TV, February: Retreat or stand in Iraq?

The “Head On” debate between former state Sen. John Andrews (R) and former Denver councilwoman Susan Barnes-Gelt (D), seen daily on Colorado Public Television since 1997, began its February series this week. Andrews insisted we must not retreat in Iraq. Other topics this month include Ritter's veto of the labor bill, the furor over Amendment 41, global warming, and the 2008 presidential race.

1. IRAQ: RETREAT OR STAND?

Susan: Growing evidence of civil war throughout Iraq, the exit of the middle class and impotent political leadership make the President’s focus on a military surge, seem like the worst kind of denial. Putting more troops in harm’s way without a political strategy and sufficient resources is unconscionable.

John: Iraq’s people voted for a constitution and elected their leaders. Islamofascists in Iran and Syria are terrified by that example of self-government. They are fomenting civil strife to destroy it. But Iraq is not the real target of these fanatics. They seek to conquer America and the free world. We must not retreat.

Susan: There’s evidence that our allies - the Iraqi Shiites, are being armed by Iranian terrorists to kill American troops. It’s an untenable situation – period. The most productive thing American could do is invest the billions we’re wasting in Iraq in alternative energy and liberate ourselves from dependence on foreign oil.

John: Wishful thinking will not make America’s enemies any less determined to destroy us. Weakness in Baghdad only puts New York, LA and yes, Denver, in greater danger from jihadists with nukes. This isn’t an oil conflict, it’s World War III. We must not retreat.

2. LABOR BILL VETOED

John: Gov. Bill Ritter is off to a shaky start. He broke his promise and vetoed a bill that would have made his labor union allies stronger and richer. Ritter’s bumbling leaves business wondering if they supported the wrong candidate. Democrats in the legislature aren’t happy either. It’s amateur hour down at the Capitol.

Susan: Hardly. In fact Ritter’s surprise veto wins big points with the business community – who thoroughly over-reacted to this molehill of a bill. It also sends a strong message to his party in the leg and labor, that he’s not a partisan, knee-jerk when it comes to good policy.

John: Come on, Susan, rookies make rookie mistakes, and that’s what this was. Ritter’s labor veto showed indecision and weakness. No amount of spinning can turn it into a heroic moment. Leadership involves loyalty, steadiness, and strength. We’re still waiting to see some of that from the new governor.

Susan: Steadiness and strength are evident in Ritter’s adherence to his agenda. In barely one month, he’s signed legislation advancing cheaper prescription drugs and clean energy and he’s appointed a blue ribbon transportation task force. The labor bill distraction is history and Colorado’s future is promising.

3. FUROR OVER AMENDMENT 41

John: Thousands of government employees across the state face financial hardship because of a badly written ballot issue that may deprive their kids of college aid. Legislators are powerless to help, now that Amendment 41 is in the constitution. We can thank boy millionaire Jared Polis and the woolly-headed liberals at Common Cause.

Susan: Amendment 41 was the right idea, poorly expressed. Clearly the leg could clarify ambiguities without going back to the voter. The Daniels and Boettcher Foundations have done that, through the courts. Sadly, the issue has morphed into opportunity for political posturing on both sides of the aisle.

John: The 41 fiasco will get straightened out, but it should teach us a lesson. Colorado already had clean government. This so-called ethics amendment made things worse, not better. Same with so-called campaign finance reform. Big money from shadowy donors is more of a problem now. The liberal do-gooders should lay off.

Susan: Public distrust of government is epidemic and the shenanigans of elected officials, the inordinate power of big money and the unintended consequence of term limits are all to blame. Solutions demand transparency and full disclosure – neither of which has been addressed by 41 or campaign finance reform.

4. HOW REAL IS GLOBAL WARMING?

Susan: When the president of Exxon Mobil acknowledges the reality of diminishing resources and global warming’s impact on the planet, it’s like the fox admitting the hen house is vulnerable. Even skeptics are cooling their rhetoric in the fact of quantifiable evidence of the extent of the problem.

John: Earth’s climate has always gone through warming and cooling cycles and always will. If a rising standard of living is causing the planet to overheat, how do you explain the huge snowstorms this winter? The recent UN report is mostly political propaganda. Panic about greenhouse gases is socialist superstition, not valid science.

