Ken Salazar = partisan hack

US Senator Ken Salazar (MoveOn - CO) has intentionally ignored Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave's leadership in the fight for private property rights in Pinion Canyon.

From the Fort Collins Coloradoan:

Salazar gives credit to brother for Musgrave work?

Rep. Marilyn Musgrave is taking a page from the late comedian Rodney Dangerfield’s playbook today saying “I don’t get no respect!”

Although Musgrave most certainly uses better grammar, her office said this afternoon they are unclear as to why Sen. Ken Salazar, failed to give her the political props – a.k.a the credit – she deserves on brokering Pinon Canyon legislation.

In a press release sent by Salazar’s office, the first-term Colorado senator passes praise onto his little brother, Rep. John Salazar, a Democrat from the Western Slope of Colorado, for his efforts to stop an army expansion of Pinon Canyon in El Paso County. The senator failed to mention Musgrave at all, even though the Fort Morgan Republican authored the legislation he was praising.

Musgrave authored a House amendment that blocked the Army from moving forward for one year on any plans to expand the Pinon Canyon site. She enlisted John Salazar as a House co-sponsor.

Colorado's two senators, Democrat Ken Salazar and Republican Wayne Allard. initially balked at supporting the amendment but later came on board when the Senate considered the issue.

The Truth about S-CHIP

Congrats are due to Marilyn Musgrave, Doug Lamborn and Tom Tancredo for their opposition to the ridiculous S-CHIP legislation.

The Liberal Left has so distorted the facts, that I thought a brief reminder of what S-CHIP really is, would be in order.

Here is some of the analysis done by Republican Study Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling:

H.R. 976 reauthorizes and significantly expands the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), while increasing cigarette taxes to supposedly offset the bill’s costs. The legislation follows closely the Senate-passed version of SCHIP reauthorization, expanding the program but discarding much of the Medicare-related provisions included in the House-passed legislation. Highlights of the bill are as follows:

Cost: H.R. 976 provides $34.9 billion over five years and $71.5 billion over ten years in new mandatory spending—this spending is on top of the $25 billion over five years that would result from a straight extension of the program. The House-passed version provided $47.4 billion over five years and $128.7 billion in new SCHIP spending (as well as billions of non-SCHIP spending).

The new spending is partially offset by increasing taxes on tobacco products (see below). However, this CBO score overlooks a major gimmick which the bill employs to lower its costs. The bill dramatically lowers the SCHIP funding in the fifth year by 80%, from $14.25 billion in the first six months to $1.75 billion. In all likelihood, such a reduction would not actually take effect, which would make this an effort to generate unrealistic savings in order to comply with PAYGO rules. To that end, H.R. 976 is technically compliant with PAYGO.

Some of the worst parts of S-CHIP include:

Encourages Spending: H.R. 976 shortens from three to two years the amount of time a state has to spend its annual SCHIP allotment. Under current law, states are given three years to spend each year’s original allotment, and at the end of the three-year period, any unused funds are redistributed to states that have exhausted their allotment or created a “shortfall,” i.e. making commitments beyond the funding it has available. In addition, the bill establishes a process through which any unspent funds would be redistributed to any states with a shortfall. Some conservatives may be concerned that this process provides incentives both for states to spend their allotment quickly and to extend their programs beyond their regular allotments into shortfall, so as to be relieved by the unspent funds of other states or the new Contingency Fund (see above).

Expansion to Higher Incomes: Under current law, states can cover families earning up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or $41,300 for a family of four in 2007 or those at 50% above Medicaid eligibility. However, states have been able to “disregard” income with regard to eligibility for the program, meaning they can purposefully ignore various types of income in an effort to expand eligibility. For instance, New Jersey covers up to 350% of FPL by disregarding any income from 200-350%, allowing them to cover beyond 200% with the enhanced federal matching funds that SCHIP provides.

As of 2010, H.R. 976 increases the eligibility limit to 300% of FPL or $61,950 for a family of four but also continues the current authority for states to define and disregard income. States which extend coverage beyond 300% of FPL would receive the lower Medicaid match rate. The bill also grandfathers states with an approved state plan amendment (or a state about to submit such an amendment in compliance with state law) that already covers those above 300% of poverty. This provision is for New Jersey and New York (seeking to cover 400% of FPL or $82,600 for a family of four). In addition, Section 116 of the bill overturns CMS’ current policy of requiring states to ensure that 95% of the eligible children in their state below 250% of FPL are enrolled before expanding coverage to higher incomes.

Adult Coverage: Under current law, some states cover nonpregnant, childless adults—these states have received waivers in the past in an effort to expand health insurance to uninsured populations, even though the program was intended for children. H.R. 976 would prohibit any further waivers but would provide continued funding for existing coverage of such adults through FY 2008. Beginning in FY 2009, funding for nonpregnant childless adults will be capped at FY 2008 levels, but states would receive the lower Medicaid match and be limited to only covering those already enrolled.

Additionally, the bill also weakens current law regarding illegal aliens recieving S-CHIP monies, increases taxes and penalizes those with private insurance.

The bottom line is simple: the bill would expand the SCHIP program by $35 billion over five years and loosen the program’s eligibility requirements while astronomically expanding the big-government welfare state.

