Denver Republican Party Newsletter - July 19, 2024 Edition

Bob Lane, Republican Candidate for State House District 26

Bob Lane, a proud Colorado native from Pueblo, sees his candidacy for state office as a commitment to serving his community. His decision to run is not a career move but a genuine endeavor to serve his community, a stark contrast to his Democratic opponent, a professional politician and social activist. 

Bob's platform is centered on eliminating the 4.4% Colorado State Income tax and revoking Colorado's sanctuary status for illegal immigrants. He argues that a state government capable of legislating on issues like shopping bags, financially supporting illegal immigrants, dictating car choices, attempting to repeal the Second Amendment, and opposing TABOR refunds is excessively funded. Bob believes it's time for substantial budget cuts to wasteful state spending. He highlights Colorado's ongoing failures in essential tasks like road maintenance and basic law enforcement, arguing for a government prioritizing core services over unnecessary spending.

Bob is a small business owner who counsels other small business owners and individuals as a financial advisor, drawing on his previous experience as a commercial lender and stockbroker. He holds an MBA from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, and a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from Colorado State University, Pueblo.

Republican National Convention Wraps Up In Milwaukee

President Donald Trump delivered a landmark speech to close the RNC convention in Milwaukee this week, potentially solidifying his standing in the 2024 election. He focused on issues like inflation and immigration, which resonated with many Americans. The speech aimed to unify rather than divide, emphasizing themes of the American Dream and support for marginalized groups. This approach marked a significant shift, as he spoke inclusively to all Americans, aspiring to address concerns of all voters.

Trump Picks JD Vance for VP

President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, a Yale Law School graduate, former Marine, and author of the bestseller "Hillbilly Elegy" will be his running mate. Despite being a freshman senator, Vance's extensive experience in technology and finance will strengthen the Republican ticket. Vance's working-class background appeals to voters in the Rust Belt states, while his opposition to the country funding endless wars appeals to fiscal conservatives.

President Polis?

When Governor Jared Polis declared a disaster in Colorado due to the bird flu surge, it sparked public concern and political debate. While the move aims to curb the spread of the virus, the Governor's Republican opponent from 2022, Heidi Ganahl, argues it may serve as a calculated strategy to boost Polis's national political profile as he eyes a potential presidential run. Polis's emergency declaration, close to the election, raises questions about its timing and necessity, suggesting it might be more about political maneuvering than genuine public health needs. Governor Polis also recently received international attention for his meeting with the President of Ukraine during which he offered his full support for the war.

Denver Proposes Raising Sales Tax for 'Affordable Housing'

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has proposed raising the city's sales tax to over 9% to generate $100 million annually for 'affordable housing'. The increase would add 0.5%, or 5 cents, on a $10 purchase, excluding essentials like food and medical supplies. This measure aims to address Denver's growing homeless problem and will need approval from the City Council and voters in November. This tax hike will further burden small businesses struggling with high operational costs, potentially leading to reduced sales and more closures.

Mayor Accused of Lowering Standards for Police

Denver's Mayor, Mike Johnston, is accused of pressuring the Civil Service Commission to lower hiring standards for police and firefighters. Last week, former executive director Niecy Murray, who was fired, leveled these claims, prompting the Denver City Council to investigate the allegations. Earlier in the year, the city was forced to cut the Denver police budget to pay for expenses associated with illegal immigration.

Immigration Related Surge In Crime

Two Denver City Councilmembers linked the recent surge in illegal immigration to rising crime rates in specific neighborhoods. They shared evidence of increased criminal activity in identified "hot spots" during a committee hearing. Both officials expressed concerns about the lack of specific measures in the city's $17 million immigration-related contracts to prevent and address these crimes.

Denver Democrat Deletes X Account After National Outrage

Colorado Democrat State Representative Steven Woodrow, who represents Denver, deleted his X (Twitter) account after facing backlash for a controversial post about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. In his now-deleted post, which was viewed millions of times, Woodrow stated, "The last thing we needed was sympathy for the devil but here we are," which drew widespread criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. This controversy arises as Woodrow faces re-election in November against Republican nominee Michael DiManna.

