Colorado

Where's Cory Gardner?

If you hadn't noticed, it's recess again for Congress. Yes, after two almost 4 day weeks of "work," Cory Gardner is on another vacation. But what's he up to in that entire week back in Colorado.

Based on his weekly newsletter, we know he is speaking at the rally to support the damming of the Poudre river (NISP rally). He's really working hard to ingratiate himself with people concerned about the environment, isn't he? That is a public rally you can attend to see what talking points he's been handed. Don't expect a warm welcome...

4th Congressional Heath Proposal

Competitive Congressional Districts could really help to make Members of Congress more responsive to the needs of all of their constituents. This idea, however, seems to really rile up the GOP members of the state legislature.

From the Sterling Journal-Advocate:

Public servant, civil servant, state and federal employee, municipal worker, whatever you want to call them as a group, these are the people protecting the nation, preserving law and order, defending our environment, and educating the next generation. In today’s highly partisan climate, these public servants are becoming targets of the budget cutting frenzy and described as drains on society, instead of being recognized for their invaluable contributions to the nation, to states, and to our communities.

Colorado redistricting is going to be a hell of a battle. I won't pretend I understand all of the ins and outs of the process, but it is going to be a mess, as it always is.  I'm most concerned with the potential effect on the 4th District.

[iframe http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/embedstate.html?state=CO 600 385]

Based on these numbers, the Front Range grew considerably, with Larimer and Weld counties exploding. It seems like just a year or two ago when I remember the news that Fort Collins had exceeded 100,000 citizens and now it's quite nearly 150,000. Wow.

The Eastern Plains have not fared so well. Many counties have lost population and those that have gained have not done so by a lot. It'll be interesting to see how all of this will work out.

For other states' data, here's a national map for your enjoyment:

I seem to remember days when Congress was in session more than one or two weeks a month, but that seems to no longer be the case with the Republicans in charge of the House. They love their recesses and this week afford members time to play on the monkey bars.

Cory Gardner is using his recess to meet with constituents across the district and talk to them about issues of concern to them, as long as he has those GOP talking points handy. He seems to have some trouble having an original thought or a real discussion of issues with constituents.