billion deal with Iran, exploring its potential impact on international relations, internal policies, and the balance of power in the Middle East.  Deborah Flora breaks down the crises of drugs with Miki Sedivy, a Denver mom whose daughter tragically lost her life to Xanax laced with fentanyl, shedding light on the pervasive impacts of border issues on American communities.  Seth Leibsohn talks with Hugh Hallman and Jeff Taylor, all three of whom are part of TheStopStartsHere.org, to discuss the prevalent drug crisis, reflecting on historical responses and emphasizing the need for comprehensive policies and preventative measures to combat escalating drug abuse and its repercussions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Backbone Radio's Matt Dunn fills-in for Deborah Flora discussing Ken Buck and the rumors floating around that he may bail Congress for a position at CNN of all places... callers share their opinions on the matter and Volodymyr Zelensky is in Washington asking for yet more money... listeners feel we've already given our fair share and then some. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Townhall Review – September 2, 2023 Charlie Kirk is joined by John Solomon, founder of Just the News, to expose the email dealings of former Vice President Joe Biden. John unpacks the Biden cover-ups, unraveling the implications of Burisma and the urgent need for further investigations. Hugh Hewitt turns to Wisconsin Congressman Mike Gallagher to assess the increasing challenges of AI regulation, the implications of Chinese advancements, and the strategic roadmap for U.S. security. Hugh Hewitt and California Congressman Ro Khanna discuss India's evolving global stance, its potential alignment in the upcoming decades, and the implications of China's actions while also touching upon Silicon Valley's significance in AI's future landscape. Deborah Flora and Pete Peterson, Dean of the School of Public Policy at Pepperdine, examine the challenges of homelessness in L.A., the efficacy of funding, and the significance of sound public policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you like listening to Inside the Epicenter, we've got another great show to add to your playlist, The Christian Outlook. We'll be back with a new episode of Inside the Epicenter next week.  In this episode of the podcast:  Don Kroah turns to Frank Pavone of “Priests for Life” to highlight a dark piece of abortion legislation signed by the governor of Maine, Janel Mills. Kevin McCullough talks with Jim Caviezel, the lead actor in the "Sound of Freedom" movie, about the unprecedented amount of sex trafficking around the globe and how everyone needs to see the movie to raise awareness.  Deborah Flora celebrates an enormous First Amendment victory at the Supreme Court with Lori Smith, the website designer of 303 Creative and Kellie Fiedorek, an attorney with  Alliance Defending Freedom. Georgene Rice talks with Wendell Robinson about his book, “Kingdom Moments: Hearing and Responding to the Voice of God.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Deborah Flora is joined by Lorie Smith, 303 Creative owner and Alliance Defending Freedom Attorney Kellie Fiedorek to talk about the big SCOTUS win against government-compelled speech and debunk the vitriolic misinformation being spread about Lorie and the case itself.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Deborah Flora and Ryan T. Anderson, President of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, examine the rising trend of transgender and non-binary identities, discussing the long-term consequences of medical interventions and emphasizing the need for compassion, support, and cross-ideological alliances to address this complex issue.

Townhall Review – February 4, 2023 Deborah Flora, 710AM KNUS Denver, talks to Florida Senator Rick Scott about his 12-point plan addressing the nation's out-of-control spending. Hugh Hewitt and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares talk about the non-disclosure of merit award recipients in Virginia high schools. Then Hugh talks to Olivia Beavers, of Politico, about the recent devastating report in the Columbia Journalism Review on the media's coverage of President Trump. Chris Stigall talks to Mark Houck, a pro-life activist who was acquitted of federal charges for an altercation he had in front of an abortion clinic in October of 2021. Julie Hartman, on her “Timeless with Julie Hartman” podcast, talks to Thomas Baker, author of “The Fall of the FBI: How a Once Great Agency Became a Threat to Democracy.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Deborah Flora talks with Jake Warner of Alliance Defending Freedom, and Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, to discuss the ongoing legal battle surrounding religious freedom and artistic expression. They also cover the latest legal developments in Jack's case, including his appeal against the activist attorney who sued him in state court.

Deborah Flora, President and Founder of Parents United America, and Writer/Producer of Whose Children Are They?, joins us to expose the hidden agenda in America's schools, and reveal what parents and other concerned citizens can do to fight back against the radicalism in education. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Deborah Flora, President and Founder of Parents United America, and Writer/Producer of Whose Children Are They?, joins us to expose the hidden agenda in America's schools, and reveal what parents and other concerned citizens can do to fight back against the radicalism in education. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices