Podcast appearances and mentions of dick wadhams

Is it normal for Colorado GOP party leadership to spend down the money they've raised, rather than hand it over to the incoming administration? Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams asks former state chair Dick Wadhams about this ethical matter.Weld County district attorney Michael Rourke joins his law and order counterpart to discuss the dire implications of Senate Bill 25-776 designed to offer further sanctuary protections to illegal aliens in Colorado.

In this hour: Peter hosts Keith O'Brien, Author of "Charlie Hustle" on Pete Rose Career, Playing Style, Importance to Baseball and Ohio, his Legacy, and more! Dick Wadhams, Political Strategist, with analysis on the Colorado Republican Party FEC Filings, Dave Williams payments to...himself? And then Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams on Dave Williams' Statement, His Leadership, is Brita Horn failing already? LINK: www.fec.gov/data/committee/C00033134 Plus, much more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continuing with Dick Wadhams and Sheriff Steve Reams on the FEC Filings. Then, some thoughts with Listeners on Reforming the Colorado GOP as well as Transgenderism. A varied hour of Topics! LINK: www.fec.gov/data/committee/C00033134 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dick Wadhams calls in to recap the Colorado GOP Chair Election, Status of the Party, Will Brita Horn re-establish GOP Credibility, and more analysis! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alicia Garcia, frontline gun rights advocate in Colorado, joins Ryan (filling in for Dan) to discuss her Tuesday pro-2A event at the state general assembly - a rally against SB25-003, banning extended magazines on semiautomatic weapons. Then, Dick Wadhams joins Ryan to discuss his latest op-ed for The Denver Gazette, 'Can a Republican retake the governor's office?'Can a Republican retake the governor's office? | Dick Wadhams | Columns | denvergazette.com

THE COLORADO GOP IS ABOUT TO COMMIT SUICIDE FOR THE PARTY Word on the street is that Herr Dave Williams, called here Baghdad Bob by Dick Wadhams in a column, has the votes to opt out of the primary system in Colorado. He's kicked out anyone who dares to disagree with him (did you know Lauren Boebert is now a RINO?) on the Central Committee and just threw out a bunch of Weld voters who would have voted no on the stupid plan. This means we could face a situation where FOUR members of Congress, where President Trump barely has a majority, could NOT be chosen at the state assembly. They weren't last time, you remember Williams and his collection of morons endorsed a bunch of other losers, including Williams, who got his butt kicked. This means we could lose control of the House when Williams nominates himself, Ron Hanks, Janek Joshi and someone other than Lauren Boebert to run. I'm gonna get Dick on the show to discuss asap.

Dick Wadhams joins Dan to discuss his latest op-ed for Colorado Politics, 'Polis, Griswold reveal rot of Colorado's Democrat domination.'Polis, Griswold reveal rot of Colorado's Democrat domination | WADHAMS | Opinion | coloradopolitics.comDanielle Jurinsky, Aurora City Council joins Dan to discuss the latest violence in Aurora attributed to illegal alien Venezuelan gang members from Tren de Aragua.

Dick Wadhams, former Colorado GOP chair and campaign manager for John Thune (R-SD), joins Dan to discuss Senator Thune's ascension to Senate majority leader in Wednesday's vote and what it means for President Trump's agenda over the next two years. George Brauchler calls in to offer his thoughts on Trump's surprise nomination for attorney general, Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL).

Dick Wadhams, former chair of the Colorado GOP, joins Dan with his perspective on the 2024 election with 19 days to go - including his personal take on the ramifications of Proposition 131, which would create 'jungle primaries' in Colorado with ranked choice voting used in other states like Alaska, California, and Maine. Dick is a consultant on the ballot measure and supports it.George Brauchler, Republican candidate for district attorney in the new 21st judicial district, joins Dan to discuss two ballot initiatives: Proposition 128 (Parole Eligibility Initiative) and Proposition 130 (Law Enforcement Funding Initiative).https://ballotpedia.org/Colorado_Proposition_128,_Parole_Eligibility_Initiative_(2024)https://ballotpedia.org/Colorado_Proposition_130,_Law_Enforcement_Funding_Initiative_(2024)George Brauchler for District Attorney of CO's 23rd District

