Don't repeat the 1930s

"Productive industry owned and run by federal bureaucrats is an impossible fantasy. It will worsen the economy, just as it did in the ‘30s," warns John Andrews about the proposed automaker bailout in the December round of Head On TV debates. Susan Barnes-Gelt says the Detroit rescue is necessary for an "economy stuck on empty." John on the right, Susan on the left, also go at it this month over Obama's transition and Colorado's economic stimulus options. On the lighter side, they offer winner & sinner awards for 2008 along with a wacky forecast for 2009. Head On has been a daily feature on Colorado Public Television since 1997. Here are all five scripts for December: 1. AUTOMAKERS SEEK BAILOUT

Susan: Congressional bailout of Detroit must consider that Ford and GM are public companies while Chrysler and GMAC, GM's finance arm, are owned by Cerberus - one of the world's richest and most secretive private investors. Taxpayers have bailed out enough Wall Streeters, Cerberus should match the feds.

John: The US auto industry was driven to the wall by big-brother government with its burdensome policies on taxes, regulation, labor, and environment. Washington DC now virtually taking over Detroit, complete with a Soviet-style car czar, will only make it worse. The answer is ordinary bankruptcy with givebacks by the greedy UAW.

Susan: Nonsense, with Congress in its pocket Detroit ignored CAFÉ standards, the competition and the market. The UAW is not the problem. Until the nation solves the health care and portable pension issues, our economy is stuck on empty.

John: Productive industry owned and run by federal bureaucrats is an impossible fantasy. It will worsen the economy, just as it did in the ‘30s. Bipartisan arrogance by Hoover and FDR turned a normal recession into the Great Depression. Bush and Obama must not repeat that mistake. No bailout for Detroit.

2. OBAMA SO FAR

John: After Obama won with his message of hope and change, we of the opposition hoped that he would change. As inauguration day approaches, it seems he has. His cabinet looks like a mixture of Clinton’s third term and McCain’s first term. His defense secretary worked for President Bush and Bush’s father.

Susan: Obama is smart, deliberate and believes in the value of responsive government. It's going to take the focus, experience and wisdom of his team to address the global economic meltdown and huge challenges abroad. January 20th can't come soon enough.

John: The 44th President gives evidence of having the right stuff so far, but this is the preseason. When he takes the oath, it’s game on. Then we’ll see if he has backbone behind the charisma. Recession is a reality check. Pakistan is a timebomb. Blagojevich is a nightmare.

Susan: Obama will take office in the midst of a massive mess. He will only be able to accomplish what the times and temperament of the public allows. At best, he must restore confidence in government and governing. Low expectations are the key to a happy life.

3. RECESSION HITS COLORADO

Susan: Even the most conservative economists have become Keynesian at the prospect of a massive recession. Colorado's construction is dead with homebuilding and development at a standstill. The answer is a massive public works program - FasTracks, roads, bridges and civic infrastructure.

John: Two years of anti-business policies and bigger government have earned our governor the nickname of Recession Ritter. Colorado employers need a lighter dose of taxes and regulation to survive this economic slowdown. Stimulating business is best done with the market ideas of Milton Friedman, not the dead hand of Lord Keynes.

Susan: Greenspan's Friedman unfettered market policy got us into this mess. And Colorado already has one of the lowest tax rates in the nation. Colorado's leadership - an oxymoron - local, state, public and private - must step up, take risks and be bold. . . when pigs fly.

John: Colorado leaders are from your party, not mine, but they deserve our respect regardless. Speaker Carroll and Senate President Groff named a special committee on economic recovery. Good. It should reduce taxes and regulation. Gov. Ritter wants to help small business. Good again. He should cool it with labor unions.

4. WINNERS & SINNERS OF 2008

John: Before 2008 is forgotten, here’s our annual salute to Colorado winners and sinners of the old year. Denver hosted a successful DNC and sparkled for its 150th birthday. Coffman and Polis went to Congress after tough primaries. Ritter’s tax increase flopped. Tough times for Rockies baseball and the Rocky Mountain News.

Susan: The biggest winner, now that we are at the end of 2008, is the American public; witnessing the end of the Bush government. Eight years of being lied to while corporate goliaths and hedge fund managers got rich, have taken a huge toll.