Susan: For millions of years ocean temperatures have moved in lock step with CO2 concentrations. This greenhouse gas effect has increased dramatically since industrialization. The hottest years on record have occurred in the past 12 years. The question is not whether but when dire consequences will mean untenable hardship.

John: Hardship is a sci-fi fantasy as far as what may from climate variations. But hardship is a certainty if we mandate the downturn in living standards called for by Al Gore and his crowd. Minorities, the poor, and the Third World would suffer worst of all. No thank you.

5. 2008 PRESIDENTIAL RACE

John: The only senator ever elected president was Kennedy, and he did it by being stronger on national security than his opponent. That would give McCain, the Republican hawk, an advantage in 2008 over Clinton and Obama, the cut and run Democrats. Giuliani, the 9/11 mayor, looks strong too. But it’s still very early.

Susan: It’s a whole new game with the focus on foreign policy. Experience is key. The appeal of a total outsider like Mitt Romney or Tom Vilsack may be less seductive to the American voter. You’re right John – it’s very, very early – and the finish line is elusive.

John: Whether you prefer Rudy and Mitt or Barack and Hillary, one thing all Coloradans should agree on is protecting our own state’s electoral votes for president against a popular-vote power grab by big states on the east and west coast. The Gordon bill to dump the Electoral College is a bad idea.

Susan: The bill is a distraction. The most important issue is the war. 58 percent of Americans want Bush to leave office now. The mid-term elections were about changing course in Iraq. The candidate who brings an informed and logical solution to the voter will win. Right now, it’s Hillary.

TV, January: Out with Hickenlooper

The “Head On” debate between former state Sen. John Andrews (R) and former Denver councilwoman Susan Barnes-Gelt (D), seen daily on Colorado Public Television since 1997, began its January series this week. Andrews spelled out the arguments for Denver electing a new mayor. Other topics this month include good riddance to Saddam, turnover of the Colorado governor's chair, and challenges facing majority Dems in the state legislature and Congress. 1. DENVER MAYOR DESERVES AN OPPONENT

John: There’s an election this spring, but Denver’s mayor is not facing the healthy competition that swept in new leadership nationally. John Hickenlooper blew it on the voting mess, the justice center, and the holiday blizzard. To earn a second term, he should face a heavyweight challenger. Interested in running, Susan?

Susan: What? And give up swimming, knitting and sparring with you? Not a chance. However, the voters and the Mayor would be well served if a thoughtful opponent forced Hickenlooper to articulate a vision, a strategy and priorities for his second term. One voice does not a democracy make.

John: Hickenlooper ought to be vulnerable. He keeps raising taxes, weakening law enforcement, and letting the schools deteriorate. The gang culture that apparently struck down Darrent Williams has raged unchecked under this mayor. Somebody, please, run against this guy. Michael Bennet, Dan Caplis, Pat Bowlen?

Susan: Rule number 1: to run for Mayor of Denver, one must live in Denver. So much for Caplis and Bowlen. Hickenlooper’s a smart guy. Perhaps his hubris has been dampened (snowed under?) by Mother Nature and he’ll realize governing is more than jumping out of an airplane.

2. GOOD RIDDANCE SADDAM HUSSEIN

Susan: If the administration continues to fumble policy – as it did with the trial and execution of Saddam, it will cost more American and innocent civilian lives. The trial and execution should have occurred in the Hague according to established protocols. The arrogance of the Bush boys is deadly.

John: Good riddance to Saddam Hussein, an evil monster and a deadly enemy. Iraq is one front in World War III. Lebanon, Gaza, Afghanistan, and Somalia are other fronts. Iran may soon be yet another. America, Britain, and Australia are fortunate to have leaders who understand this war of survival. I wish you did.

Susan: We are losing in Iraq. Rumsfeld’s policy failed. Bush has fired the old generals and brought in new ones, who agree with ramped up troops. But if the Bush surge fails – then what? It’s up to Iraq’s leaders to resolve their internal conflict. Our time there must be limited.

John: Look, Susan. The United States, humanity’s best hope for freedom, is fighting a new kind of war against a new kind of enemy sworn to destroy us. It is hard, but we cannot accept losing as an option. Not in Iraq, not anywhere. America must do whatever it takes to win.