Peter Boyles talks the Georgia Shooting, Trump's odds of Winning the Debate, Guns and Parenting, and talks with Dick Wadhams on the Joe Oltmann $1k/day fine, and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter is joined by Dick Wadhams, to provide thoughts and insight on the ongoing Colorado GOP "Civil War", Just who is the Chairman? Are we any closer to a resolution? And thoughts on the Disastrous Kamala Harris CNN Interview! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a scene that rivaled 'The Red Wedding' episode of Game of Thrones, a special meeting of the Colorado Republican state central committee on Saturday ousted sitting chair Dave Williams, vice chair Hope Scheppelman, and secretary Anne Ferguson by an overwhelming majority vote of 161.66 to 12 (some members and proxies get fractional votes).The committee then selected Eli Bremer to assume the position of chair, with Brita Horn being named vice chair. Williams has contested the legitimacy of the meeting, but the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) recognized the leadership change in a letter addressed to the state party. Eli joins Dan to discuss the weekend's events.Dick Wadhams joins Dan with reaction to this weekend's upheaval in Colorado GOP leadership, with Dave Williams, Hope Scheppelman, and secretary Anna Ferguson all being voted out of office by the state central committee in a meeting Williams calls 'illegal' and 'fraudulent.' Where does it go from here?

DAVE WILLIAMS WAS VOTED OUT OF THE GOP CHAIRMANSHIP SATURDAY And though he says the meeting is illegitimate the National Republican Campaign Committee has already recognized the legitimacy of the new chairman Eli Bremer, who was elected that same day. He joins me at 1 to talk about what comes next and how to get the formal recognition of the national party so he can get to work getting Republicans elected. Read more about Saturday's meeting here.Williams has rejected the meeting as "illegal". Meanwhile Colorado Republicans keep making headlines by doing stupid stuff like not certifying elections where they did pretty well. And let's not even talk about how badly the GOP is doing with young people. Dick Wadhams writes here about how disastrous Williams so called leadership has been in attracting (or more likely actively repelling) younger voters. Great.

Peter is joined by Dick Wadhams to discuss Tina Peters, Mike Lindell in El Paso County, and more! Continuing with the Question "Is Trump in Danger of Losing the Election" and dialogue with the Listeners, from Both Sides of the Political Aisle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'The Human Lightning Rod' Dick Wadhams returns to the studio with Dan, and doesn't disappoint in generating a litany of calls and texts on his steadfast refusal to support Donald Trump in the 2024 election and general misgivings about the leadership and direction of the Colorado Republican Party he once led.

Dan and Dick Wadhams discuss whether the 90 day sprint to the finish for 2024 will be a battle of attrition between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, with the candidate making the fewest mistakes emerging as the winner.

Hour 1: Peter with thoughts on the shocking Opening of the Olympic Games from France, Trump's comments on Voting that has sent half the Nation into a frenzy, Listener calls, and Peter is joined by Colorado GOP's own Dick Wadhams with an Update on the Dave William's controversy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Incredibly, as Donald Trump prepares for the speech of his life on Thursday night, the sharks of the Democratic machien are circling Joe Biden and seeking to end his political career.Dick Wadhams joins Dan live in-studio to offer his full analysis of a very historic week in American politics.

Following the details of Mark Halperin's reporting for Newsmax, details start to trickle in about how Joe Biden will exit the 2024 race. Dan and Dick Wadhams discuss.

Dick Wadhams, former Colorado GOP chair joins Dan to discuss his take on Governor Jared Polis attempting to enter the national political fray if Joe Biden drops out of the 2024 race.Joe shows some vigor at a campaign event in Detroit, and vows to stay in the race no matter what.

Will Dan's prophecy of Joe Biden exiting stage left come true? It sure seems that way after a calamitous debate performance by the current President on Thursday night against former President Donald Trump.Dick Wadhams joins Dan with his analysis of the debate and forecast on what happens next.

