Podcast appearances and mentions of Walker Stapleton

The Craig Silverman Show is back in action! Craig's Lawyers' Lounge is back and so is the guest scheduled for that aborted third hour on November 16, 2019. Scott Robinson has been a renowned Colorado lawyer for more than four decades. He has been the legal analyst at 9 News for 25 years.  Normally, Scott keeps his politics to himself, but not on this Independence Day. Scott Robinson roasts President Trump! Listen to his reasons why.  And speaking of good listening, The Craig Silverman Show podcast has a Troubadour. His name is David Gunders and he has worked as a popular musician for many decades. Dave has a song for every occasion. This show airs his classic, Fourth of July.  Here is what I predict. Trump is toxic in Colorado. Cory Gardner is finished and so is any Republican running for office in metro Denver. After the Republican rout, conservatives will turn to politicians who stuck their neck out and opposed Trump. No one on the GOP side in Colorado has done that more than former Republican State Rep. Victor Mitchell who came in second to Walker Stapleton in the 208 GOP primary.  Vic Mitchell is back and let me give you a hint, he has not grown fonder of Donald J. Trump.  Vic and I also discuss Hamilton which was a game changing event for me.  A work of genius, we celebrate on The Craig Silverman Show the Disney plus release of this remarkable play.  Remember when I went to broadcast from the White House on 7/27/17?  I do. That is when my son Sam and I drove from DC up to NYC to see the show and Hamilton's grave, and then came back to D.C. through Philly.  Please join us.

In this episode, our latest survey of Colorado voters on TABOR and Proposition CC, where things stand right now and what it means for this year and beyond. Segment 1: Proposition CC? Let’s start by discussing Proposition CC, before getting into TABOR more generally. As a reminder, here is the text of Proposition CC. The Colorado Sun had a helpful breakdown of the arguments in support of CC back in April, and here is a breakdown of arguments against CC from Mike Krause at Complete Colorado. Right now, support for Prop CC is at 54%, driven by solid support among Democrats (72%) and Unaffiliated voters (60%). Republican voters not surprisingly are far less enthusiastic at 32%. What does it mean over the next few months as each side makes their case? Segment 2: Key Takeaways on TABOR? We first asked respondents how familiar they are with the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, also known as the TABOR Amendment in Colorado’s constitution. 59% are at least somewhat familiar, though only 20% are very familiar. Another 22% are not too familiar with TABOR, and 16% are not familiar at all. Among those who are very, somewhat or not too familiar, 46% have a favorable impression of TABOR while 36% have an unfavorable opinion and 18% don’t have an opinion. This question splits dramatically across party lines as 60% of Republicans have a favorable impression while only 32% of Democrats have a favorable impression. A near majority of Unaffiliated voters, 47%, also have a favorable impression. What jumps out in the data here? We also asked about the two main components of TABOR, and found that requiring voter approval for tax increases is a significantly more popular aspect than requiring the state to refund excess revenue to taxpayers. In fact, 47% would support a statewide “de-Brucing” ballot measure even without providing respondents a specific reason or purpose, while 39% would oppose it and 13% are undecided. Still, voters have little appetite for a full repeal of TABOR. When asked about a hypothetical measure to repeal TABOR on the 2020 ballot, only 36% would support repeal, 48% would oppose it and 16% are undecided. In general, where does the TABOR debate go from here? Segment 3: Petition Gathering in Colorado A quick topic for our Colorado listeners: Last week a judge ruled that Kennedy Enterprises must return the $235,000 they were paid by Walker Stapleton’s campaign during last year’s Republican Primary. It’s just another news story that highlights the potential pitfalls involved for candidates seeking to gain ballot access through the petition process. Doug Robinson, one of Stapleton’s opponents in the primary, follows up with an op-ed in the Colorado Sun calling for reform that removes the profit motive from signature gathering. What’s the right solution here? Segment 4: Governor Hickenlooper and the U.S. Senate Race Last, a mix of national (for now) and local politics…On the heels of a new survey purporting to show a substantial lead for former Gov. Hickenlooper were he to jump into the Democratic Primary for U.S. Senate, what is his next move, and just how much would he shake up the race to unseat Senator Gardner? Segment 5: Wrap Up We’ll continue watching the Democratic Presidential race, and will be back with another podcast in two weeks. Thanks for listening, please subscribe and give us a good rating!  