3. PREVIEW OF DEM LEGISLATURE

Susan: Speaker of the Colorado House Andrew Romanoff is a very smart guy. He and Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald will ensure this session deals with issues Coloradans care about: education, health care, transportation and energy policy. They’ll work with Governor Bill Ritter to ensure his ‘Colorado Promise’ has legs.

John: Yeah, right. Some morning we’ll wake up to find the tooth fairy brought each of us a check and the Easter bunny put a new hybrid in the garage. More likely is a Democratic legislative feud between Fitz-Gerald on the left, Romanoff on the right, and Ritter stuck in the middle.

Susan: Dream on, teen age queen. It was the too-conservative lege that caused Gov. Owens heartburn and lead to the democratic take-over of the Capitol. The Dems understand what’s at stake – Colorado is a moderate state and the Legislative leadership understands that – as does Ritter. They’ll chart a reasoned course.

John: As the old saying goes – when the legislature is in session, no one’s liberty and property are safe. That’s exaggerated, but it has a grain of truth. Overspending, overregulation, heavy fees, sneaky taxes, stupid laws, and busybody government are a danger for the next 120 days. Hold onto your wallet, Coloradans.

4. OWENS DEPARTS, RITTER ARRIVES

John: As Gov. Bill Ritter starts his honeymoon, here’s a good word for the departing Bill Owens. Our state thrived despite challenges in eight years under Owens’ capable leadership. Roads and schools improved, the economy came back strong, and working families saw billions in tax relief. Billy O. deserves gratitude from all Coloradans.

Susan: Owens matured into a steward of Colorado’s assets. Transportation and higher –ed suffered under his tenure – mainly because of a Luddite mentality among Republican legislative leaders. Owens fought hard for TABOR reform – despite the conservative wing of his party. Rich folks saw tax relief – working families lost.

John: Owens got his first test after just a few weeks as governor when Columbine hit. We don’t know what will give Bill Ritter his baptism by fire, but the unexpected is sure to come. Partisan criticism of Ritter can wait. For now, he deserves all our good wishes.

Susan: Bill Owens can take pride in T-Rex – an enlightened balance of highway and transit and the successful passage of Ref C. I wish him and his family Godspeed. Bill Ritter brings intelligence, good judgment and an abiding love for Colorado. The governor, and his team will be good for Colorado.

5. ADVICE FOR PELOSI AND REID

Susan: US voters delivered a powerful message to Washington politicians: Resolve Iraq, work together to solve problems and clean up your acts. Speaker Pelosi and Senate President Harry Reid would do well to work both sides of the aisle and walk their talk about transparency – unlike their Republican predecessors.

John: Our two-party system is a good safeguard for liberty. After Democrats screwed up in ’94, Congress went Republican. Now it’s gone back to Dems after Republicans broke faith. But the election was a call for more accountability by the House and Senate, not a mandate for military weakness and higher taxes.

Susan: More accountability, higher ethical standards and truly open debate must be the hallmarks of Pelosi’s leadership. If she turns out to be just one of the boys instead of an elegant, smart and thoughtful leader – the country will suffer as will the Democrats. We could use some grandmotherly wisdom!

John: When Margaret Thatcher and Golda Meir rose to high office, they projected character and principle, not gender politics. To secure her place in history, Nancy Pelosi needs to drop the self-congratulatory feminism and work with the President in statesmanlike fashion to keep America strong and free.

TV, December: Winners, sinners & predictions

The “Head On” debate between former state Sen. John Andrews (R) and former Denver councilwoman Susan Barnes-Gelt (D), seen daily on Colorado Public Television since 1997, began its December series this week. They led with a whimsical look at newsmakers of the past year and possible headlines of the year to come. Other topics this month include the Iraq Study Group, advice to Gov.-elect Bill Ritter, and early betting for the 2008 presidential race. 1. WINNERS & SINNERS OF 2006

John: As the calendar turns, John and Susan say thanks for watching us in 2006. Here's our list of winners and sinners for the past year. Democrats sparkled and Republicans stumbled. US armed forces fought heroically, but politicians and journalists hurt the war effort. Colorado's economy boomed. Colorado sports teams bombed.

Susan: Big winners in 2006: moderates and independent thinkers. Voters repudiated extreme partisanship and voted for moderates. Congressional elections went national with the war in Iraq taking center state. Losers: neo-cons and crooks.

John: Sinners of the year also included the unethical Senator Hanna, the hypocritical Pastor Haggard, the state Supreme Court with its immigration ruling, and whoever convinced Beauprez to leave Congress. Winners included CDOT with TREX, Hank Brown with his turnaround at CU, and Archbishop Chaput with his spiritual backbone.

Susan: The sinner list goes on and on . . . Rummy, Limbaugh, politicos Bill Frist, George Allen and Tom DeLay, political gurus Karl Rove and Dick Wadhams. Biggest winners? Supporters and fans of KBDI public TV – for top-notch community programming and a diversity of public opinion. Season’s Greetings!

2. FEARLESS FORECASTS FOR 2007

Susan: Happy New Year. Here are Susan and John’s fearless predictions for 2007. Nearly extinct: dial tones and steam irons, network news and talking heads. Hot for 2007: You tube, thoughtful bloggers, the rise of the unaffiliated independent – not to mention military families abandoning the Republican base.

John: Seven will be a lucky number for Hickenlooper with an easy reelection as mayor and for Bush with his comeback against inept congressional leadership by Pelosi and Reed. Seven will be unlucky for Mike Shanahan, terminated as coach of the Broncos, and for Prime Minister Maliki, toppled by the turmoil in Iraq.

Susan: Seven will be lucky for Coloradans – a moderate governor, an enlightened state legislature, a smart, new State Treasurer – Carrie Kennedy. Seven may be dicey for ideologically hidebound wingnuts – on both sides of the aisle. Seven will be unlucky for the Bush/Cheney boys and their myopic cheerleaders.

John: Let’s see, what else is in my 2007 crystal ball? Ex-congressman Bob Beauprez stars in a cowboy movie: have twang, will travel. Ex-Gov. Bill Owens runs for the RTD board: love that light rail. Ex-quarterback Jake Plummer starts a plumbing company. Have a great new year, everyone!

3. ADVICE TO GOVERNOR RITTER

Susan: If Bill Ritter governs the way he campaigned, he'll be a successful two-term governor. As a moderate and thoughtful centrist, he cares about Colorado - its history, future, resources and people. He'll do well to surround himself with experienced managers and stewards.

John: Ritter walked into the governorship with remarkable luck and little experience. His learning curve on the job will be steep. His coziness with big business and big money suggests a wheeler-dealer in the mold of Roy Romer. His relationship with a legislature led by the left-wing Joan Fitz-Gerald may be stormy.

Susan: Suggesting Ritter is cozy with big biz is nonsense. The power elite never cozied up to him. Ritter owes the people of Colorado – Front Range, west slope, eastern plains and southern Colorado citizens all. He’ll govern as a centrist and the leg will follow his lead.

John: The rookie Democrat has his work cut out. Neighboring states are keenly competitive on job growth. Public education is unproductive and ever more costly. Health care is bogged down in big government. In each case, taxes and bureaucracy are the problem, not the solution. Let’s hope Ritter recognizes that.

4. IRAQ STUDY GROUP WEIGHS IN

John: Al Qaeda and Bin Laden want us to quit in Iraq. So do Iran and Ahmadinejad. With America beaten and Europe neutralized, radical Islam will own the future. We can't accept that. Defeat in Iraq is not an option, and victory is achievable if America just summons the will to win.

Susan: Even George Bush has stopped using the word 'win.' The Iraq Study group is calling the situation what it is: civil war. Iraqis must solve the problems we created by a thoughtless invasion. America must not sacrifice any more young lives.

John: US, British, and other allied forces are in Iraq as one battlefront in World War III, a conflict ignited decades ago by Islamic fascists seeking to destroy freedom everywhere. Even the Baker commission foresees a long-term American military commitment in Iraq. Your quit-now approach invites disaster.

Susan: The fact-based approach of the Baker – Hamilton study group throws cold water on the utopian vision of the Bush administration. In challenging their claims of progress, the bi-partisan study group correctly focuses on a way forward that emphasizes aggressive training of Iraqi troops and staged withdrawal and heightened diplomacy.

5. RACE FOR THE PRESIDENCY 2008

John: The spreading virus this winter isn't the common cold, it's presidential fever. Can Hillary be stopped? Some combination of Barack Obama, Al Gore, and her own arrogance may stop her. Can McCain or Giuliani win the Republican nomination? I like Romney or Gingrich better. And wouldn't a Tancredo candidacy be fun!