Biden and Trump, agree to 2 presidential debates, in June and September. Dick Wadhams joins in on the show to share how that would go.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A couple of weeks ago, Peter brought up the idea of a discussion between Dick Wadhams and Dave Williams when Dave was the guest, both agree but it seems as if it won't happen. Dick Wadhams and special guest Jon Caldera join the show to talk about this. Later on, Peter talks about all the new revelations during the Trump trial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rundown -    Troubadour Dave Gunders - 09:58   "Playing that Zydeco" by Dave Gunders - 25:45   Eli Stokols - 31:30   Episode 211 begins with a review of the New York v Trump trial. That's followed by a review of Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones' epic performance Thursday night at Jazzfest 2024 in New Orleans. Show Troubadour Dave Gunders is on fire as he reviews the experience from the banks of the Mississippi River in New Orleans. We then “Play that Zydeco,” an original composition by Gunders, which he performed last summer in Gold Hill, Colorado. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiLexPg0piM   Accomplished journalist Eli Stokols keeps receiving historic White House assignments following his near decade-long successful run in Colorado television and magazines. Stokols moved on to become a DC family guy with a great journalist wife and kids. The LA Times and WSJ are former homes, but Eli Stokols' with Politico again. https://www.politico.com/blogs/politico-press/2022/10/18/eli-stokols-joins-politico-as-white-house-reporter-00062346   Eli covered the 2016 election for POLITICO, starting with the Jeb Bush campaign before turning his reporting lens on Donald Trump. He's covered the White House ever since Trump took office in 2017. Along the way, he interacted frequently with Hope Hicks and Michel Cohen. Spoiler alert – Hicks was much more pleasant than Cohen.   This special name-dropping episode features discussions of Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Kyle Clark, OJ Simpson, Elizabeth Orden, Doug Lamborn, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, Lauren Boebert, John Hickenlooper, Michael Bennet, Ken Buck, Jon Hamm, Scarlett Johansen, Colin Jost, Elena Schneider, Tim Walz, Dick Wadhams, Corey Lewandowski, Dudley Brown, Arthur Sulzberger, Peter Baker and Howard Stern. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/16/fashion/weddings/elena-schneider-eli-stokols.html   Stokols wrote the explosive Politico Magazine story titled “The Petty Feud Between the NYT and the White House.” In it, Stokols identified petty disputes between Biden-Harris and the highest echelons of the New York Times and how it led to caricatures of our President as he ran against Trump. https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/04/25/new-york-times-biden-white-house-00154219   Published right before the wacky weekend, which includes the White House Correspondents' Dinner, Eli Stokols even had President Joe Biden responding with jabs about doing interviews with "strong, independent journalists who millions of people actually listen to... like Howard Stern." Eli Stokols helped make that laugh line happen. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/politics-news/joe-biden-howard-stern-interview-hillary-clinton-1235887751/   Stokols has fond memories of Colorado and political controversies in the Centennial State. Now, Eli Stokol's beat remains the White House, where he co-authors the West Wing Playbook for Politico. Stokols studied history at Cal-Berkeley, where he also was a varsity baseball pitcher. He went to Columbia for graduate school. Protests on those campuses get our attention. https://www.politico.com/newsletters/west-wing-playbook

Republican strategist Dick Wadhams talks to Peter about the recent settlements with Conservative news media and companies like Smartmatic and Dominion voting systems. He also talks about the problems surrounding the Republican Party in the state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DICK WADHAMS JOINS ON DAVID WILLIAM'S CHINA SYNDROME Mr. "So-Called America First" David Williams did a lot business with the Chinese for years and now he wants everyone to believe his opponent is one who did what he actually did. Republican strategist Dick Wadhams is on today at 12:30 to chat about it.

Following a Saturday rally in Ohio where Donald Trump said American auto companies will be in for a financial 'bloodbath' if Joe Biden wins re-election, mainstream media outlets run with the quote completely out of context and suggest he incited violence from his supporters should he lose. Dan provides the proper context, including the full clip in which Trump issues the threat of massive tariffs against China if they attempt to manufacture cars in Mexico and sell them in the United States.Also, Dick Wadhams joins the program to provide his analysis on the upcoming assembly process of Colorado GOP leaders that will select the Republican candidate to run for the completion of Rep. Ken Buck's term in the 4th Congressional District.

WIth a Tuesday press release and just ten days notice, Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO 4) announced his resignation from office effective Friday, March 22. Dick Wadhams joins Dan to discuss the firestorm this decision leaves in Buck's wake, and what the mechanics and schedule of replacing the Congressman are in the state of Colorado. Candidate Jerry Sonnenberg also appears on the program to discuss how Buck's departure affects his race for the seat and the Republican nomination. What is Ken Buck's true 'end game' here?

After attending the Nikki Haley rally in Centennial on Tuesday, Dick Wadhams checks in with Dan to inform him and the audience that the former chair of the Colorado GOP will NOT support Donald Trump if he is the Republican nominee for President in November. Callers and texters react in full force, most in strong disagreement with his decision.

The phones stay lit for the final hour with callers, old and new, passionately making their cases for Donald Trump, the absurdity and danger of the E Jean Carroll $83m jury verdict, the election stealing (from Republicans) effects of open primaries, and the mission to save Western Civilization.  Plus, Randy shares a personal story from Federal District Court regarding Dick Wadhams and his very disappointing public behavior. witnessed by many.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican strategist Dick Wadhams calls into discuss his induction into the "Wall of Shame" by the people of RINO watch Colorado. Jimmy is back in this hour and asks if this is necessary to an already divisive GOP and who are these people who fashion themselves to be political vigilantes?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan returns from visiting his brother in Wisconsin for the holidays to a maelstrom of political turmoil in Colorado as the state supreme court removes Donald Trump from the Republican primary ballot in a 4-3 decision by concluding he incited an insurrection on January 6, 2021. Dick Wadhams joins the conversation as well to offer his condemnation of the decision and believes it will be ajudicated in the U.S. Supreme Court in time for the 2024 election.

Dick Wadhams joins the show to discuss who let the wolves out as Colorado attempts to control nature and re-introduce the animals to the state... what could possibly go wrong?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you define a RINO (Republican In Name Only)?  Is it based in policy or in hurt feelings?  Is a RINO just a conservative you disagree with?  Peter Boyles fills in for George.  He welcomes Republican strategist, Dick Wadhams to discuss the letter from the Colorado GOP alleging financial impropriety in the last administration.  The state party seems to be trying to label Kristi Burton Brown as a RINO.  Is that an accurate label for someone who has been working for the party since their teenage years?  How do you define a RINO, and if we keep "throwing" them out of the party, does that make it more of less likely the GOP will win in Colorado in the future?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you define a RINO (Republican In Name Only)?  Is it based in policy or in hurt feelings?  Is a RINO just a conservative you disagree with?  Peter Boyles fills in for George.  He welcomes Republican strategist, Dick Wadhams to discuss the letter from the Colorado GOP alleging financial impropriety in the last administration.  The state party seems to be trying to label Kristi Burton Brown as a RINO.  Is that an accurate label for someone who has been working for the party since their teenage years?  How do you define a RINO, and if we keep "throwing" them out of the party, does that make it more of less likely the GOP will win in Colorado in the future?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yet another poll reveals a strong showing for Donald Trump in a head-to-head showdown with President Joe Biden across the swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Dan and Ryan break down where the race stands and what it means going from here. Also, Dick Wadhams dials in to opine on a stunning letter from Colorado GOP chair Dave Williams alleging mishandling of finances by his predecessor Kristi Burton-Brown.

Former Colorado GOP chair Dick Wadhams joins Dan for an additional two segments to break down the state of the 2024 Presidential race nationally and caller Carly takes Dan to task on his preference of Nikki Haley to Gov. Sarah Huckabee-Sanders (R-AR) for the Vice-President spot on a ticket with Trump.

THE COLORADO GOP IS EMPOWERING THE HARD LEFT This column is EXACTLY right. I said last week that everything that Democrats are doing in Colorado is being aided and abetted by the "leadership" of the Colorado GOP who are invested in a "stolen election" that happened four years ago and no unaffiliated voter gives a crap about. Read the column here and Dick joined me to discuss.