Steffan with sound from Wings Over the Rockies as Glenn Klassa (with 27 years in the military) of the Joint Strike Force makes remarks about the F-35 Lightning II. Then, a replay of the Walker Stapleton interview from hour one. Finally, on the “Friday Homestretch Film Review®” we play clips from and review the 2009 buddy comedy ‘The Hangover’. Have a good weekend, everybody!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smarter Politics is officially back for Season 2! In this episode, we discuss the extraordinary 2018 election in Colorado, and what it means moving forward to 2019 and 2020. We are glad you are back with us! Re-Introduction What have we been doing? Where has Magellan been? Why was the 2018 General Election Extraordinary? It was extraordinary because never has one political party, been so overwhelmingly rejected at every level of government by the voting electorate. Both Democratic and unaffiliated voters, participated at a level that has never happened before. For the first time ever in a Colorado mid-term election, unaffiliated voter turnout (918,091) and Democratic voter turnout (847,338) was higher than Republican turnout (810,143), and by a significant margin. By percentage of total vote, unaffiliated made up 35%, Democrats made up 33% and Republicans made up 32% of the total vote. As a comparison, in the 2014 mid-term election, Republican voter turnout was 774,923, Democratic voter turnout was 664,532 and unaffiliated voter turnout was 634,296. Comparing the 2018 midterm election to the 2014 midterm election, 502,209 more votes were cast in 2018 verses 2014. Of those 502,209 votes, 57% were registered as unaffiliated, 36% were Democratic and ONLY 7% were Republican. 2018 Voter Turnout Observations Republicans DID turn out to vote with a 3% increase from 2014. 2014=68% 2018=71% Voter enthusiasm was overwhelming among Democratic and unaffiliated voters. Among registered Democratic voters in 2018, 71% turned out to vote compared to just 59% in 2014, a 12-point increase. Unaffiliated voters increased their percentage of voter turnout by 14-points, from 46% in 2014 to 60% in 2018. From January 1 of 2018 to Election Day, 206,289 voters registered in Colorado. Of those that registered, 53% registered as unaffiliated, 27% registered as Democrat and 18% registered as Republican. A net gain of 18,474 Democratic voters to Republican voters. Of the 206,289 voters that registered 60% were 18-34 years old. Post-Election Survey of Unaffiliated Voters The Democrat Party has a net positive image rating among unaffiliated voters. 45% Favorable, 31% Unfavorable The Republican Party has a net negative image rating. 25% Favorable, 53% Unfavorable Donald Trump had a negative impact on all Republican candidates in Colorado, with 34% of unaffiliated voters saying they were less likely to vote for a Republican candidate because of his influence. President Trump’s job approval among unaffiliated voters was/is toxic. 31% Approve, 62% Disapprove (48% Strongly Disapprove) 2018 Governor Race Governor Polis – 53% (1,348,888) vs. Walker Stapleton - 43% (1,080,801) What happened? Why did Colorado Lose the State Senate? District 16 – Senator Neville (Tammy Story) Story - 56%, Neville - 41%, Gilman - 3% (Difference 12,249 votes) State Senate District 16 went from a R+5 district in the 2014 midterm to a D+2 district in 2018. However, unaffiliated turnout increased by 5% going from 33% in 2014 to 38% in 2018. 2014= Dem 31%, Rep 36%, Unaf 33% 2018= Dem 32%, Rep 30%, Unaf 38% (D+1, R-6, U+5) District 20 – Christine Jensen/Jessie Danielson Danielson - 54%, Jensen - 42%, Messick - 4% (Difference 10,872 votes) State Senate District 20 went from a R+4 district in the 2014 midterm to a D+3 district in 2018. Unaffiliated turnout increased by 7% going from 32% in 2014 to 39% in 2018. Those 7 points came directly from Republicans, with Republicans decreasing by 7%. 2014= Dem 32%, Rep 36%, Unaf 32% 2018= Dem 32%, Rep 29%, Unaf 39% (D0, R-7, U+7) District 22 – Tony Sanchez/Brittany Pettersen Pettersen - 58%, Sanchez - 42% (Difference 11,993 votes) State Senate District 22 went from a R+2 district in the 2014 midterm to a D+5 district in 2018. Just like in SD16, unaffiliated turnout increased by 5% going from 32% in 2014 to 37% in 2018. 2014= Dem 33%, Rep 35%, Unaf 32% 2018= Dem 34%, Rep 29%, Unaf 37% (D+1, R-6, U+5) District 24 – Senator Beth Martinez Humenik/Faith Winter Winter - 52%, Martinez Humenik - 40%, Matkowsky - 5%, Osborn – 3% (Difference 8,510 votes) State Senate District 24 went from being an even district in the 2014 midterm to a D+6 district in 2018. Unaffiliated turnout increased by 4% going from 34% in 2014 to 38% in 2018. 2014= Dem 33%, Rep 33%, Unaf 34% 2018= Dem 34%, Rep 28%, Unaf 38% (D+1, R-5, U+4) Looking Ahead to the 2019 General Election and Beyond Will turnout in an odd-year election have an increase in Democratic and unaffiliated voters? There will most likely be something on the ballot that intends to weaken TABOR in 2019, knowing the turnout demographics and the results of 2018, what do you think will happen with TABOR? Leading into next week, with the democrats having full control, was there an overreach in legislation from the state legislature this year?  

Steffan talks with Walker Stapleton on the DPS teacher’s strike. Then, Peter Boyles reacts to the latest developments with Denver Opium Dens.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steffan highlights the 5 o’clock interview with former GOP gubernatorial candidate Walker Stapleton. Some update on the Jack Philips Masterpiece Cake case, with a listener calling in trying to assist in Jack’s defense. The Trump White House announces a plan to prohibit bump stocks. A caller provides his reaction. Plus some talk about Gen. Michael Flynn with a listener.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steffan has former GOP gubernatorial candidate Walker Stapleton in-studio to take your phone calls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public defenders are filing requests to judges to immediately release mentally ill people in jail. Then, Walker Stapleton remembers his 'Uncle George.' Next, how schools engage refugee parents. Also, how one kid reversed a snowball ban. Then, can you throw dog poop in a neighbor's trash? Next, Denver street questions, answered. Finally, some Hanukkah music.

Randy's written prepared statement on what Walker Stapleton should have said in order to gain support from the Republican base and beyond. Would this have been what people wanted to hear? Could this have helped his chances at defeated Jared Polis? What do you, the listener, think?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Randy discusses the Colorado Election results and what it means for Colorado's future, thoughts on Jared Polis' victory, his personal life, the media's sudden interest in his sexual orientation, and Randy reads a statement that Walker Stapleton should have mirrored before the election to better capture the Party's ideals. Also, listener's call in and react!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of the Rocky Mountain Review, JD and Emily are looking into Colorado’s elections. With interviews from supporters of Jared Polis, and Walker Stapleton, coverage from the voting floor, and a breakdown of all the amendments on this years ballet. The Review also featured a music review from Mia Sawaya, of Coco O’s latest […] The post Rocky Mountain Review November 6, 2018 appeared first on KCSU FM.

1. This election campaign is almost over, thank goodness! 2. Guest: Walker Stapleton, Republican candidate for Colorado governor. 3. Guest: Wayne Williams, Colorado Secretary of State. 4. Mandy answers questions about tomorrow's election. 5. Turkey Shoot Interview in studio.

Another round of the 'War of the Worlds' broadcast from 1938, State Rep. Joe Salazar's racial Tweet targeting Walker Stapleton grabs our attention.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steffan speaks to GOP gubernatorial candidate Walker Stapleton on a host of issues: the package bombing suspect, the closing stretch of the CO governor’s race, healthcare, infrastructure, and more. Live sound from President Trump’s rally in N.C.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mandy interviews the Republican candidate for Governor of Colorado, Walker Stapleton.

Vice President Mike Pence and Arnold Schwarzenegger visiting Colorado, Walker Stapleton and Jared Polis finishing debate season, transportation ballot issues and Lisa Calderon’s run for Mayor of Denver are topics of discussion.

1. Mandy fields questions for Walker Stapleton's appearance next hour. 2. Guest: Walker Stapleton, Republican candidate for Colorado governor. 3. Everyone is buying mega million tickets.

In perhaps his last “job interview” before the election, Walker Stapleton, the Republican candidate for Colorado governor, talks about sports gambling taxes as a way to fix our transportation troubles, education taxes, tariffs and whether or not he’s the candidate would do for Colorado what President Donald Trump is doing for the country.

Jimmy spends most of the hour with an interview he had with Lang Sias. Mr. Sias is part of the Colorado House of Representatives and talks about Walker Stapleton and his vision for Colorado. To finish the hour Jimmy plays audio about the Left acting more and more like a mob. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jimmy spends most of the hour with an interview he had with Lang Sias. Mr. Sias is part of the Colorado House of Representatives and talks about Walker Stapleton and his vision for Colorado. To finish the hour Jimmy plays audio about the Left acting more and more like a mob. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steffan speaks to Colorado GOP gubernatorial candidate Walker Stapleton. Topics cover his economic policy for the state, attacks on his PERA oversight authority, healthcare, the radical nature of Rep. Jared Polis, and more. Listener calls provide reaction to the interview.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Randy welcomes guest Walker Stapleton, who is the Current Colorado State Treasurer and 2018 Republican Gubernatorial Candidate! This hour features listener calls, Walker Stapleton gives reasons why You should Vote for Him, Personal Freedom, Jared Polis voting history, what to expect with the upcoming Elections, and more! Please visit https://stapletonforcolorado.com for more information! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump’s endorsement of Walker Stapleton, the Governor’s Debate, the Congressional District 6 debate, Jovan Melton’s domestic violence arrest and missing blue books are topics of discussion.

The Republican candidate for governor sits down with Colorado Matters to discuss his plans for transportation, his love of jazz and why he joked about sleeping through the PERA vote. Then, in part one of the fourth episode of Purplish, why southern Colorado feels forgotten next to the Front Range. Also, why whiskey has become so popular.

As accusations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh emerge, so do old misconceptions about sexual assault. Then, Ken Burns shares his favorite chapter of American history and what he thinks of the state of the nation today. Next, the third episode of Purplish explores Walker Stapleton's family name. Also, inside a secret festival in Crested Butte.

A name can be a tricky thing for a politician. For Walker Stapleton, the Republican nominee for governor, his name does double duty, tying him to both a controversial Denver mayor and the Bush dynasty. Stapleton trumpeted both those ties at the beginning of his political career. Today, he’s running more as his own man. CPR’s Ann Marie Awad dives into both the legacies embodied in Walker Stapleton’s name--and examines whether either might matter on Election Day.

Congressman Jared Polis has spent an unprecedented amount money on his campaign for governor. By the latest count, he’s donated $18.3 million of his own money. That’s more than the total candidate spending in the 2014 gubernatorial race. The Democratic nominee says self-financing buys him political independence. Unlike his opponent, he refuses donations from corporations and special interests, which he argues frees him to push bold proposals. Meanwhile, Republican nominee Walker Stapleton accuses Polis of trying to buy the election. These opposing talking points raise bigger questions. What does it mean for democracy when someone is ready, and able, to spend whatever it takes on a campaign? How does that change the dynamics of a race? And where does it leave voters? This episode looks back at the origin of the candidate’s fortune and how it’s long been a potent force in Colorado politics. And we’ll explore why he’s likely to be far from the last wealthy candidate in the state or the country.

Oxycontin lawsuit, the ballot issues that will affect the general election, construction along I-70, Walker Stapleton’s comments and the “Give A Flake” campaign launched by the Aspen Skiing Company are topics of discussion.