Susan: Hillary's got the money but Barack is sucking up all the oxygen in the tank. Obamania is in full bloom and Hillary may be wise to stay put. Newt and Tommy the Tank are going to make things very interesting for the Republican's. It's going to be an interesting season.

John: The constitution charges the president to protect us from all enemies. Bush’s successor will lead an America endangered by Iran with its nukes, Russia with its oil, China with its wealth, Islam with its fanaticism, and Mexico with its population. I doubt Hillary is strong enough. I know Giuliani is.

Susan: It’s hard to imagine the Republican base supporting a pro-choice, anti-gun, New York City, divorced prosecutor as their candidate. America is looking for a new kind of leader – a 21st Century person who understands and respects the complexity of today’s world. The old dogs are tired.

TV, November: What did the election mean?

The “Head On” debate between former state Sen. John Andrews (R) and former Denver councilwoman Susan Barnes-Gelt (D), seen daily on Colorado Public Television since 1997, began its November series this week. Andrews wondered what voters might have done had Rumsfeld and Hastert left a month sooner. Other topics this month include the Democrats' takeover of Congress, Bill Ritter's election as governor, ballot issue results, and the Denver voting mess. 1. RUMSFELD SACKED BY BUSH

Susan: John, explain to me the political logic of firing Secretary of Defense Don Rumsfeld the day after the Repub’s took a drubbing at the polls – largely because of the war in Iraq. The decision smacks of previous Bush responses to 9/11 and Katrina. Fire, ready aim.

John: Hindsight is great. If Secretary Rumsfeld and for that matter Speaker Hastert were going to depart, October instead of November would have been better politically for President Bush and congressional Republicans. But Gates, the new defense secretary, and Pelosi, the new speaker, still dare not accept a US defeat in Iraq.

Susan: Suddenly the definition of victory has changed. It’s no longer a stable Iraq and a truly democratic government. A stable Iraq will do. I hope Gates, the generals, James Baker’s task force, and the Congress can craft a roadmap. Our troops’ lives depend on it.

John: History will honor Rumsfeld as one of America’s finest. I hope history can also record that after his departure America still hangs tough against an Islamofascist enemy that seeks to kill us by the millions and destroy our way of life. This is World War III. We cannot opt out.

2. DEMS TAKE US HOUSE & SENATE

John: As a Republican, I am disappointed my party lost Congress. But as a conservative, my values include courtesy and candor. So I congratulate the Democrats on their victory, and I concede the GOP deserved what it got from voters. Broken promises should bring bitter consequences. Now the question is, can the Dems do better?

Susan: I think so. The Dem delegation will be a mix of moderates, conservatives and liberals. Speaker Pelosi, having grown up in a successful political family, raised five kids and spent nearly twenty years in Congress – certainly knows how to make people behave and how to organize.

John: The problem is, Democratic House and Senate leaders are much more hard-left than their own rank and file. Nancy Pelosi, Jack Murtha, Harry Reid and Ted Kennedy want to weaken defense, raise taxes, and harass the White House with investigations. That’s not what the American people voted for.

Susan: After 40 years in the desert, Newt’s Contract for America was a moderate’s approach – balance the budget, reform welfare, pay attention. After their desert sojourn, the Dem’s get it. Balance the budget, find a solution to Iraq, dump earmarks, tell the truth. Dems will stay focused on the ’08 brass ring.

3. RITTER WINS BIG

Susan: Bill Ritter won the governor’s race with a huge margin and record voter turnout. He was strong across the board – Democrats, Independents and a good chunk of moderate Republicans. Colorado is ready for a smart, reasoned leader who understands the responsibilities of stewardship.

John: That description also fits the outgoing Gov. Owens as well as Congressman Beauprez, whom Bill Ritter defeated. Ritter defied the odds and surprised a lot of people. He deserves congratulations, but now comes the hard part – placating the liberal Democrat interest groups while staying true to his centrist image.

Susan: Beauprez and Colorado’s own Dick Wadhams hit it big on national post-election loser’s list. Wadhams, ran George Allen’s losing Senate race, suffered a huge hit. And the TV ad with Beauprez in a black cowboy hat standing next to the wrong end of a horse – must have been made by a Democrat!