Peter this hour welcomes GOP strategist Dick Wadhams to discuss local Colorado politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chuck & Julie Show with Chuck Bonniwell and Julie Hayden With Guests, Rep. Ken DeGraaf and Jake Reed Colorado Rep.Ken DeGraaf says “there are too many Dicks” in CO GOP politics and consultants like Dick Wadhams and his cronies are destroying the Party. Plus attorney Jake Reed with Alliance Defending Freedom on a Buena Vista Christian school going to court to make sure it won't have to follow Gov. Polis's draconian hiring and curriculum policies.

What is the path forward for the Colorado GOP to have more representation in statewide and more local politics?  George is back and continues the conversation from yesterday about a State GOP Rep. in an Op-Ed in the Gazette, saying old consultants like Dick Wadhams ae the reason for the losses piling up.  Do you agree?  What are the issues the Colorado GOP can use to regain prominence?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why did they do it?  Why did Lauren Bobert vote to retain Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker while Ken Buck voted to remove him?  What led to the split between two Tea Party/Freedom Caucus members?  Peter Boyles fills in for George.  He talks about the McCarthy vote and an Op Ed in the Gazette claiming consultants like Dick Wadhams are the reason the GOP keeps losing in Colorado.  Really?  Do you agree?  What messaging is Wadhams ignoring that would lead to CO GOP wins?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

the Colorado GOP civil war continues.  The most recent shot, fired by Rep Ken DeGraff in the Gazette saying listening to "consultants" like Dick Wadhams are the reason the GOP continues to lose.  Do you agree?  Peter Boyles fills in for George. He welcomes Wadhams and they discuss the claims in the OP ED.  Are losses due to Wadhams influence or a party that wants to hire Tina Peters as an Election Security Expert and brings in Kerri Lake of Arizona for the upcoming Centennial Dinner?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why did they do it?  Why did Lauren Bobert vote to retain Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker while Ken Buck voted to remove him?  What led to the split between two Tea Party/Freedom Caucus members?  Peter Boyles fills in for George.  He talks about the McCarthy vote and an Op Ed in the Gazette claiming consultants like Dick Wadhams are the reason the GOP keeps losing in Colorado.  Really?  Do you agree?  What messaging is Wadhams ignoring that would lead to CO GOP wins? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

the Colorado GOP civil war continues.  The most recent shot, fired by Rep Ken DeGraff in the Gazette saying listening to "consultants" like Dick Wadhams are the reason the GOP continues to lose.  Do you agree?  Peter Boyles fills in for George. He welcomes Wadhams and they discuss the claims in the OP ED.  Are losses due to Wadhams influence or a party that wants to hire Tina Peters as an Election Security Expert and brings in Kerri Lake of Arizona for the upcoming Centennial Dinner?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DICK WADHAMS IS NOT HAPPY WITH THE CURRENT COLORADO GOP And their idiotic move to try and exit the open primary here by creating a new "bylaw" that is straight out of the old Soviet playbook. He's written a scorcher of a column on it here. He's on at 2:35 to discuss.