Jan Cook, Karen Kataline, Joy Overbeck & Hugh McNulty guest-hosting Backbone Radio on Labor Day Weekend. Cook talks about the Brandon Straka national #WalkAwayCampaign, people sharing their stories of why they walked away from the Democratic party. There is a #WalkAway March on D.C. from October 26-28. Overbeck amplifies the discussion about Walker Stapleton. Father Hugh shares how a GoFundMe for General Michael Flynn has been established, and encourages listeners to support General Flynn, and he talks about the latest Jack Phillips Masterpiece Cake Shop dust-up with the Colorado Civil Rights Commission. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Tancredo discusses the Channel 4 story on Walker Stapleton that characterizes Tancredo as a racist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steffan takes CBS 4 to task for their reporting on Walker Stapleton’s family and the KKK, with listener calls. Then, young Owen Hallinan, the 10-year-old conservative who recited the Pledge with us a few weeks ago comes back in-studio to talk with Steffan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steffan talks to CO Gov. candidate Walker Stapleton on the final stretch of the race against Polis, the immigration policy he’ll implement if elected, and whether he’d accept a President Trump stump speech. Then, Ted Harvey from the Cmte to Defend the President discusses the war on the President by the left/NeverTrump coalition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taking your calls on Walker Stapleton being attacked for his great grandfather's association with the KKK and the kneeling in the NFL begins again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steffan speaks with Joey Bunch from Colorado Politics about the NYT hit-piece on Walker Stapleton, the upcoming Polis-Stapleton match-up, President Trump stumping for Walker, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steffan continues the discussion on the NYT article attacking Walker Stapleton for his ancestry. FRC’s Travis Weber discusses the State Dept. and the pro-religious freedom events it held this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Walker Stapleton's connection to his grandfather, a lawsuit involving a signature gathering company, $12 billion dollars in aid for American farmers, the race for the Sixth Congressional District and the opening of the VA Hospital are topics of discussion.

Colorado gubernatorial candidate Walker Stapleton and his Lt. Gov. candidate Lang Sias speaks with Steffan on the road to November.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steffan talks with Colorado GOP gubernatorial candidate Walker Stapleton and his Lt. Gov. candidate Lang Sias. Then, a text from an estranged friend tries to instill ‘shame and guilt’ into Steffan. He responds on-air.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican candidate for governor Walker Stapleton shared his thoughts on his first 100 days, his relationship to Trump and on his opponent Jared Polis. Then, in the latest addition to our Breaking Bread series, a liberal denverite meets with a military family matriarch to work through their disagreements. Next, the best tips for your Colorado garden.

Episode 10: The Colorado Primary is over and voters have spoken. Host Ryan Warner speaks to the major party winners before the campaign kicks off in earnest. Our theme music is “Driven To Success” by Scott Holmes, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.

Steffan talks to GOP gubernatorial candidate Walker Stapleton. Matt Dunn fills-in for the rest of the show as Steffan attends the encore presentation of ’25 Steps’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colorado Matters talk to Rep. Jared Polis moments after his primary victory speech. Republican and Democratic political analysts break down what to expect during the general governor’s race and what Polis and Walker Stapleton need to do to win. Next, we see how the first primary open to unaffiliated voters went and how they cast their ballots.

1. Justice Kennedy announces his retirement from the Supreme Court. 2. Guest: Walker Stapleton, Republican candidate for governor of Colorado. 3. Mandy discusses the Supreme Court decision on union dues for government employees.

Randy wraps up the show with guests: Colorado Candidate for Governor Walker Stapleton, Former Deputy Assistant to the President and Author Dr. Sebastian Gorka, and Colorado Treasurer Candidate Justin Everett! Stay informed! Walker Stapleton: www.stapletonforcolorado.com (join him Tuesday Night @ DoubleTree on Orchard and I-25 at 7pm) Sebastian Gorka: New Book "Why We Fight: Recovering America's Will to Win" available for Pre-Order now! Justin Everett: www.everettforcolorado.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A week from the primaries, we showcase our interviews with the Republican candidates for governor. Listen to the full interviews with Greg Lopez, Victor Mitchell, Doug Robinson and Walker Stapleton at www.cpr.org/news/colorado-governor-candidates-2018. Also check out the CPR podcast “Who’s Gonna Govern?” www.npr.org/podcasts/616863526/who-s-gonna-govern.