John: Enough with the Daily Kos talking points. Give me some hometown humor. How about Mark Udall making “Boulder liberal” into a badge of honor with his 10-point victory. How about Speaker-designate Bernie Buescher becoming election roadkill. How about Golden changing its name to Tincup after the Coors brewery goes away.

Susan: That's a good one and Commerce City sounds like a brand all America would love to adopt! Urbanism is a huge winner. With Obama's election - a true urbanist who thought about being an architect. C I T Y is no longer a 4-letter word!

5. FEARLESS PREDICTIONS FOR 2009

John: It’s time again for Susan and John’s fearless new year predictions. 2009 is gonna be crazy. Harry Reid launches a deodorant brand. Jon Stewart and Joe Biden trade jobs. Bill Ritter gives up the governor gig and heads back to Africa as a missionary. Colorado Public Television acquires the Rocky.

Susan: Republicans drown Grover Norquist in a bathtub. Sarah Palin replaces Shawn Hannity and Bill O'Reilly on Fox News, as the station struggles for viewers. Bill Clinton's handicap falls to the single digits as he's banished to the links for the next four years.

John: The Secretary of State’s husband will still have an ethical handicap in triple digits. So Hillary dumps Bill and marries Henry Kissinger. The Onion acquires the New York Times. Mattel acquires GM. The Mafia acquires Chicago. The Obamas get a pretty little pitbull and name it Sarah.

Susan: Hickenlooper goes to Washington to head the Department of Special Events - the perfect job for a guy who is better at putting on a show than governing a city. With DC becoming the nation's new financial hub, Pennsylvania Avenue changes its name to Wall Street and the bankers morph to street sweepers.

Election weakens Colorado Dems

"Ritter’s big loss on the severance tax further weakens him for reelection. says John Andrews in the November round of Head On TV debates, adding that Dems got dinged in some legislative races too. Susan Barnes-Gelt deplores the severance defeat and the impact of term limits on her party. John on the right, Susan on the left, also go at it this month over the US Senate and House results, the outlook for Obama's presidency, and early odds for 2012. Head On has been a daily feature on Colorado Public Television since 1997. Here are all five scripts for November: 1. BALLOT ISSUES BITE RITTER

John: Voters functioned as Dr. No when it came to this year’s ballot issues. They turned down all three tax increases, 51, 58, and 59, rejected the attack on petition rights under Referendum O, and defeated several conservative proposals. Ritter’s big loss on the severance tax further weakens him for reelection.

Susan: Though I don't agree with all the results, Colorado voters took an unprecedented number of ballot initiatives seriously, wisely rejecting wing-nut proposals, but unfortunately - failing to untangle the TABOR knot or charge energy companies for the riches they extract from our land.

John: Labor-union power grabs have destabilized our state for the past two years, and may continue for the next two. This is a big headache for Ritter and the business community, who were held for ransom by unions over seven dueling ballot issues. Paying extortion to stop an initiative should be illegal.

Susan: Ritter's naive missteps with public employee unions ignited over-reaction at both extremes. The political and business communities ought to refocus attention on larger concerns: the stumbling economy, failing public education and crumbling infrastructure. Wedge issues are a worthless distraction from what people care about.

2. DEMS' LEGISLATIVE DOMINANCE ERODED

Susan: Dems lost a couple of state House seats - unfortunately including Bernie Buescher. State lawmakers are going to be hard pressed to address a sour economy, no money for higher ed and transportation and the retirement of serious brain power - namely Speaker Andrew Romanoff.

John: Lost in all the talk of blue state, red state is the striking fact that Ritter and Romanoff’s majority party suffered erosion of their legislative dominance in this election, along with stinging defeats on their tax and spend ballot issues. Share the wealth doesn’t seem to sit well with Colorado voters.

Susan: Hardly an erosion - in fact the D's gained senate seats. The challenge will be to set a reasoned course absent experienced legislative leadership. Term limits have taken a sorry toll on both sides of the aisle and Coloradans are paying a penalty for inexperience at the statehouse.

John: Term limits sharpen competition between the parties, which is good. This year they moved rising stars into leadership – Josh Penry for Senate Minority Leader and Terrance Carroll for Speaker of the House. Appropriately for the Age of Obama, Carroll is the first black to hold that job.