PACs supporting Mike Johnston spend big in final sprint of Denver mayoral election | Susana Cordova will be Colorado's next Education Commissioner | New Colorado GOP Chair Dave Williams is off to a rocky start | Kari Lake is running for Senate in Arizona | Ringo Starr on tour in Western U.S.  Song playsIntro by hostWelcome to High Country - politics in the American West. My name is Sean Diller; regular listeners might know me from Heartland Pod's Talking Politics, every Monday.Support this show and all the work in the Heartland POD universe by going to heartlandpod.com and clicking the link for Patreon, or go to Patreon.com/HeartlandPod to sign up.  Membership starts at $1/month, with even more extra shows and special access at the higher levels.  No matter the level you choose, your membership helps us create these independent shows as we work together to change the conversation.Alright! Let's get into it:  COLORADO NEWSLINE: Denver mayoral candidates Mike Johnston and Kelly Brough sprint to the finish lineBY: CHASE WOODRUFF - MAY 30, 2023 4:00 AM       Left: Denver mayor candidate Kelly Brough receives the endorsement of the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance at an event on May 12, 2023. Right: Brough's runoff opponent, former state Sen. Mike Johnston, receives the endorsement of progressive former mayoral candidates and Democratic state lawmakers in Civic Center Park on May 10, 2023. (Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline)A half-million dollar contribution from former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg was part of a flood of large donations that has helped former state Sen. Mike Johnston open up a 2-to-1 fundraising lead over opponent Kelly Brough as the Denver mayor's race enters its final week.Advancing Denver, an independent expenditure committee supporting Johnston's run, raised more than $4 million through May 22.  The pro-Johnston super PAC has relied on many of the same out-of-state billionaire donors who boosted Johnston's gubernatorial bid in 2018, including Bloomberg, LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman and hedge fund managers Steve Mandel and John Arnold. Kent Thiry, the former CEO of Denver-based dialysis giant DaVita, is the group's largest local donor, while venture capitalist Art Reimers and private equity CEO Eric Resnick have also chipped in with six-figure contributions.About three-quarters of Advancing Denver's haul has been spent on TV advertising in support of Johnston, with the remainder spent on digital ads and mail.Johnston and Brough had raised roughly equal amounts in direct contributions through the end of April, reporting total receipts of $932,060 and $895,612, for their campaign committees, respectively.  A Better Denver, the independent expenditure committee supporting Brough, has struggled to raise large sums since the April 4 first-round election, adding just $211,650 to the $1 million it had previously raised in February and March.To date, the group's top donor during the runoff is Pete Coors, former Republican nominee for U.S. Senate and prolific donor to conservative causes. Coors gave $50,000 to A Better Denver on April 24. Other top donors to the pro-Brough PAC have included real estate interests like the National Association of Realtors, Colorado Construction Industry Coalition and developer Lloyd Fulenwider.The Apartment Association of Metro Denver, a landlord group, has made contributions to both candidates. After giving $25,000 to Brough in February, the group followed up with another $10,000 contribution to Brough in late April, and a $10,000 contribution to Johnston a week later.Ballots for the city's runoff election were mailed earlier this month. Voters can return their ballot to a 24-hour drop box or vote in person until 7 p.m. on June 6.COLORADO SUN:Susana Cordova, former superintendent of Denver schools, will be Colorado's next education commissionerErica Breunlin and Jesse Paul9:13 AM MDT on May 30, 2023Denver Public Schools superintendent Susana Cordova at DPS headquarters on April 3, 2020. (Andy Cross, The Denver Post via The Associated Press)The state's Board of Education on Monday named Susana Cordova as the sole finalist among 23 applicants after a unanimous vote. Her appointment is expected to be formalized when the board next meets.State Board Chairwoman Rebecca McClellan told The Colorado Sun “We really appreciated her sharp focus on results for students and outcomes for students with an eye toward equity,”  “She's not only talked the talk, she's proven that she's capable of achieving gains for students.”Cordova will take over the position from Katy Anthes, who is stepping down from the role in July after serving as commissioner since December 2016.Cordova began her career as a bilingual language arts teacher and has since worked in education for more than 30 years, including as a teacher, principal, district leader and currently as a superintendent in residence for Transcend, a national nonprofit focused on helping schools make classrooms more equitable for all students.Cordova was also previously a deputy superintendent for the Dallas TX Independent School District.Cordova has also taught as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Denver's School of Education and now serves on the university's board of trustees.  