Latest news with #ColoradoGeneralAssembly
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pueblo Republican launches bid to unseat Nick Hinrichsen in Colorado Senate District 3
A local healthcare practice manager with nearly 25 years of experience is venturing into politics as a 2026 Republican candidate for Colorado State Senate District 3. Dana Charles told the Chieftain she is "not a politician," but is running for a state Senate seat because she is concerned about state fees, high taxation and legislative "attacks" on rights. Charles lists affordability, parental rights, Second Amendment rights, public safety, and preserving Colorado's Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), among her priorities. "I just was so tired of questioning whether our Pueblo legislators were actually working for the people of Pueblo," she told the Chieftain. "I felt like enough was enough and I wanted to bring a voice to the state Senate that you don't have to wonder about." On her website, Charles said that recent legislation passed by members of the Colorado General Assembly has "tied the hands of law enforcement" and jeopardized the safety of Pueblo residents. She also told the Chieftain that taxes and fees have hampered residents' ability to afford living in Colorado. "Every single time we go to do absolutely anything — whether it's to renew our vehicle registration, whether it's going to the grocery store and paying bag fees — we are taxed and (made to pay fees) to death," Charles said. As a supporter of TABOR — a 1992 amendment to the state constitution limiting the amount of tax revenue Colorado government can retain and spend — Charles strongly believes Colorado does not have a revenue shortage and that Colorado residents, not state government, know how to best spend their money. In addition to having 24 years of experience in healthcare, Charles is a lifelong Pueblo resident who has raised two sons. "We have an amazing community, and I plan to tout that in every way when I'm in the state Senate. Many of the members of even our own city council, I have known for many years," Charles said. "While we may disagree on certain issues, I believe that we can communicate in a way that is positive and helps continue to move Pueblo forward." Senate District 3 includes all of Pueblo County. Senate Majority Whip Nick Hinrichsen has held the seat since February 2022. As of May 19, Charles and Hinrichsen were the only candidates who'd filed to run for Senate District 3, according to the Colorado Secretary of State's Office. Charles has already raised $11,915 in monetary contributions and has spent over $2,547, according to Transparency in Contribution and Expenditure Reporting (TRACER) information accessed May 19. Hinrichsen has received over $6,752 and spent over $5,551. City Park Bathhouse: Pueblo leaders respond to preservationists' frustrations over rejected bathhouse proposal Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@ Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo Republican launches 2026 bid for Colorado Senate seat
Associated Press
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Truth & Liberty Coalition: HB25-1312 Colorado Legislation Being Proposed
A fast-tracked bill in the Colorado General Assembly is in the works. 'I am alerting my fellow Coloradans about a serious and urgent matter and am asking for your help.' — Richard Harris, Executive Director, Truth & Liberty Coalition. WOODLAND PARK, CO, UNITED STATES, April 8, 2025 / / -- 'The Democrats in the Colorado General Assembly convened the legislature on Sunday to advance an anti-family and anti-life measure,' stated Richard Harris, Executive Director of the Truth & Liberty Coalition. 'I am alerting my fellow Coloradans about a serious and urgent matter and am asking for your help,' Harris said. 'The House of Representatives advanced a bill (HB25-1312) on Sunday, April 6,' Harris said. [ ] 'Parents who insist on referring to their own children by the name they gave them, or pronouns corresponding to their biological sex, when the child says they want to go by other pronouns or some name associated with a different sex, would be guilty of abuse and could lose custody of their children under HB25-1312,' Harris said. 'According to wording in the bill it will also apply the same rules to all businesses in Colorado under the state's so-called anti-discrimination laws, meaning a business could face fines and be sued for damages if it fails to refer to someone by the name and pronoun that person of the opposite sex prefers, Harris said. SECTIONS FROM THE BILL: 1 HB25-1312 would require all government agencies to use the names and pronouns that people may choose, regardless of biological sex. 2. The bill would also require schools, including charter schools, to allow kids to cross-dress, even if the school requires uniforms or has a dress code. There will be another reading early in the week and a committee hearing in the Senate, possibly as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday. Truth and Liberty Coalition is recommending these actions: 1. Contact your state Representative and State Senator TODAY to let them know you want them to VOTE NO on HB25-1312. You can find your representative and senator here: 2. Sign up to attend the committee hearing to testify as a citizen and tell them you want them to vote NO and stand up for parental rights and God's design for families, sex, and gender in Colorado. Go here to sign up to testify: 3. PRAY for the defeat of this measure and that Colorado would be restored to righteousness and godliness! ABOUT THE TRUTH & LIBERTY COALITION: Established in 2019 as a 501(c)3 by Andrew Wommack, founder of Andrew Wommack Ministries, and other Christian leaders, the Truth & Liberty Coalition offers various programs, tools, and resources to focus on conservatism in the United States. Visit the Truth & Liberty website for great practical resources for standing for truth in the public square and learn about becoming a member. Media Relations +1 719-651-5943 Facebook
New York Times
25-03-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
Who Is the Artist Behind the Portrait Trump Hates?
