While many were predicting an ugly public spectacle, the Republican vacancy committee for the vacated House District 51 seat voted on the replacement to Don Marostica’s seat in the Colorado State Legislature last night in an orderly and dignified manner.
Yes, a few came looking to disrupt the process or bend rules for their choice but the organizers didn’t allow that to happen. Especially gratifying was to see the decorum and respect all the 5 candidates showed one another. see the story
Former State House Rep. Don Marostica, now representing Governor Bill Ritter, did show at the meeting looking for a speaking role. Unlike the turmoil he and another former State House Rep. for the 51st, Tim Fritz, created when former Rep. Jim Welker chose not to run again, last night’s meeting was calm, polite and well organized.
Brian DelGrosso clearly has rallied his party behind him and will likely be a tough incumbent in 2010 for anyone to challenge.
Any comments?
It was hot as hell at that meeting, but other than that it went really well. It could have gone south had Marostica been allowed to speak. Glad the leadership at the meeting kept him at bay, now maybe he will go away.
I was especially impressed at the class that Kevan McNaught showed. He bowed out as soon as he knew his chances to stay in would hurt Tom. Sorry that Tom lost anyway, but hopefully Delgrosso will stick to his word and serve in the house the way he has promised.
Only time will tell.
There were no bad candidates at the meeting last night. All brought the proper perspective of individual liberty, personal responsibility, fundamental human rights, and the proper and limited role of government in our lives. I’m looking forward to getting to know Rep-elect DelGrosso.
Hey guys don’t get too excited. Every Rep in northern Colorado was appointed by a right wing committee that doesn’t in anyway represent me. It makes sense a guy who sells pizza gets a bunch Reps without culture excited.
By the way, Marostica never changed his registration and can still run as a Rep for State Senate. He is just dancing for money now but nobody in Ritter’s administration trusts him.
I heard a bunch of people had guns on them and it wasn’t exactly as friendly as you report.
“Ad hominem attacks, criminal accusations and just plain old name calling isn’t welcome and contributes nothing to this blog.”
And yet:
“. . . a right wing committee. . .”
Obviously ad hominem attacks are allowed so long as they support your agenda.
Lovelandpolitics.com is a joke.
One handgun-toting character was certainly a voting member of the Vacancy Committee. While he seemed committed to prominently displaying his quick-draw, thigh-strapped semi-automatic (with spare clip), he has tight-lipped when asked for an interview by one of local reporters in the room.
We believe you are referring to a deputy sheriff who attended the event along with the Larimer County Sheriff. He can be seen in the picture of the precinct members at the bottom our the story.
Larry Carillo announced at the beginning of the meeting that they were present to ensure everyone’s safety along with a Loveland Police cruiser that was in the vicinity.
Law enforcement carrying side arms is normally not considered a problem.
I am sorry I couldn’t make it. Was Don Marostica wearing a reversible coat? Red on one side and blue on the other?
Good thing nobody brought-up universal health care in that crowd. Someone would have surely been injured!
The website State Bill Colorado filmed each candidate’s speech and they are available on their website at:
http://www.statebillnews.com/?p=1863
If you are correct that the individual with the firearm was law enforcement you want to pass this fact onto your comrades at The Reporter-Herald, who would suggest he was a “bizarre” person.
Deputy Sheriff? Normally that requires the clear display of a badge. Curious that he would place himself in the middle of the room rather than in an observe, protect, react position at the periphery. A plain-clothes officer is more often expected to wear a concealed weapon rather than look like some kind of Blackwater mercenary.
“Ad hominem attacks, criminal accusations and just plain old name calling isn’t welcome and contributes nothing to this blog.”
And yet:
“. . . rather than look like some kind of Blackwater mercenary.”
Obviously a double-standard is at work here.
I agree – this blog is a big joke.