Cordova will begin steering the state education department at a particularly consequential time for Colorado schools, as districts continue to help students recover from lost time and learning during the pandemic and as many communities struggle to recruit and retain educators and manage declining student enrollment.Susana Cordova, then superintendent of Denver Public Schools, looks on as students work on laptops in a classroom in Newlon Elementary School early Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. The school was one of 55 Discovery Link sites set up by Denver Public Schools where students could participate in remote learning during the pandemic. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, Special to The Colorado Sun)Cordova will begin her tenure just as a state task force is considering changes to how Colorado evaluates its schools, which could potentially affect how much funding schools receive.Gov. Jared Polis celebrated Cordova's selection in a written statement Tuesday, saying   “Her prior work boosting academic progress and improving access to high-quality education for learners of all backgrounds as superintendent of Denver Public Schools is sure to benefit students across the state as she brings this passion and experience to this new role,” said Polis, a Democrat. “I look forward to working with Susana as a member of my cabinet as we continue to carry forward our bold education priorities.”   COLORADO SUN:Colorado GOP paid no staff in April while fundraising lags under new Chairman Dave WilliamsSandra Fish4:20 AM MDT on May 24, 2023Dave Williams speaks during a Republican state central meeting on March 11, 2023, in Loveland where elections for a chairman, vice chairman and secretary of the Colorado GOP were conducted. (Olivia Sun, The Colorado Sun via Report for America)If the Colorado Republican Party had employees in April, they didn't get paid.  It's the first time in at least 20 years the party didn't pay any employees.And the party's bank accounts have less money than the $120,540 a recent filing said the party had on hand, the GOP acknowledged in an addendum filed Saturday with the Federal Election Commission.  The Colorado GOP raised only about $58,000 in the first four months of the year, including less than $15,000 in April. The party spent more than $15,000 last month, with $9,100 going to health and dental benefits. It's unclear if anyone is working for the party; no staff is listed on its website.The lack of a payroll for a state party in Colorado is unusual.“There have been other cycles where the party pays only one or two salaries in the off year,” said Kristi Burton Brown, who chaired the party during the last election cycle. “If they want to run it all-volunteer, they certainly can.”The party raised only a little more than $18,000 in the first two months of the year, before Williams was elected chairman.  From January through April, Colorado's GOP spent more than $263,000. That compares with $539,000 spent in the first four months of 2021, another nonelection year when five people were paid for their work in April. Of this year's spending, $73,000 went to Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck for legal services.  “Anybody who gets elected state chair should probably prioritize raising money,” said Dick Wadhams, who ran the state party from 2007 to 2011 and has been critical of Williams. “You can't run an operation without money.”The state Democratic Party raised nearly $92,000 in April, and spent nearly $211,000, including about $26,000 on payroll for a half-dozen employees. That left the party with nearly $196,000 in cash at the end of April.The Democratic Party raised more than $419,000 in the first four months of the year, while spending about $454,000. The party's state-level account had nearly $32,000 at the end of March.And the Colorado GOP has trailed Democrats in political spending in the state in recent years.Campaign accounts or PACS for several of the state's top elected Democrats have donated to the federal party account this year including U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper; U.S. Reps. Diana Degette, of Denver, Yadira Caraveo, of Thornton, Jason Crow, of Centennial, and Joe Neguse, of Lafayette; Gov. Jared Polis; Treasurer Dave Young; and others. Hickenlooper also sent two emails recently asking people to donate to the state party.The Colorado GOP received $12,500 from the terminated 8th Congressional District campaign of state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, of Brighton, in early March. It's the only money the party has received from Republican officeholders or candidates this year.Tagged:Colorado Democratic Party, Colorado Republican Party, Dave WilliamsABC NEWS:Arizona set for unpredictable Senate raceByTal AxelrodMay 23, 2023, 3:06 AM Democrats and Republicans can at least agree on one thing: They have no idea what's going to happen in next year's Arizona Senate race.The election is shaping up to be an unpredictable three-way contest in one of the nation's premier battlegrounds featuring an incumbent who left her party (Sen. Kyrsten Sinema), a polarizing conservative who remains a rock star with her base (Kari Lake), and a Democratic nominee-in-waiting who would represent a shift to the left for the historically moderate-minded state (Rep. Ruben Gallego).Sen. Sinema first set the stage when she switched from being a Democrat to an independent late last year. While she called that choice a "reflection of who [she's] always been," the switch also prevented a primary fight with Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego -- and paved the way for something more unusual.State data shows just under 35% of Arizona voters are registered Republicans and 30% are registered Democrats, while 35% aren't registered with either party.If Sinema retires, the race to succeed her could feature