A relatively unknown artist living in Colorado was recently thrust into the spotlight when President Trump criticized her work, a portrait of himself that had been hanging in the State Capitol for about five years. Mr. Trump said on social media that the oil painting, by Sarah Boardman, which depicts the president with softened features in a dark suit and red tie, was 'truly the worst' and that it had been 'purposefully distorted.' 'In any event, I would much prefer not having a picture than having this one, but many people from Colorado have called and written to complain,' he wrote on Sunday. 'In fact, they are actually angry about it!' A day later, the Colorado General Assembly, which is controlled by Democrats, removed the portrait that was hanging in the Gallery of Presidents in the building's rotunda. Ms. Boardman, who won a nationwide contest to paint the portraits of President Barack Obama and Mr. Trump that hung in the State Capitol, did not respond to a request for comment. She has not spoken publicly since the portrait was removed, but months before it was unveiled, she told The Colorado Times Recorder that she had chosen a reference photo that showed Mr. Trump with a 'serious, nonconfrontational, thoughtful' expression. Here is what we know about Ms. Boardman and that presidential portrait. What is Ms. Boardman's artistic background? Ms. Boardman was born in England and began studying painting 40 years ago in Germany under a master painter, according to her website. She spent more than four years learning and practicing techniques used by old master painters, a term broadly used to describe prominent artists who worked between 1300 and 1800. Before taking to painting, she worked in airline travel and business. What does Ms. Boardman paint? Ms. Boardman's portraits, which make up most of her work, are varied, but all use a combination of realism and painterly aspects. She paints ordinary people in graceful or contemplative poses, public and military officials, and a variety of dogs. According to her website, she is intrigued by the 'depth' found in her subjects and is challenged to capture the 'personality, character and soul' in each. What has Ms. Boardman said about her portrait of Mr. Trump? In conversations with The Times Recorder in 2018 and 2019, Ms. Boardman said her personal feelings about Mr. Trump had not affected her work. 'Any personal feelings about any subject are not relevant and are left outside the studio per my training to 'leave those emotions at the door,'' she said. She said then that protests and outrage over her portrait of Mr. Obama were because of how people felt about the politician, not the art itself, and that she expected the same of Mr. Trump's portrait. Ms. Boardman explained that the most supportive comment she had received at the time was in reference to Mr. Trump's neutral expression and how it would appeal to everyone. 'A portrait is not a political statement, but a representation of a human being,' she said. Have past presidents hated their portraits? President Theodore Roosevelt was unpleased with his first presidential portrait, which was painted by the French artist Théobald Chartran in the early 1900s, and later became known as 'the mewing cat.' Mr. Roosevelt eventually commissioned John Singer Sargent to paint his official portrait. President Lyndon B. Johnson turned down the official commissioned portrait of himself by Peter Hurd, calling it 'the ugliest thing I ever saw.' Mr. Hurd called the comment 'very damn rude.' What was the response to Trump's criticism? While Mr. Trump said that Ms. Boardman's portrait of Mr. Obama was much better and speculated that the artist 'had lost her talent as she got older,' the response from officials and the public has been mixed. Supporters and critics have flocked to Ms. Boardman's professional Facebook page, where some of her art is displayed, to share their opinions. A spokesman for Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado told 9News, a local television station, in a statement on Monday that the governor's office was surprised by but appreciative of the president's attention to the artwork. 'We are always looking for any opportunity to improve our visitor experience and hope all the attention successfully attracts even more tourists to the Denver area,' he said.
