Capitol Coverage

Governor Bill Ritter briefed reporters at the state capitol after returning from what he says was a successful ten day economic development trip to Asia. Ritter met with business leaders from China and Japan to promote the state as a renewable energy research hub and lobby for a non-stop flight from Denver to Tokyo. Bente […]

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Creating jobs in rural Colorado, improving the state’s infrastructure and strengthening small businesses are some of the goals of the state’s new job creation committee. The ten member committee held it’s first meeting on Monday and plans to make recommendations when the legislative session begins in January. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver. [Audio clip: view full […]

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The state capitol’s 26 year old, third floor presidential portrait gallery is about to get updated. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.

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The 2008 general election may be over, but the job hunt for Colorado’s next Secretary of State is just beginning. The applicants range from a television host, an adjunct professor of Art, an Energy Executive, to several former lawmakers. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver. [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

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Incoming Speaker of the House, Democrat Terrance Carroll went to what can be unfriendly territory on Tuesday. He answered questions about the upcoming legislative session from the Colorado Civil Justice League, a group that tries to protect businesses from abusive lawsuits. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver. [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

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A lawmaker from the western slope will round out the house Democratic leadership team when Colorado’s legislative session begins in January. On Wednesday Representative Kathleen Curry from Gunnison was appointed as speaker pro tem. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver. [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

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Colorado business leaders are working with Governor Bill Ritter to secure a non-stop flight from Denver to Tokyo. Ritter is leading a 10 day trip to Asia later this month to lobby for the project and to promote Colorado as a tourist destination and renewable energy research hub. Bente Birkeland reports from the state capitol. [Audio […]

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In an historic move Colorado lawmakers selected Representative Terrence Carroll as the state’s first African American speaker of the house. That means two African American men now hold the top leadership positions in both chambers of the state legislature. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver. [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

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The day after an historic election and big Democratic gains, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter praised Senator Barack Obama and talked about the challenges facing the state with the failure of several ballot questions. Ritter says he’s disappointed that amendment 58 was defeated despite the months he spent campaigning for its passage. Bente Birkeland reports from […]

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It was a big night for Democrats nationwide and in Colorado. In the state’s closely watched US Senate race, Congressman Mark Udall won handily over Republican challenger and former Congressman Bob Schaffer. KUNC’s Kirk Siegler was at the state democratic watch party in Denver. [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

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