Episode 7: State Treasurer Walker Stapleton came to Colorado 15 years ago. He worked with high-tech startups and led a real-estate investment company before public office. Our theme music is “Driven To Success” by Scott Holmes, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.

1. The NFL has changed their rules to fine teams whose members don't stand for the national anthem. 2. Guest: Walker Stapleton - Republican gubernatorial primary candidate. 3. Millennials are changing the work force.

State Treasurer Walker Stapleton says PERA is “robbing Peter to pay Paul” with education spending, and believes infrastructure is “the single greatest problem Colorado faces.” Next, CDOT has a new director and $645 million as it faces the I-70 expansion and rising road fatalities. Then, CPR reporter Ben Markus looks into governor’s race campaign disclosures.

Steffan talks to state Sen. Tim Neville on his bill to prevent punishing law enforcement for assisting federal agents in immigration matters. Walker Stapleton calls-in to discuss the death of his aunt, Barbara Bush at age 92.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steffan speaks with Walker Stapleton on the GOP assembly results. Then Steffan recounts R. Lee Ermy’s passing with some sound from ‘Full Metal Jacket’, and another round of Comey Roasting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Mandy discusses the James Comey interview on ABC news. 2. Michael Cohen's clients include Sean Hannity. 3. Walker Stapleton gets on Republican ballot through the convention route after leaving the petition process. 4. Guest: David Pietrusza, Editor of the Cooledge Quarterly - The History of Tarriffs.

Randy fills-in for Steffan. Tom Tancredo stops by the studio to discuss tomorrow’s GOP assembly, Walker Stapleton, and more, with listener calls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morning Edition: Gubernatorial hopeful Walker Stapleton this hour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Randy fills-in for Steffan. Ted Harvey joins us to talk about the war on President Trump. Then, Walker Stapleton calls-in to talk about his petition problems and his campaign moving forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steffan Tubbs sits in for Peter. Gubernatorial hopeful Walker Stapleton discusses the upcoming primary and November elections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Randy fills-in for Steffan. Activist Will Riley joins us on his Stand for the Second movement. Steve Barlock joins us to discuss Walker Stapleton’s petition withdrawal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Randy fills-in for Steffan. S.O.S. Wayne Williams calls in to talk about Walker Stapleton’s petitions. Then, Rep. Ken Buck on his new documentary ‘Drain the Swamp’. With listener calls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steffan brings in-studio GOP gubernatorial candidate Walker Stapleton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George Athanasopoulos on to discuss Walker Stapleton's donors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Mike Rosen, guest host. 2. V.P. Pence walks out of NFL game after 49'ers kneel down during the national anthem. 3. Is baseball becoming too slow to watch? 4. Guest; Walker Stapleton, Colorado State Treasurer - PERA.