3. VICTORY FOR OBAMA

John: Congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama. The Democrats campaigned brilliantly and deserved to win. My party deserved to lose. McCain fought hard, but economic fears and Bush fatigue plus his own mistakes sealed the outcome. Republicans patriotically wish Obama well, for America’s sake. But we’ll oppose him when he’s wrong.

Susan: The past 6 months have felt like the spin cycle of my washing machine! With Obama's overwhelming mandate - the largest popular vote ever! The country must heal wounds resulting from nearly 2 decades of divisiveness. Our smart, disciplined, young president-elect has his work cut out.

John: If you think the Age of Obama means the end of political divisiveness, I have some mortgage-backed securities to sell you. Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan will soon test the young president and stir up the left. Tax increases will polarize the right. And Senate Republicans can still use the filibuster.

Susan: Polarized politics and extreme ideology got us into this mess. Obama will be challenged to maintain a keen focus on what really matters: a thriving economy, energy independence and investments in innovation and education. America's position in the world is already enhanced and that will serve us well.

4. AND A NEW CONGRESS

Susan: With Betsy's Markey's win in the 4th CD and Mark Udall's victory in the Senate race, Colorado has gone from a red state to purple to bright blue. Republican party dominance's been in decline since 2004 and now - registration is dead even. The message is clear: Country First.

John: Susan, I’m so grateful to live in a competitive open system where one party constantly checks the excesses or failings of the other. My Republicans lost touch with the people both in Colorado and nationally. Democrats took advantage in past elections and again this time. Now they have to deliver.

Susan: Our democracy depends on a strong two-party system. Republicans must return to their roots: prudent policy, government restraint and innovative ideas. There will be a number of red state Dems in the new Congress. They will be vulnerable if the party veers too far left.

John: Based on past performance by Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, together with the European welfare state envisioned by Obama, make that when the party veers left, not if. Rebuilding and rethinking by the GOP is already underway. I expect 2010 to be a good year for Republican gains in Congress.

5. WHO ELSE WON & LOST

Susan: Aside from the obvious victors, other winners and losers emerged from this year's election. Sarah Palin, along with Mike Huckabee emerge as the rising stars of your party, John. Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Fox News - big losers. Their negative vitriol backfired with voters choosing optimism over anger.

John: Ken Salazar may have won a seat in Obama’s cabinet. Facebook, Myspace, and Youtube won the political technology sweepstakes. Rudy Giuliani lost 59 million dollars and a lot of face while winning only one delegate. Joe Biden lost big in the primaries but will now be a heartbeat from the presidency.

Susan: If Salazar goes to the cabinet - Ritter will have an appointment that could result in a domino effect. If he picks Hickenlooper - we'll see chaos at City Hall with no heir apparent. Talk about winners and losers! Biggest winner - the youth of America. They really stepped up!

John: Hillary and Bill lost big. Their next chance is Chelsea, unless Hillary goes after Obama in 2012, Teddy Kennedy style. Bobby Jindal and Tim Pawlenty won their ticket to the 2012 primaries. Rove and Gingrich slipped to the status of talking heads, but their network, Fox, is stronger than ever.

McCain, hands down

"Obama is too risky. McCain has the courage and judgment to protect America in a dangerous world." says John Andrews in the October round of Head On TV debates. Susan Barnes-Gelt scoffs at the GOP candidate as "McPain... a pander bear" who would be an "erratic and unfocused" president. John on the right, Susan on the left, also go at it this month over the US Senate campaigns, legislative races, and the ballot issues, with a trick-or-treat twist for Halloween. Head On has been a daily feature on Colorado Public Television since 1997. Here are all five scripts for October: 1. OBAMA OR MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT?

John: Barack Obama is a remarkable man. His candidacy is a credit to America. But his ideas are too extreme, and he’s simply not ready to lead. John McCain is ready. McCain warned about the mortgage mess that Democrats were creating. McCain has the courage and judgment to protect America in a dangerous world.

