At Face The State we're big fans of databases, government primary documents and open records. One of the best sources for information on political contributions and campaign finance is OpenSecrets.org, the nonpartisan online guide that tracks money’s influence on U.S. elections and public policy. Recently, the site launched a Facebook application that allows users to view top donors and donations to their U.S. Senators and Representatives, targeted by zip code.
COLORADO'S FRONTPAGE
Face the State
Content Index: Ed Perlmutter
Follow this topic by RSSDeGette will host only one 'town hall' meeting - by phone
A Face the State Staff Report
August 4, 2009Members of Congress leave Washington, D.C. for their home districts this week to begin a month long "work session" recess. With a health care reform package looming on the horizon, many U.S. Senators and Representatives are using the time in-district to meet with constituents and promote their position on the bill. A survey of Colorado's congressional delegation shows a wide variation in plans for the break, with one Representative planning seven in-person meetings with voters while another will hold only one "telephone town hall" this week.
FTS Humor: Perlmutterings
Face The State Humor
July 24, 2009By Andrew Ripemoff
Even as someone who didn’t vote for Bill Ritter, I have to admit that my heart was filled with regional pride upon seeing the governor of my state invited to our nation’s capitol, to the United States Senate, on national TV and everything, afforded the opportunity to suck up to that annoying Barbara Boxer.
Mr. Ritter was there to share his economic expertise with our nation’s lawmakers. And why not? Let’s be fair: If you really want a serious, bi-partisan roadmap towards creating jobs and improving the economy while solving a budget crisis, you will take note of what Governor Ritter is doing here in Colorado.
OpenSecrets launches Facebook application
June 22, 2009Medved, Perlmutter want answers on Chrysler dealership closures
FTS visits with reporter Jeff Francis of Mile High Newspapers about the recent closure of a Wheat Ridge Chrysler dealership; the termination has U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter, a Democrat, calling for more congressional scrutiny of the beleaguered automaker.
Play audio - 3:08 minutes
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Former Denver radio host considers run for 7th CD
A Face the State Staff Report
June 10, 20092010 may be the year of the political newcomer. Little-known Republican challengers lack name ID, but many are pushing forward with campaigns armed with a heavy dose of ambition. The GOP slate for next year's general election is filling with new faces including U.S. Senate candidate Cleve Tidwell, gubernatorial hopeful Dan Maes and 7th congressional candidate Brian Campbell. The latter may may now be joined by former radio host turned humanitarian activist Jimmy Lakey, who is being "drafted" for a challenge against Democrat Congressman Ed Perlmutter.
Segment 5 - Congressional staff bonuses
FTS staff writer Rachel Boxer analyzes congressional staff payroll data that shows Colorado's federal delegation doling out over $225,000 in bonuses at the close of 2008.
Play audio - 5:54 minutes
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FTS on 600 KCOL: Can online journalism be profitable?
FTS managing editor Brad Jones visits with 600 KCOL morning hosts Keith and Gail to preview this weekend's FTS Weekend Edition and talk politics. Up for discussion: Can the former Rocky Mountain News reporters behind InDenverTimes salvage their plans after splitting ways with investors? And are Congressional staff bonuses necessary, or excessive?
Play audio - 11:26 minutes
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FTS Weekend Edition preview on 1310 KFKA
FTS managing editor Brad Jones visits with George Gray and Trevor Carey, hosts of 1310 KFKA's "AM Colorado." Are Congressional bonuses appropriate in a weak economy? And should the state penalize school districts that choose to "re-Bruce" and bring themselves back under the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights?
Play audio - 9:06 minutes
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Colorado Reps dole out $225,000 for 2008 staff bonuses
A Face the State Staff Report
April 23, 2009
Four members of Colorado's federal delegation paid their staffers year-end bonuses amounting to a collective taxpayer tab of over $225,000. Data for a fifth Representative is still unavailable.
Earmarks focus heavily on transportation
A Face the State Staff Report
April 16, 2009Members of Colorado's Congressional delegation have released their requests for federal appropriations funding, commonly called earmarks. Of Colorado's seven representatives, six, excluding Rep. Mike Coffman, an Aurora Republican, requested earmarks totaling over $1 billion, half of which were transportation requests for the Regional Transportation District and the Colorado Department of Transportation.
As Rocky closes, Tea Party embraces new media
A Face the State Staff Report
March 2, 2009
Just hours after the announcement that the Rocky Mountain News would print its final edition today, conservatives and free-market advocates gathered for a "Tea Party" rally where a call for new media activism came through loud and clear.
Segment 2 - Who will replace Ken Salazar?
Political consultant Reed Galen helps analyze the political fallout from U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar's appointment as Secretary of the Interior, including potential candidates for his replacement.
Play audio - 8:31 minutes
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Mike May: Romanoff for U.S. Senate
December 21, 2008
During a media availability Friday, House Minority Leader Mike May, R-Parker, answered questions about everything from the ethics investigation that delayed his resignation to the state's projected $604 million budget shortfall, and even offered his recommendation for U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar's replacement.
FTS on the Air: Some scenarios for the Democrat power shuffle, on 600 KCOL
FTS managing editor Brad Jones visits with 600 KCOL morning team Keith and Gail to preview the next FTS Weekend Edition and walk through some possible scenarios for appointments to Colorado Secretary of State and U.S. Senate.
Play audio - 7:29 minutes
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FTS Humor: Our Public Lands Have a New SalaCzar
Face The State Humor
December 18, 2008By Andrew Ripemoff
Just sitting here, staring outside at six-degree weather, wishing that some of that Al Gore global warming hysteria would actually come true...
A pocket full of newly minted change
FTS Opinion
November 14, 2008
By Krista Kafer
Nearly five decades after John F. Kennedy inspired Americans to ask what they could do for their country, the new national sentiment seems to be, “Ask what your country can do for you.”
Slideshow: It's official, it's an Obama-nation
A Face the State Staff Report
November 5, 2008
Democrats and their supporters gathered last night at Denver's downtown Sheraton Hotel to celebrate the turning of Colorado from a purple state into solid blue.
Amendment 54 ad
September 23, 2008In response to alleged backroom political deals between the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and union bosses, Amendment 54 is launching a strongly worded ad that calls the collaboration an “unholy alliance.”
Energy activists crash Democrat energy press conference
A Face the State Staff Report
August 27, 2008
On her home turf to introduce Speaker of the U.S. House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Denver, got a bit of a surprise at a press conference Tuesday afternoon.
Jeffco money watch: Union-backed Hudak faces pro-business Szabo
A Face the State Staff Report
July 9, 2008In Jefferson County's closely contested Senate District 19, Democrat Evie Hudak has started raking in union cash, while Republican Libby Szabo has seen her large-donor support come mostly from pro-business organizations and the state's energy providers.