Rocky Mountain Voice

Author: Brian Porter

Republicans in minority, but with House seat gains, as 75th General Assembly opens on Wednesday
Approved, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

Republicans in minority, but with House seat gains, as 75th General Assembly opens on Wednesday

By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice The 75th session of the Colorado General Assembly opens Wednesday, Jan. 8, with sine die — adjournment on the final day of the session — slated for May 7. Between, Republicans will be faced with minorities in both chambers and the Democratic trifecta, with Gov. Jared Polis heading up the executive branch. Voters, though, did hand Republicans one advantage. House Republicans are no longer in a super minority and, like Senate Republicans, face a simple minority. That is not to say it will be any easier to pass Republican bills or defeat Democratic bills. Republicans face a 23-12 minority in the Senate and a 43-22 minority in the House. Heading up the Republican House will again be Minority Leader Rose Pugliese of El Paso County. She has gain...
In four days, wintry weather has canceled 250 flights, delayed 2,820 more at DIA
Approved, Local, Rocky Mountain Voice

In four days, wintry weather has canceled 250 flights, delayed 2,820 more at DIA

By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice A four-day snow event in Denver and areas east of the Continental Divide has done more than dump some badly-needed moisture on half the state. It has greatly affected air travel. As of Tuesday mid-morning, there have been 2,820 flights delayed and 250 flights canceled since the beginning of the snow event on Saturday, according to Flight Aware. There has been some amount of snow accumulation each day. The heaviest cancelation day was Sunday, with 106; the heaviest day for delays was Saturday, with 1,119. Flight Aware breaks delays and cancelations related to an airport into outbound (departure) and inbound (arrival). There have been 113 outbound cancelations and 1,634 delayed outbound flights since Saturday. The most affected carier was...
Brita Horn announces she will seek chair of Colorado Republican Party
Approved, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

Brita Horn announces she will seek chair of Colorado Republican Party

By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice Brita Horn, a former Routt County treasurer, a fire chief and grassroots and civic leader, has announced her candidacy for chair of the Colorado Republican Party. “This is about the future,” Horn said in a campaign press release. She noted a desire to lead the party with “three key priorities: relationships, resources and responsibility." She will focus on victories at the ballot box in 2026, the release reads. "Colorado Republicans have a bright future, but only if we unite, collaborate and focus on winning elections,” Horn said. As chair, she would build relationships with future candidates, donors, volunteers, activists and the public at large, ensuring the party has the resources necessary to support these candidates and responsi...
‘This isn’t a goodbye,’ Rep. Boebert says in parting thoughts to 3rd District
Approved, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

‘This isn’t a goodbye,’ Rep. Boebert says in parting thoughts to 3rd District

By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice In a parting message to Colorado's 3rd District Friday, U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert discussed relationships, accomplishments and a hopeful future. "I'm going to continue to be a voice for all of Colorado. This isn't a goodbye," the Republican said in a video posted to her Twitter/X account. "I will still be voting for you, even if you can't vote for me." Boebert served two terms representing the 3rd District of the Western Slope and Southern Colorado in Congress, but shifts to the Eastern Plains and Northern Colorado's 4th District in a third term. Her term expired Friday in the 3rd District, as she was sworn in to the 4th District on Friday. https://twitter.com/RepBoebert/status/1875299423716299085 "I gave you a voice in Washington, D.C...
After two Republicans flip their support, Mike Johnson elected as U.S. House Speaker
Approved, National, Rocky Mountain Voice

After two Republicans flip their support, Mike Johnson elected as U.S. House Speaker

Rep. Thomas Massey of Kentucky only Republican to oppose Johnson as Speaker of 119th Congress By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice After a short period of consternation, Republican Mike Johnson has been elected as Speaker of the U.S. House for the 119th Congress. Johnson ultimately received the necessary 218 votes from a Republican conference of 219 members in the first round of voting, although it briefly appeared he may need at least a second round to get the necessary support. Reps. Ralph Norman of South Carolina and Keith Self of Texas flipped their support from other Republican members to Johnson, handing him the gavel for consecutive sessions. Norman had initially supported Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, and Self had initially supported Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida. Both ...
David Weiss, the terminated Jeffco chief of schools, found dead in Maryland
Approved, Local, Rocky Mountain Voice