John: Bite your tongue, Susan. Gloating does not become you. What intrigues me is not the recent campaign but the upcoming legislature. Ritter claims he would have vetoed most of the same bills that Owens did. Now Democrats want to bring those bills back. This will be fun to watch.

4. COLORADANS SORT OUT BALLOT ISSUES

John: Lawmaking, like sausage making, is not pretty to watch. That’s true not only with legislators at the capitol, but with voters at the ballot box. Coloradans may live to regret passing a minimum wage formula and an unworkable ethics law. But we acted wisely in saying yes to marriage and no to marijuana.

Susan: The voters chose wisely on most issues. Certainly term limits for judges and easier access to the ballot were bad ideas, which they soundly rejected. The failure of Ref I – equal rights for domestic partners was a huge disappointment – like institutional racism. The vote was close. We must try again.

John: No doubt the same-sex issue will be back, and as a leader in the judicial term limits movement, I can tell you it will also be back. Over half a million Coloradans voted to express their concern that our most powerful branch of government, the courts, needs to be more accountable.

Susan: John – your agenda of judicial term limits and TABOR-like constraints lost big – all over the country. I know you’re tenacious but why not bark up a tree you can climb – like ethics in government. You’re a compassionate conservative. Be a role model to your more myopic brethren.

5. BLAME MAYOR FOR DENVER’S VOTING MESS?

Susan: Denver’s election day meltdown is unforgivable. It doesn’t matter how many cool buildings are built, streets paved, trees planted. If a city can’t deliver efficient, transparent, and effortless voting – heads should roll. Denver needs an elected Clerk and Recorder, a professional staff and a qualified IT director.

John: Mayor Hickenlooper didn’t look like the fearless skydiver on this one. The poor guy couldn’t find the ripcord for a soft landing on voting screwups in six weeks of trying. Now suddenly Mr. Powerful claims he’s powerless in his own city when it comes to elections. Is Hick’s honeymoon finally over?

Susan: The alarm clock is certainly ringing! The Hick needs to learn Harry Truman’s lesson – “The buck stops here.” It’s true the Election Commission’s a separate branch but it’s also true that the Clerk is the Mayor’s appointee. Hizzoner needs to worry more about accountability and less about being loved.

John: The Mayor presumably will seek another term in spring 2007. His administration has less than six months to restore public confidence and get ready for that election. The goal should be reliability, not trendy innovations. Voting centers are clearly not ready for prime time. The new tangle of federal regulations is another problem.

TV, October: Vote Republican, vote conservative

The “Head On” debate between former state Sen. John Andrews (R) and former Denver councilwoman Susan Barnes-Gelt (D), seen daily on Colorado Public Television since 1997, began its October series this week. Andrews argued for a Republican vote in races for Governor and Congress, along with a conservative vote on ballot issues. Other topics this month include the controversy over voting machines and photo ID, along with Denver's new art museum addition. 1. WHO SHOULD CONTROL CONGRESS?

John: When you vote, remember: the US Congress is the world’s most important elected assembly. It not only holds in trust the liberty, prosperity, and human dignity of 300 million Americans, but also the future of freedom everywhere. To ensure a strong defense and protect the Constitution, we need a Republican Congress.

Susan: Republican Control got us into this mess – record deficits, unleashed insurgencies around the globe, out of control health care costs. We need a Democratic Congress to slow down the Bush White House. Gridlock may put us on the road to recovery. Vote Perlmutter, Paccione, and Fawcett et. al.

John: Turning Congress over to left-wing Democrats would lead to weaker defense, fewer jobs, and higher taxes. Who wants that? Republicans will just take better care of America, period. Voters should send Rick O’Donnell, Doug Lamborn, Scott Tipton, and Rich Mancuso to Congress. They should reelect Marilyn Musgrave and Tom Tancredo.

Susan: Conservative Richard Viguerie,, quote: Republican House leaders do whatever it takes to hold onto power. Whether it means spending billions of taxpayers’ dollars on questionable projects or covering up the most despicable actions of a colleagueThey’ve lost their moral rudder” End quote. VOTE DEMOCRATIC.