Susan: Poor old John McCain - hasn't decided if he's a maverick or a pander bear - canceling his campaign to swoop into DC to solve the economic meltdown and ultimately voting for a bill with more blubber than an Alaskan moose pie - no disrespect Ms. Sarah Barracuda!

John: Clever jabs are for the summer silly season in politics. This is decision time. Obama’s huge tax and spending plan will only worsen the economy. His naivety about our enemies is unbelievable. His radical friends worry me too. Obama is too risky. McCain gets my vote.

Susan: Voters have spent more than a year vetting Barack Obama through bruising primary battles and press scrutiny. John McCain's campaign - all tactics, no roadmap - reveals how erratic and unfocused his administration would be. Shoot, fire aim - that's McPain.

2. SENATE RACE IN COLORADO

Susan: No surprise, polls suggest the race between Mark Udall and Bob Schaffer is tightening. The mud fest has damaged both candidates but in the current environment voters will be skeptical of Schaffer's plan to reform social security by privatizing accounts. This is no time to elect a radical like Schaffer.

John: Susan, that’s moonshine. Bob Schaffer will do Colorado proud in the US Senate. This guy is Mr. Integrity. If Ronald Reagan had hailed from Fort Collins, stood tall in Congress, and had three kids in uniform, he’d be Bob Schaffer. Boulder liberal Mark Udall is Obama in hiking boots. Way out there.

Susan: Bob Schaffer is hot headed, angry and argumentative. His bullying personality is unsuited for leadership and his extreme right-wing political perspective is out of tune with Coloradans more moderate values. Mark Udall has the temperament and experience to solve problems - not create them.

John: If 60 senators are Democrats, the big blue states can ignore the rest of us out here in flyover country. A vote for Bob Schaffer is a vote to prevent that. Colorado is better off with one senator from each party. My guy is Bob.

3. VOTE R or D FOR LEGISLATURE?

John: Voting for President is important, but the state legislature may have more impact on our daily lives. Republican running for state House and Senate provide a counter-balance to keep Bill Ritter from taking Colorado too far left. Taxes, spending, energy, and immigration all need that common-sense Republican influence.

Susan: The politics of polarization has failed - look at Washington DC. Our legislature is hamstrung by too many citizen-initiated mandates. What's needed are policymakers committed to the state's future. That means strategic investments in education, infrastructure and people. Reject ideologues - on both sides of the aisle.

John: The ideologue we need to reject is Ritter, with his wacky energy ideas and his labor union agenda. Unfortunately he’s not up this year. But every state House member and half the state senators are up, and to keep Ritter on the reservation we need to elect a Republican majority.

Susan: The underreported race for CU Regent in CD 6, pits Dem AJ Clemmons, an accomplished, civic leader, who will bring the accountability and transparency to CU, against Repub. Jim Geddes, a tired political hack who has been fined - repeatedly - for failing to file campaign disclosures. Vote A J. She'll pay attention.

4. BALLOT ISSUES

Susan: Colorado's ballot is littered with special interest initiatives that don't belong in our constitution. Vote No for all but 59. SAFE creates a savings account for public education, preserving your right to vote on tax increases. If you believe in Colorado's future, vote yes on 59.

John: Not a good idea unless you’re feeling really rich. 59 is a tax increase that cost us billions. Who needs that in this economy? 58 is a tax on energy. Referendum O is a sneaky transfer of power from citizens to politicians. Vote with care, neighbor.

Susan: Vote Yes on Referendum O, making it tougher to put special interest initiatives into Colorado's bloated Constitution. SAFE, Initiative 59 is exactly what Colorado needs to ensure we maintain a first rate educational system and have resources to fund transportation and public safety. Yes on 59 & Ref O.

John: That road leads to a weaker economy and bigger government. No thanks. Instead let’s say yes on 46 for colorblind laws, 47 to curb union power, 48 to protect the unborn. Also yes on 52 for better roads, yes on 49 and 54 for honest government.

5. HALLOWEEN FOLLIES

John: This endless campaign is one long Halloween night. TV ads portray Schaffer as Dracula and Musgrave as Cruella deVille. You’d think Bush was the undead, running for a third term. Obama’s out there in his Messiah costume, and Biden is this year’s Lurch. Save us all, Great Pumpkin!