In this episode we discuss a grab bag of political topics, including the challenges facing the Republican Congress when they return from their August recess, Arizona Senator Jeff Flake’s criticism of President Trump, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice’s switch to the Republican Party and Walker Stapleton’s super-PAC. Segment 1: Congressional Recess • The basis for our first segment on the Congressional recess is a Wall Street Journal article (Congressional Recess, Full Plate Keep the Heat on GOP Lawmakers) from over the weekend. • The article highlights the desire of Congressional Republicans to shift their focus to tax reform over the next four weeks, but notes that as members return home and meet with constituents, they may find it difficult to move on from the contentious legislative fight over healthcare reform. • The problem for Congressional Republicans on healthcare is really twofold. For one, many voters in swing states and districts still support the ACA, and are therefore very critical of attempts to repeal it. At the same time, Republican voters are more likely to blame Congress for gridlock in Washington – including, of course, over healthcare – than they are to blame President Trump. This leaves Republican Congressmen, like Mike Coffman and Cory Gardner here in Colorado, to take the brunt of criticism from both sides. • Complicating the plans for tax reform even further is the fact that Congress is faced with the prospect of a fight over raising the federal debt limit by September 29th and keeping the government funded beyond September 30th – a process that may be made more difficult if conservatives within the Republican Party include controversial items like funding for the border wall. Segment 2: Jeff Flake’s Criticism of President Trump • Senator Jeff Flake’s new book, Conscience of a Conservative, is highly critical of President Trump, claims Republicans are “in denial” about the President and calls on them to rebuke him and return to their principles. • Excerpted here in Politico Flake says of his fellow Republicans: “It was we conservatives who rightly and robustly asserted our constitutional prerogatives as a co-equal branch of government when a Democrat was in the White House but who, despite solemn vows to do the same in the event of a Trump presidency, have maintained an unnerving silence as instability has ensued. To carry on in the spring of 2017 as if what was happening was anything approaching normalcy required a determined suspension of critical faculties. And tremendous power of denial.” • He continues: “Under our Constitution, there simply are not that many people who are in a position to do something about an executive branch in chaos. As the first branch of government (Article I), the Congress was designed expressly to assert itself at just such moments. It is what we talk about when we talk about “checks and balances.” Too often, we observe the unfolding drama along with the rest of the country, passively, all but saying, ‘Someone should do something!’ without seeming to realize that that someone is us. And so, that unnerving silence in the face of an erratic executive branch is an abdication, and those in positions of leadership bear particular responsibility.” • It’s at this point that he recalls former leaders in Congress like Senators Bob Dole, Howard Baker and Richard Lugar, men who were “vigorous partisans, yes, but even more important, principled constitutional conservatives whose primary interest was in governing and making America truly great.” • Senator Flake then proposes three steps for Republicans to take: First, we shouldn’t hesitate to speak out if the president “plays to the base” in ways that damage the Republican Party’s ability to grow and speak to a larger audience. Second, Republicans need to take the long view when it comes to issues like free trade: Populist and protectionist policies might play well in the short term, but they handicap the country in the long term. Third, Republicans need to stand up for institutions and prerogatives, like the Senate filibuster, that have served us well for more than two centuries. • Jeff Flake’s approval rating in a recent poll by Public Policy Polling was 18% approve, 62% disapprove. Segment 3: West Virginia Governor Jim Justice • In other political news from last week, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice switched parties to become a Republican, accompanied at a rally by President Trump. • Justice explained the move by saying: “Like it or not, but the Democrats walked away from me…West Virginia, I can’t help you anymore by being a Democratic governor.” • Justice, a coal mining and agriculture businessman who is the richest man in West Virginia, refused to endorse Hillary Clinton during the 2016 campaign and won election as a Democrat despite President Trump’s 42-point victory in the state. • Given his past, Justice’s switch to the GOP is unsurprising. What will be more interesting is where the West Virginia Democratic Party goes from here. The two men who ran against Justice in last year’s Democratic Primary, former U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin and former State Senate President Jeff Kessler, were both critical of the state party in the aftermath of Justice’s switch. • Goodwin wrote in a Facebook post: “This should be a huge wakeup call for the current leadership of the West Virginia Democratic Party. Character and integrity matter.” And Kessler was far more pointed in his critique, saying: “I thought Jim was a creation of the Manchin machine, and now he’s turned into Frankenstein” and adding, that Justice was a “Democrat by convenience, not conviction”, who used the party after he was “pursued and coaxed” by party leaders. Segment 4: Walker Stapleton’s Super-PAC • A big political story out of Colorado last week was the reporting on presumptive gubernatorial candidate Walker Stapleton’s “super PAC-style” group that is lining up big donors before his official announcement as a candidate. • So long as Stapleton does not announce, he can help steer donors toward the group, Better Colorado Now, whose purpose according to state filings is: “To oppose Democrat candidates for governor.” • The group is drawing comparisons to Jeb Bush’s Right to Rise super-PAC, and is being heralded as the first major super-PAC on the scene in Colorado.