Why is it Americans have to produce more identification to rent a DVD at Blockbuster than to vote?
When Colorado Republicans gather today in Colorado Springs, they’ll address that issue among 20 resolutions up for delegate approval. The list contains the usual suspects: Resolutions supporting the war and the military, the right to bear arms, and respect for the sanctity of life.
But No. 4 on that list is support for “requiring photo identification for voting and voter registration.” It’s not typical of a party platform – there was no mention of it in the 2004 GOP national platform – but it’s an idea whose time has come.
The GOP also will vote on two resolutions cracking down on illegal immigration. The resolutions spotlight the rift in the party on this issue, between George Bush Republicans and Tom Tancredo Republicans. In 2004, the national GOP platform called for a temporary worker program that would be open to some current illegal immigrants. There’s no mention of that in the state’s resolutions.
Impeach Bush?
Activists in Colorado’s Democratic Party apparently don’t think much of President Bush.Through county assemblies and a state platform committee, the party has outlined its “Top 9 Immediate Priorities.” No. 1 says Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney have “abused their power and appear to have repeatedly violated the Constitution. They should be investigated, censured or if appropriate, impeached.”
The No. 2 priority is ending the war in Iraq, which has made us “less secure [and] severely damaged our economy.”
Just how much Democrats should go after Bush this election season is up for debate within the party. It’s clear what the party activists think. (They typically represent the far left wing, and came up with these resolutions.) However, others think Bush has done himself in, and Democrats should instead worry about giving voters a reason to vote for them – besides the fact they’re not Republicans.
Ritter: His story
With a bitter primary fight brewing on the GOP side of the governor’s race, Bob Beauprez and Marc Holtzman are having little trouble getting their name before voters.
But what about Bill Ritter, the Democrats’ lone candidate?
His campaign is countering with a six-minute video of Ritter, mostly driving in his truck and telling his life’s story. It’s a compelling piece that will debut at today’s assembly. Eventually, pieces of it will be made into TV spots.
Cooking the books
Holtzman earlier this month said the backers of Referendum C “cooked the books” last year, since the state has collected $4.2 billion under the measure – $1.1 billion more than forecast during last fall’s campaign.
But, if you remember the campaign, that $4.2 billion is still nearly $1 billion less than what Holtzman said it would bring in. He was calling it a $5 billion tax increase.
Albright on Condi
Former Secretary of State and former Denverite Madeleine Albright was in town this week, plugging her new book, “The Mighty and the Almighty: Reflections on America, God, and World Affairs.”
While she mostly pans the Bush administration, she believes Condoleezza Rice is “trying hard for diplomacy” rather than confrontation, and is “doing a pretty good job.”
Albright, the first female secretary of state, has a connection with the second female to hold the job. Her father, the late Dean of International Studies Josef Korbel, was a mentor to Rice while she was at the University of Denver. Korbel was a refugee from communism whose influence steered Rice from studies in music.
Live from the Springs
Curious as to what’s happening at today’s state GOP assembly? Visit denverpostbloghouse.com/haley for live updates throughout the morning and afternoon.
Dan Haley (dhaley@denverpost.com) is a member of The Post’s editorial board.