Susan: Our stumbling economy promises more tricks than treats for Halloween. The Bush / McCain agenda - tax breaks for the rich and unregulated financial markets - predict a stormy fall. Bats in the belfry will be all too evident in the weeks to come.

John: Why so serious, Susan? All those candidates with their disguises and noisemakers are like a masquerade ball at the funny farm. No need to scare yourself at a haunted house – just flip the channels and watch a few political spots. It’s all so entertaining. Candy corn, anyone?

Susan: The global economic meltdown is no laughing matter. The McPainiacs are living proof that the cukoos nest isn't endangered - but alive and well, migrating from Alaska to Arizona. Who says extreme climate changes aren't damaging to the environment? I'll pass on the nuts, thank you.

Ballot Issues: Nix All but Six

Out of 18 proposals on the crowded Colorado ballot, only Nos. 46, 47, 48, 49, 52, and 54 are "conservative winners" that deserve to pass, says John Andrews in the September round of Head On TV debates. "Childish," counters Susan Barnes-Gelt, who supports nothing but No. 59, the TABOR-buster from Speaker Romanoff. John on the right, Susan on the left, also go at it this month over the presidential race, the DNC in Denver, and the Schaffer-Udall battle. Head On has been a daily feature on Colorado Public Television since 1997. Here are all five scripts for September: 1. OVERVIEW OF BALLOT ISSUES

John: Most of the ballot issues this year are terrible, but six deserve to pass. To curb excessive union power, vote yes on 47, 49, and 54. For better roads, vote yes on 52. For racial equality, vote yes on 46. To protect the unborn, vote yes on 48. All the others, vote no.

Susan: The easy answer for a ballot riddled with too many confusing and contradictory proposals: Vote NO on everything but SAFE, Amendment 59. The anti-union and pro-union proposals never should have gone to the ballot. They're childish. Competing severance issues 52 & 58? Ditto! SAFE will liberate Colorado's paralyzed budget. Vote Yes.

John: Amendment 59 ends tax refunds forever and rewards bad schools. Referendum O attacks our right to petition. These are bad ideas like most of the others. But -- 46, 47, 48, 49 are conservative winners. Likewise 52 and 54. We should pass those six -- and dump all the rest.

Susan: Amendment 59 - SAFE (Savings Account For Education) creates a savings account for public education, dedicating a permanent source of funding to public education, preserving our right to vote on taxes, and untangling the fiscal knot in Colorado's constitution. It's safe to vote YES on 59!

2. HOW DID WE DO, HOSTING DNC?

John: Congratulations on a terrific job hosting DNC 2008 by Mayor Hickenlooper and his administration, Police Chief Whitman and his department, and all the countless volunteers and donors who made it happen. We Republicans know a class act when we see one, and Denver’s hospitality to the Democrats was just that.

Susan: Denver did a terrific job hosing the DNC. Even moving 80,000 in and out of Mile High went without a hitch. By contrast - St Paul was a mess. Violence in the streets and a convention that looked like a 1950's rerun - old, white and angry.

John: Republicans won both times in the 1950s, thank you. We had a war hero who defeated a snobbish intellectual, just like this year's matchup. As for radical protesters, naturally they went harder on the RNC than the DNC. But again, bravo to Denver police for making our city look good.

Susan: Now it's up to the Mayor and his people to ensure Denver lives like the city we played on TV: Lively streets that accommodate people and vehicles, comprehensive transit, human-scaled development, even a lively Civic Center. It will take vision, political will and focus.

3. PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN IN FINAL WEEKS

Susan: I hope the presidential campaign has more substance that the Conventions – particularly the Repubs in St Paul. I guess if you don’t have anything to say, skewering the media and your opponent is the way to go. The delegates got so much red meat – they’re all on Lipitor!

John: An underdog won the nomination in both parties. Each nominee then picked a surprising VP, wonderfully bold for McCain, disappointingly dull for Obama. Both men got a convention bounce in the polls. The election is only weeks away. Will voters choose the smooth-talking liberal messiah or the time-tested American hero?

Susan: McCain's a hero - no argument. Trouble is, he loves risk, shoots from the hip, is on both sides of too many issues and votes with Bush 90-percent of the time. His vetting of the pit bull with lipstick, was barely a flyover - Surely Americans deserve better.

