By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice
What’s the difference between the Republican caucus in the Colorado House of Representatives and the U.S. House?
Unity. On Wednesday, as the Colorado House opened the 75th General Assembly, Republicans displayed unity by unanimously supporting Minority Leader Rose Pugliese to become the Colorado House Speaker.
Although her nomination might simply be viewed as symbolic, with Republicans in the minority and Democrat Julie McCluskie later elected on a party-line vote, it showed the caucus to have unified under Pugliese.
“It is important to have people on both sides of the aisle for [members] to vote on,” said Rep. Scott Bottoms, R-El Paso County, in his nomination of Pugliese. “When we take back the House in a few years, I expect Democrats to do the same thing.”
His motion was seconded by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, who represents nine of the 64 counties in Colorado.
“Rose is someone who will work with everybody and hear everybody’s voice,” he said.
To his point, Republican members of the House have complained that Speaker McCluskie has attempted to silence their voices. For example, during debate in the 74th legislature, she oversaw an issuance of words Republicans were disallowed from uttering during floor debate, they say in violation of the 1st Amendment’s freedom of speech.
One of the newest members of the caucus, Rep. Carlos Barron noted Pugliese’s involvement in his successful campaign to represent Adams and Weld Counties in District 48. It is the seat previously held by U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans.
“I’ve seen her in action and can firmly say she’s a great candidate to be Speaker,” he said. “She can get behind anybody to support what is best for Colorado.”
Rep. Dusty Johnson, another new member but not new to the capitol, shared in support for Pugliese. Johnson previously has served as an aide to several members of the legislature.
“Rose does what she says, and says what she means,” Johnson said. “I have great faith in her.”
Rep. Ken DeGraaf, who moments earlier had contested the certification of the general election based upon the password leak by the secretary of state’s office, gave Pugliese a fifth member to speak in support of her nomination.
“We are rapidly going in the wrong direction, and this is why it is important to elect a new leader,” he said. “We need a Speaker of the House who works for the people of Colorado, not for the governor.”
The reason to nominate Pugliese was to give members on either side of the aisle an opportunity to support a platform, Bottoms said, which he noted supports the 1st Amendment.
“We believe in the voice of the people,” Bottoms said. “We need to right this ship and put someone back in the speaker’s seat who would go by the rules.”
In accepting the nomination, Pugliese noted receiving the full support of the Republican caucus. She has not been in the position quite one year.
“Every voice matters, whether you are a Democrat or a Republican,” she said. “We have a greater purpose to serve the people who have entrusted us to serve them.”
McCluskie was elected on a 41-22 vote, with all Republicans supporting Pugliese.