Citizen Initiative 89 on the Ballot in November 2024

Citizen Initiative 89 aims to make unrestricted abortion constitutionally protected in Colorado. Here's what you need to know:

What Initiative 89 States:

• "The right to abortion is hereby recognized. Government shall not deny, impede, or discriminate against the exercise of that right, including prohibiting health insurance coverage for abortion."

Key Implications if Passed:

1. Unlimited Abortion Access
2. State Funding for Abortions
3. Lack of Health and Safety Regulations

Extreme Measures Beyond Roe v. Wade:

• Unlike Roe v. Wade, which allowed for restrictions past fetal viability (around 22 weeks), Initiative 89 proposes no restrictions, even in late pregnancy stages when fetuses can feel pain.

Future Regulatory Challenges:

• If passed, any future attempts to establish health and safety standards for abortion facilities will face significant obstacles, as these will be viewed as impediments to unrestricted abortion rights enshrined in the state constitution.

Your Vote Matters:

• Initiative 89 represents a significant shift in Colorado's approach to abortion, and it is crucial to be informed about its far-reaching implications.

Stay engaged and make your voice heard this November.

For more information on Citizen Initiative 89 and its impact, visit Colorado Politics.

Please check our calendar page for all events.

Cocktails - Monthly Social

When: Thursday, July 27, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Where: Blue Bonnet Restaurant, 457 S. Broadway, Denver, CO 80209

District 5 - Monthly Meeting

When: Thursday, August 1, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Where: My Brother's Bar, 2376 15th St, Denver, CO 80202

There is two hour free parking at the REI next door. 

Happy hour at 6:30 pm and the regular meeting will start at 7:00 pm.

First Friday Breakfast

When: Friday, August 2, 8:00 am – 9:30 am

Where: Morning Story Restaurant, 560 S Holly Street, Denver, CO 80246

District 6 - Monthly Meeting

When: Monday, August 12, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Where: Christ the King Parish Hall, 830 Elm St, Denver, CO 80220

District 4 - Meet and Greet + Monthly Meeting

When: Monday, August 12, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm (Meeting starts at 6:00 pm)

Where: McCoys Restaurant, 4855 Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80221

District 1 - Monthly Meeting

When: Tuesday, August 13, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Where: Lakewood Vineyard Church, 6800 W Hampden Ave, Lakewood, CO 80227

District 3 & 9 - Monthly Meeting

When: Monday, August 19, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Where: 2nd Floor Conference Room, Tower 1660, 1660 S. Albion Street, Denver, CO 80222 

District 2 - Monthly Meeting

When: Tuesday, August 20, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Where: St. John's Lutheran Church 700 S Franklin St, Denver, CO 80209

District 7 & 8 - Monthly Meeting

When: Wednesday, August 21, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Where: Via Zoom. Contact Carolyn Barnes at 1vc@denvergop.org for information.

We Need Republicans To Get Involved!

We need your help to spread the truth and make a difference. Without your support, we can’t fight the lies and corruption of the other side. You can join our cause by becoming a monthly donor or making a single donation. Every dollar counts and every voice matters. Don’t let them silence us. Let’s stand together and make our voices heard.

Contact Us

Website - https://www.denvergop.org

Contact Us - Denver County Republicans

Roger Rowland - Chairman

Carolyn Barnes - 1st Vice Chair

Diane Wolta - 2nd Vice Chair

Michael DiManna - 3rd Vice Chair

Kathy Elliott - Secretary

Joan French - Training Director

Jimmy Smrz - Newsletter Editor

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This publication is a periodic newsletter produced by the Denver County Republican Party. It includes announcements of events for independent groups and initiatives not necessarily affiliated with the Republican Party as a whole or the county party. Inclusion is for information only and does not imply an endorsement.