Barbara O'Brien

The Lite Stuff

So far, Obama's snubbed Colorado for his cabinet -- but why go for Napolitano?

Barack Obama had no sooner been declared the president-elect when the speculation started: Just which Coloradans would join his cabinet? The name of Federico Pena, an early supporter, was floated -- despite the fact that he's already done two turns in the cabinet, for Bill Clinton, and has ... More >>

Wake-Up Call: Refinishing the Obama cabinet

 Fresh from his ten-day eco-devo trip to Asia, Governor Bill Ritter is now off on the East Coast, attending a Democratic governors' conference, talking with the Obama team -- and definitely not interviewing for a spot in the cabinet, insists his spokesman, Evan Dreyer. Shortly after the polls ... More >>

Wake-Up Call: An open Senate seat means more musical chairs

At parties and openings, all the talk is about who's going to take Ken Salazar's seat in the U.S. Senate -- it's a lot more fun than talking about the economy -- and what spot might then open up. If outgoing Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff gets the nod, there's no game of musical chairs, beca ... More >>

Fire Sale

The cost of cigarettes could go up in smoke this November.

INCOMPLETE ASSIGNMENT

ETHNICITY WASN'T SUPPOSED TO BE AN ISSUE IN WELLINGTON WEBB'S SEARCH FOR AN EDUCATION CZAR. IT IS NOW.THE BLACKBOARD BUNGLE HOW MAYOR WEBB'S SEARCH FOR AN EDUCATION CZAR WAS HIJACKED BY RACIAL POLITICS.

Wake-Up Call: King for a day

Both Governor Bill Ritter and Lieutenant Governor Barbara O'Brien were out of town yesterday (he to the Western Governors' Association meeting in Utah, she to an education confab in North Carolina). And who did that leave in charge? By the Colorado Constitution, the State Senate President. But Br ... More >>

Lynn Bartels adds Brandon Shaffer's scalp to her collection

Lynn Bartels. "Senate to Repay Funds" reads the headline atop the Denver & the West section in this morning's Denver Post -- and there's little doubt Senate President Brandon Shaffer didn't enjoy seeing it. On the very day Shaffer was ostensibly the most powerful elected official in the state (beca ... More >>

Bill Ritter, Scott McInnis and Ken Salazar's statements: Spin-a-go-go!

"I'm gonna talk -- but I'm not really gonna say anything."​Update, 2:26 p.m.: Republican Senate candidate Jane Norton has jumped into the commenting-on-Bill Ritter fun. Look below for her take. Update, 2:13 p.m.: New statements just in about Ritter's withdrawal from Senator Mark Udall and Rep ... More >>

Kenny Be's Worst-Case Scenario: Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien puts kids outdoors

Did you know that the outdoors is a lot farther away than it used to be fifty years ago, and that the distance can be measured in chubby children? There is so much to learn in Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien's Colorado Outdoor Kids Report. ​ Learn more below!

Tonight: Slurp soup to keep Colorado's kids healthy

​Eleven Denver restaurants are taking part in tonight's SOUP! event at the Cable Center on the University of Denver campus, 2000 Buchtel Boulevard. The benefit, which raises funds for the Colorado Children's Immunization Coalition, a local nonprofit that increases childhood immunization thr ... More >>

Scott McInnis is always singing a new tune: Kenny Be's Fotochop Friday

​ Back in 1977, Scott McInnis was the hottest new act in Colorado. He was the state's first successful crossover artist, largely due to his ability to sing out of both sides of his mouth. The title of his third album, pictured above, humorously referred to the delicacy of his effort to appeal ... More >>

Myrl Serra, DA for 7th Judicial District, busted for unlawful sexual conduct, indecent exposure

Myrl Serra.​Colorado Attorney General's office spokesman Mike Saccone confirms that Myrl Serra, district attorney for the 7th Judicial District, which covers several Western Slope counties, is in Montrose County jail following his arrest this morning on three startling charges: unlawful sexual ... More >>

One Chance Colorado, coalition of school reform organizations, launches today for real (VIDEO)

​ Last week, we told you about a fake webpage masquerading as the home base for One Chance Colorado, a coalition of school reform-minded organizations that actually launches today. Here's former Lieutenant Governor and coalition member Barbara O'Brien's take on what it's after and how it plans ... More >>

Mark Ferrandino on election as House minority leader, future of civil union bill

Mark Ferrandino.​Colorado's general assembly doesn't convene until January, but Mark Ferrandino, who represents District 2, is already moving at full speed -- and no wonder. As the newly elected House minority leader, and the first gay man to serve in this capacity, he's got a big agenda, and ... More >>