Express Tribune
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Colorado lawmakers agree to take down Trump portrait after president's criticism
Listen to article A portrait of President Donald Trump hanging in the Colorado state Capitol will be removed this week after Trump criticised it as 'purposefully distorted' and requested its removal on social media. In a post on his Truth Social platform Sunday night, Trump said he would prefer not having a portrait at all than the one currently displayed in Denver. 'Nobody likes a bad picture or painting of themselves, but the one in Colorado… was purposefully distorted to a level that even I, perhaps, have never seen before,' he wrote. On Monday, the Colorado General Assembly's executive committee issued a bipartisan directive ordering the painting to be taken down 'immediately' and stored in a secure location until further notice. The oil-on-canvas portrait, painted by artist Sarah Boardman, was unveiled in 2019 following a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $10,000 by Colorado Republicans. Boardman, whose work also includes portraits of Barack Obama and George W. Bush, had previously said her goal was to depict Trump as 'thoughtful and nonconfrontational.' Trump, however, praised the neighbouring portrait of Obama, saying it 'looks wonderful,' while claiming Boardman 'must have lost her talent as she got older.' The directive to remove the portrait came at the request of Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, a Republican, who said it should be replaced with one 'that depicts his contemporary likeness.' Colorado House Democrats responded, saying, 'If the GOP wants to spend time and money on which portrait of Trump hangs in the Capitol, then that's up to them.' A spokesperson for Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, said the state appreciates 'everyone's interest in our Capitol and are always looking to improve the visitor experience.' The portrait had drawn attention even before its installation. In 2019, a prankster briefly replaced the display area intended for Trump's portrait with an image of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The portrait itself was later criticised for being too flattering — a depiction some opponents described as 'inaccurate' in its restraint. Visitors to the Capitol on Monday were seen taking selfies with the painting ahead of its removal. 'Honestly, he looks a little chubby, but better than I could do,' said one tourist from Wyoming. The portraits of US presidents at the Capitol are typically funded by private donors or political organisations. Earlier portraits — up to Jimmy Carter — were donated as a set. Colorado's Building Advisory Committee oversees the display. Boardman did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In a previous interview, she said, 'There will always be dissent... A neutrally thoughtful, and nonconfrontational, portrait allows everyone to reach their own conclusions.'
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Yahoo
Teen drives 46 mph over limit with minor in the car
DENVER (KDVR) — A 17-year-old driver will have to appear in court after Arapahoe County deputies caught him speeding with a minor in the car. On Sunday, the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office said Deputy Mason of the traffic safety unit was monitoring drivers at E. Hamden Avenue and S. Himalaya Street. The intersection is in The Conservatory at the Plains neighborhood near southeast Aurora. The sheriff's office said a 17-year-old reportedly drove by Mason going 86 mph in a 40 mph zone. Former Denver developer shot dead at luxury Belize home in likely 'hit': police The teen was pulled over, and the sheriff's office said he only had his driver's permit and not a valid license, he was not wearing a seatbelt and he had a minor in the passenger seat. In total, he was issued a ticket for six different charges: Speeding Reckless driving Driving without a valid driver's license Violated restriction on a driver's license Failed to present evidence of insurance Safety belt not in use The teen received 30 points on his license and a mandatory court appearance. 'Kids, please let this be a lesson. It's never worth it.,' said the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office in a Facebook post. According to the Colorado General Assembly, driving over the maximum lawful speed of 75 mph could end with a fine between $150-$300 and/or 10-90 days in jail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