2. WHO SHOULD BE GOVERNOR OF COLORADO?

John: Election time is often confusion time, and that’s not right. Television doesn’t always help. Too many slogans, too much mud. Donna and I are going to cut through the fog and vote Republican for governor – vote for Bob Beauprez. More jobs, lower taxes, safer neighborhoods, better roads and schools. Bob Beauprez will deliver.

Susan: The Post and the Rocky endorsements got it right. Bob Beauprez’s campaign has been a solid vote of NO Confidence in his ability to lead Colorado. His voting record in Congress is mediocre. He’s done nothing to address immigration, healthcare or the deficit. Bill Ritter is the solid choice.

John: Colorado Inc., a 15 billion dollar enterprise, should not gamble its chief executive job on a mediocre ex-prosecutor. Behind Bill Ritter’s moderate mask is a Denver liberal, with another Denver liberal for a running mate. Bob Beauprez is a proven leader in government, business, and civic life. Beauprez gets my vote.

Susan: A $15 billion enterprise should not gamble it’s future on a guy whose policies have the consistency of a burnt waffle. Beauprez wasted four years in Congress following a herd of Republican sheep, lying to the public and covering for misguided colleagues. Bob Beauprez – all hat, no cattle.

3. BALLOT ISSUE PICKS & PANS

John: Colorado Public Television has debated the 2006 ballot issues at length. Now we’ll now debate them in brief. I’m voting yes on 38 for petition rights, yes on 39 for more dollars to the classroom, yes on 40 for tougher term limits and better courts, yes on 43 for traditional marriage.

Susan: It’s foolish to expand petition rights, and give more power to special interests or to further limit local control of school funding or politicize the courts. No on 38, 39 and 40. I don’t need my committed relationship defined by the State. I am not sure who does. Neutral on 43.

John: 43 is needed -- traditional marriage helps to nurture children, protect women, and civilize men. Continuing down the ballot, I’m voting no on 41 to protect minorities from a job-killing minimum wage, no on 42 to protect citizen access to public officials, and no on 44 to discourage the potheads.

Susan: Yes to increasing the minimum wage, Amendment 42. No to 41 - an overreaching ethics code that doesn’t belong in the state constitution. The current take whatever you can, anytime – but Amendment 41 isn’t the solution. Yes to Referendum I - recognizing the legal rights of domestic partnerships.

4. CAN WE TRUST THE VOTING PROCESS?

Susan: I don’t know about you John, but I’ve applied for an absentee ballot. I’ve no confidence in the electronic machines and even less in the local, state and federal election officials. And as for a national ID card – isn’t that why we fought WW 2?

John: Honest elections are a Colorado tradition. Secretary of State Dennis is working hard to keep it that way, as would Mike Coffman if he succeeds her. Voting machine conspiracy fears are exaggerated, but ballot security should not be sacrificed to convenience. Photo ID at the polling place is just common sense.

Susan: The reliability of electronic voting machines is questionable. Gigi Dennis’s partisan behavior is troubling. Denver’s election commission opted for vote centers –despite poor performance in the August primary. If you want to make certain your vote counts and you live in Denver County – use a mail ballot.

John: Elections are a sacred trust of American self-government, not a matter of casual convenience. Vote centers are a bad idea. Photo ID to prevent fraud is a good idea. Democrat Ken Gordon doesn’t understand that. Republican Mike Coffman does. Coffman gets my vote for Secretary of State.

5. THE LIBESKIND MUSEUM WING

Susan: What’s the difference between and Icon and an I-sore? That’s the issue under discussion by art lovers, critics and citizens now that Daniel Libeskind’s addition to the Denver Art Museum is open. I think time and wear will be the jury. But for certain – our charm bracelet is overloaded.

John: So you give two cheers at most for Libeskind’s multimillion dollar pile of crumpled titanium? I give no cheers at all. Architecture, like art, is supposed to ennoble the human spirit by celebrating beauty and grace. The new museum wing flunks that test. Transgressive novelty does not define a great city.

Susan: A great city is measured by the health and safety of its residents, the beauty of its park and civic spaces, the mobility and transparency of connections – streets, roads sidewalks and – the beauty and durability of its built environment. One, two, three or a dozen interesting buildings – do not define a city.

John: If the new museum gets more of us engaged with thinking about great art, that’s good. But the building itself is not great architecture. It’s a mere attention-grabber, designed by a clever showman. Denver shouldn’t let Libeskind near the renovation of Civic Center Park.