John: Americans deserve trustworthy leadership in the White House. John McCain has used his career to advance change. Barack Obama has used change to advance his career. The contrast is clear. Americans are realizing that one candidate is about pretty words, the other is about results. Advantage McCain and Palin.

4. VEEPSTAKES: PALIN VS. BIDEN

Susan: Sarah Palin is compelling –just like McCain - only with better hair. She’s flexible – for the Bridge to Nowhere before she was against it – against sex education notwithstanding her pregnant teen – and ready to fire an Alaskan librarian for not agreeing to ban books! WOW what a woman.

John: I hear a jealous Democrat talking. You wish Obama had a woman running mate with half the star power and accomplishments of Gov. Palin. Sarah Barracuda is shaking up the race. She has more executive experience than the whole Democratic ticket combined. In picking her, McCain again proved himself the original maverick.

Susan: Biden's a proven commodity. Palin is a blank slate, quoting her, "a pit bull with lipstick." McCain didn't fully vet her background. Every time a new fact emerges the R's will scream sexism or blame the media! The circus - complete with moose-pie - will detract from important issues.

John: A vice president seldom influences policy or takes over in mid-term. The VP is there to support the boss and broaden the appeal of the ticket. Joe Biden is neither a team player nor a good Catholic. Sarah Palin will put more states in play while covering McCain's back. Advantage Republicans.

5. SENATE RACE: UDALL VS. SCHAFFER

Susan: Bob Schaffer's record in Congress was lackluster, far to the right of mainstream Coloradans. Sending him to the Senate would be foolhardy. Mark Udall, by contrast has a history of stewardship of our state's natural assets, the environment, resources and human capital.

John: You underestimate Schaffer, Susan, just as you do McCain and Palin. Go right ahead, but the voters may disappoint you and Boulder liberal Mark Udall. Honest Bob kept his term limit pledge in Congress, gained business experience drilling for oil, and as a Senator, he’ll cut taxes. Pretty appealing.

Susan: Schaffer spent 6 years in Congress getting nothing done for Colorado and everything for the oil and gas industry. Now he works for Aspect Energy, representing their interests in Iraq - counter to US interests and in direct opposition to the State Department. What a guy!

John: Bob Schaffer is a foe of big spending and big government. Like Palin, he and Maureen are parents of five. Boulder liberal Mark Udall has supported higher taxes, higher gasoline prices, labor bosses, and a Department of Peace. He’s married to a green activist. The Udalls are too liberal for Colorado.

McCain & Schaffer close gap

"Obama's coronation is no longer a sure thing," notes John Andrews in the August round of Head On TV debates, while in Colorado's US Senate race, "Udall's lead has evaporated." But Susan Barnes-Gelt scoffs at their respective opponents, "mercurial" John McCain and "uber-conservative" Bob Schaffer. John on the right, Susan on the left, also go at it this month over high oil prices, low polls for Ritter, and RTD's busted budget. Head On has been a daily feature on Colorado Public Television since 1997. Here are all five scripts for August: 1. NINETY DAYS TO PICK A PRESIDENT

Susan: John McCain's all negative all the time approach is already wearing thin and the election is months away. You'd think a failing economy, record deficits, home foreclosures, $4 a gallon gasoline and an unpopular war with no end in site - should be fodder for something more than Britney Spears commercials.

John: Barack Obama’s savior-of-the-world approach is wearing really thin, and his coronation is no longer a sure thing. With his shameless reversals of position on issue after issue, the young senator is as confused as a chameleon on plaid. The racial victim routine doesn’t help either. McCain looks better and better by comparison.

Susan: You talking about the mercurial John McCain who won't talk with the national press; will stay in Iraq for 100 years and vows to continue Bush's rich guy tax cuts? John McCain, the Republican Party's GOP - Grumpy Old Politician!

John: I’m talking McCain who’s mainstream vs. Obama who’s out there on the fringe. McCain who is seasoned and proven by fire vs. Obama who is untested and way too glib. McCain who knows firsthand we live in a dangerous world vs. Obama the globe-trotting dilettante. Big Mac is the man.