David Weiss, the terminated Jeffco chief of schools, found dead in Maryland

By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice Two weeks after ex-Jefferson County Chief of Schools David Weiss was terminated, he is believed to have committed suicide, Fox 31 News is reporting. He was found dead following allegations he had been in possession of child sexual assault material. Weiss was terminated Dec. 19 during an investigation. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is investigating Weiss, Fox 31 News reported. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office was contacted by the Washington, Md., Sheriff's Office on New Year's Day that a death investigation into Weiss was taking place, Fox 31 reported. He was visiting family there. Weiss spent 10 years with Jefferson County.  Previously, he was an elementary principal for five years and an assistant high school principa...
AG Weiser first in the Democratic field for governor: ‘I’m committed to fighting for the people of Colorado’
Approved, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

AG Weiser first in the Democratic field for governor: ‘I’m committed to fighting for the people of Colorado’

By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice Attorney General Phil Weiser didn't waste any time in 2025 making his future intentions known. He was the first to declare a run in the Democratic field for governor. He announced the decision Thursday, Jan. 2, in a Twitter/X post on his personal account. https://twitter.com/pweiser/status/1874827618727657522 Gov. Jared Polis' second term in office expires at the end of 2026. The governor's office has a two-term limit. "Today, I’m announcing my candidacy for governor of Colorado," Weiser's post began on X. "There are many reasons why I’m running to lead this state I love, but the biggest reason is simple: I’m committed to fighting for the people of Colorado." Weiser was elected as attorney general in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. Th...
In tight vote for Speaker, Johnson could potentially sweep four GOP votes from Colorado
Approved, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

In tight vote for Speaker, Johnson could potentially sweep four GOP votes from Colorado

By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice A slight Republican margin in the U.S. House will make Speaker Mike Johnson's re-election bid later this week potentially a must-see. Republicans hold a 220-215 seat advantage in the U.S. House, but one Republican has resigned, and two other Republicans have indicated their opposition to Johnson. It takes 218 votes to win the Speaker vote. If Johnson is unable to swing either of the defectors, he doesn't win the Speaker vote — assuming Democratic members don't lend their support. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, is at least one who has withheld his support for Johnson thus far and told Fox News there were others. He has suggested alternative Speaker options of Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., or Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, both of whom have previously m...
Elected Republicans, from Denver to Washington, offered greetings on Christmas
Approved, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

Elected Republicans, from Denver to Washington, offered greetings on Christmas

By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice From the halls of Congress in Washington, D.C., to the Golden Dome in Denver, Republicans serving Colorado paused Wednesday not just to take time with family, but to turn to Twitter/X to communicate with constituents on the occasion of Christmas and the beginning of Hanukkah. "Jesus' coming is good news for all people," U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert said in a video she posted. "Believers and unbelievers, saints and sinners, Republicans and Democrats. Jesus came to this world to save imperfect people like you and me." https://twitter.com/RepBoebert/status/1871927851710365923 Boebert is currently serving in the 3rd District on the Western Slope, but in January will begin serving the 4th District in Northern Colorado and on the Eastern Plains. ...
The ‘Bustang’ now connects from Sterling to DIA with low-cost fare
Approved, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

The ‘Bustang’ now connects from Sterling to DIA with low-cost fare

By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice Those residing along Interstate 76 on the Eastern Plains of Colorado are used to long commutes to Front Range destinations to meet their needs from shopping and groceries, to work and travel. An announcement by the Colorado Department of Transportation has the potential to make the amenities of Denver feel a little closer. CDOT announced this month the addition of a Denver International Airport stop at Gate 1 of the DEN Hotel Transit Center — near the RTD’s A-Line train and other bus stops and with quick access to the main DIA terminal — by using the Bustang Outrider service from Sterling on a route which also includes service to Union Station. "This is an important service to have, especially for those who don't have vehicles," Fort Morgan C...