Gallego, a Marine Corps vet and former House colleague of Sinema's who has become vocally critical of her, and Republican Kari Lake, a former TV anchor, election denier and 2022 Arizona gubernatorial candidate.Both Gallego and Lake are more associated with their parties' ideological flanks than the centrists who have historically won statewide.state GOP strategist Lorna Romero said "It's gonna be like nothing we've ever seen before in Arizona. I think what's going to make it nasty is obviously Ruben and Kyrsten don't get along personally. And depending on who the Republican is, if you get a firebrand like a Kari Lake again, we've seen how she's operated before, that's going to take it to another level."Nineteen operatives from both parties who spoke with ABC News for this story mostly thought that Sinema would run again, pointing to her ongoing fundraising and continued involvement in high-profile legislative pushes like on immigration.Senator Kyrsten Sinema questions witnesses during a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing in the wake of recent of bank failures, on Capitol Hill, May 18, 2023. Evelyn Hockstein/ReutersSinema, who previously served in the House for three terms, quickly thrust herself into the heart of several of the chamber's most significant and successful legislative efforts, including on infrastructure, same-sex marriage, guns and more.Her style of legislating has generated mixed reviews, with supporters pointing to her scorecard and liberal detractors saying she has been overly eager to water down Democratic priorities, including raising the minimum wage, supporting prescription drug pricing reform and scrapping the Senate filibuster as a way to codify abortion rights.Cesar Chavez, a former Democratic state lawmaker said "Overall, I think the state of Arizona is content with the work that Sen. Sinema done. The issues that Sen. Sinema has advocated for will definitely result in a positive tick in her numbers."Steve Slugocki, a senior adviser to Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a former chair of the Maricopa County Democratic Party had the opposite view. He said, "I cannot stress enough how deeply unpopular she is. I traveled the state everywhere last year. The first question was always, 'What are we going to do about Sinema? How can we replace her?'"Sen. Kyrsten Sinema arrives at the Capitol, May 9, 2023. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego speaks at a CHC event. Getty ImagesAll of this will play out in the larger context of the battle for the Senate, with the Democratic caucus holding a slim 51-49 majority, but defending 23 seats in 2024, making operatives eager to avoid a spoiler candidate, but without any agreement on who that would be.A former aide to Sen. Sinema said "She has shown she knows what it takes to win in Arizona. I look at these other candidates, and I do not see proven winners. "So yeah, as a Democrat, I'm nervous because I want to keep Kari Lake out of the Senate.""If she's in the race as an independent, Ruben's already at a disadvantage as a Democrat just because of the lower registration numbers that we have," said one former state lawmaker who is supporting Gallego. "So, it comes down to how many votes is Sen. Sinema going to take? Even if it is a very small percentage, any small percentage at all could tip this."To be sure, Democrats aren't the only ones wringing their hands.Republican strategists told ABC News that a three-way race with a Democrat and an independent with a Democratic background would normally be a boon to the GOP candidate. But failed 2022 candidate Kari Lake is looming in the wings and is coming off a narrow loss to Democrat Katie Hobbs, which many observers attributed to her embrace of baseless claims of 2020 election fraud.A source familiar with Lake's thinking told ABC News they're confident she'll run for the Senate, likely launching a campaign in the fall. This person also confirmed that Lake recently met with several senators, including National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines of Montana, and that with her broad name recognition and support from conservative voters, she would enter the race as the overwhelming primary favorite.GOP strategist Lorna Romero said "[T]he Sinema breakup from the Democratic Party looks good for Republicans on paper, theoretically. But I think that the big heartburn is what's going to happen out of a Republican primary, and are we just going to do the same ridiculous mistakes over and over again, and Democrats are just going to continue to win in the state,"Still, virtually every person who spoke to ABC News added the caveat that their analyses could end up being off given the unpredictable nature of a potential race with the incumbent running as the third-party candidate."We've never seen anything like that in Arizona," one Democratic strategist said. "I just think trying to predict anything right now, you might as well shake a Magic 8 Ball and see what it tells you." CONCERT PICK OF THE WEEK: Sir Richard Starkey MBE, otherwise known as Ringo Starr!! Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band are on a Western U.S. tour with shows this week in San Diego, Eugene and Bend OR, and next week playing Denver's Bellco Theatre and the Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs. Tickets and information at ringostarr.comWelp, that's it for me! From Denver I'm Sean Diller. Original reporting for the stories in today's show comes from Colorado Newsline, Colorado Sun, ABC News, Arizona Mirror, and Denver's Westword.Thank you for listening! See you next time.