2. SENATE RACE TIGHTENS

Susan: The U.S. Senate race between Mark Udall and Bob Schaffer offers a real choice. Udall is moderate with a record of solving problems for Colorado and being a thoughtful lawmaker. Schaffer is an uber-conservative. He will do nothing to move the debate on the deficit, the economy, health care or education.

John: Udall’s lead in the polls evaporated this summer as voters got more disgusted with pump prices. The Boulder liberal is seeing his campaign literally run out of gas. In this angry political climate, Bob Schaffer’s solid experience in getting oil out of the ground is suddenly a plus.

Susan: Schaffer's energy experience comes down to this: he spent years lobbying against the consumer, ensuring big oil got more than $33 million in tax cuts. Udall supports Obama's idea: send every taxpayer a $1000 energy refund and tax Big Oil's unprecedented windfall to pay for it.

John: You’re right about one thing. This Senate race is a clear choice. Both candidates are good men, but there the similarity stops. Bob Schaffer believes in more freedom. Mark Udall believes in more government. Schaffer wants lower taxes, as you said, and Udall wants higher taxes. He’s so 1970s.

3. FASTRACKS IN TROUBLE

John: The geniuses at RTD put through a huge tax increase in 2004 to build light rail metrowide. Now their ambitious plan is unaffordable and they look like the bonehead who built a boat in his basement. Options? Cut back the plan, or raise taxes again, or repeal the whole thing.

Susan: With $4 a gallon gasoline and the public using transit in record-breaking numbers, repeal is not an option. Clearly - greater dialogue with the community, more strategic planning and visionary thinking are in order. This is the gang who can't shoot straight - new leadership might help.

John: Visionary strategic dialogue will generate a lot of consulting fees, but it won’t move a single commuter. The waste of RTD tax dollars must stop. The Fastracks fiasco should be repealed. Replace the gold-plated choo choo train with bus rapid transit and toll lanes for a truly efficient metro transportation system.

Susan: For a region as diverse and sprawled as metro Denver, a mix of transit types is necessary: light rail; heavy rail, bus rapid transit and highway. The issue is who, not how. Apologies to Mark Twain: suppose you're an idiot. Suppose you're RTD - but I repeat myself.

4. ENERGY ISSUE ROILS CAMPAIGN

John: The public hates high energy prices. Liberals love them. That sucking sound you hear is support ebbing from Democratic campaigns for Congress and the White House as a result. Americans blame environmentalists for oil and gas, coal and nuclear, all being costly and scarce. What an opportunity for the Republicans.

Susan: With record-breaking profits, the oil companies whining about more drilling is sickening. They have numerous opportunities in the Gulf of Mexico that are untapped - they should exploit those first. In the long run, conservation and alternatives must figure into the equation.

John: You can have your dim corkscrew lightbulbs, your bike to work days, your scolding to the oil industry. I’ll take full-throttle production from every possible domestic energy source that’s not hostage to this country’s enemies. That means oil, gas, coal, nuclear, all of it. I’ll win politically every time.

Susan: A rational energy policy is a win - win; a. bi-partisan issue. If Republican candidates respected the American voter, they'd work across the aisle to meet the challenge. And as for dim bulbs - hmm - I've got a pretty good list!

5. RITTER SLUMPS IN POLLS

John: How embarrassing for Bill Ritter to have his approval rating sink into the 40s just as Colorado welcomes all the Democratic mucky mucks for their first convention here in a hundred years. The governor won a landslide with smooth talk, but results have been few since he took office. It’s showtime now.

Susan: Ritter's local poll numbers aren't taking the luster off his rising national star. Pundits are suggesting he is the right profile to be in the Veep-stakes. Certainly he has more appeal than Gov. Tim Kaine of Virginia. However, some rookie goofs suggest it may be time for staff changes.

John: Ritter tried to substitute blue-ribbon studies for policy on highways and health care. It didn’t work. He tried to raise our taxes without a vote. Judges said no. He caved in to unions. People said enough. Mediocrity at home won’t help the governor fail upward nationally.

Susan: Ritter reflects the changing face of the mountain region: bi-partisan moderate and stewards of the environment. It's great for Colorado and the west that his name, Ken Salazar's and Bill Richardson of New Mexico are on the pundit's playlist.