Musgrave's image improving; while maintaining principle

Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave gets a decent write up from today's Fort Collins Coloradoan on her re-branding and the "Musgrave 2.0" phenomenon.

"I've worked hand-in-hand with numerous Democrats to address bread-and-butter issues that are relevant to my district," Musgrave said in a statement. "My bipartisan efforts to pass (emergency) agricultural disaster assistance are far more important than a procedural vote."...


"Where she has reached out to the Democratic side, it has been on issues of direct concern to Colorado," Wadhams said. "I don't think there's any suggestion that she was changing her overall mainstream philosophy as a member of Congress."

The liberal wailing and gnashing of teeth continues

With Eric Eidsness withdrawal, anger at Sen. Ken Salazar seems to be building among liberal circles over his role in the Dem's CO-4 primary.

Colorado Confidential expressed it last week:

Anyone who questions U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar's role in Colorado politics should take a look at the state's Fourth Congressional District...

Maybe Salazar is not a Godfather in the traditional sense, but he makes offers you can't refuse.

No matter how subtly Salazar wields power, that's the Godfather's way.

Weld County's Wide Street's is predicting another Musgrave victory today:

[Sen. Ken] Salazar’s working hard behind the scenes (though Betsy will try to minimize this), and has now cleared the field for another CD-4 Democratic loss.

Gonzales resigns

Embattled Attorney General Alberto Gonzales resigned this morning. The resignation is a day late and a dollar short.

Applause to Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave for calling for Gonzales resignation months ago.

Musgrave getting some Greeley love

The Greeley Tribune has a great piece on the re-branding of Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave.

From the piece:

"I would say that I think Congresswoman Musgrave is a lot more visible than what she was given credit for even previous to 2007," said Dick Wadhams, chairman of the Colorado Republican Party. "I think she worked hard before this, but I also would concede that she does seem to be at least having more visible events in the district."

Both sides believe it's good for more constituents to hear Musgrave's beliefs, so more people will know where Musgrave stands -- a good thing to her staff, who believe most people in the region agree with her, and a good thing from the perspective of Democrats, who believe most people don't.

More:

While her beliefs have stayed consistent, her work with Democrats has been mostly friendly this year. She's appeared on more than one occasion with Udall, the U.S. representative and Democratic Senate candidate from a town outside that liberal bastion, Boulder. She has bucked other members of her party and joined with U.S. Rep. John Salazar, another Democrat, to oppose the U.S. Army's stalled plan to expand its training site in southern Colorado, inside Musgrave's district.

Musgrave said at a meeting last month that she's always worked well with Democrats; the media just never focused on it, so she took matters into her own hands. To that end, her staff started a newsletter in February called "Bi-Partisanship Works."

The e-newsletter, sent by Musgrave's communications director Aaron Johnson, highlights work she is doing with the other side. The first e-mail went out Feb. 9, and similar newsletters have followed about once a week.

One could argue, however, that many of her bipartisan actions are things that can hardly be called controversial. For instance, Musgrave recently joined the Congressional Bike Caucus.

Other bi-partisan actions have been more controversial, however. Musgrave caused a stir in the delegation with her opposition to the Army's plans to expand its training site at Piñon Canyon in southern Colorado, which led to nasty comments by U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado Springs, a friend of Musgrave's.

Even more obvious than the newsletter has been Musgrave's renewed focus on her constituents, which includes photo-ops like pumping gas and pouring coffee, but also attempts at substantive events like "listening sessions" on the local economy and the farm bill, among other topics.

Good for Musgrave for working hard to re-brand herself, while still sticking up for conservative values. These sort of news stories will go a long way toward Musgrave's upcoming re-election campaign.

Musgrave getting national assitance

A ColoradoPols reader has posted the full text of a fundraising letter sent on Musgrave's behalf by NRCC chairman Tom Cole.

Read the full post here.

The letter:

From the Desk of:

TOM COLE, M.C.
Chairman, NRCC

Dear,

I have exciting news.

I just spoke with Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave and she has agreed to run for reelection in 2008 and is already laying the groundwork for a successful reelection campaign.

I have committed to Marilyn that I will support her re-election this cycle.

Ensuring proven candidates like Marilyn run for re-election is critical as we lay the groundwork to retake the Majority in the United State Congress.

One of my key tasks as Chairman is to support great, established candidates like Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave early this election cycle -- to dissuade formidable opponents from challenging our incumbent Members -- and to give our candidates a financial advantage if a formidable challenger steps forward.

That’s why I am so eager to help Marilyn Musgrave right now.

Re-electing Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave is absolutely vital to retaking our Majority in the House.

Today I’m asking you to make a major financial commitment to her campaign by contributing $500, $250 or even just $100 as soon as possible.

I hope you will look back at what you’ve invested in the past to help elect Congresswoman Musgrave and go ahead and do so again this quarter if at all possible.

Congresswoman Musgrave is one of our hardest-working Members at all aspects of her job: legislative, campaign and fundraising. The Leadership knows we can count on Marilyn to reliably and steadfastly support open markets, low taxes, smaller government and the other hallmarks of GOP economic policy.

Marilyn was reelected with a 3% margin in one of the worst political environments for the GOP I have ever seen. And despite the millions of dollars spent against her by the radical 527s and the DCCC, Marilyn’s hard work, determination and commitment to Republican principles won out over the negative ads and misrepresentations she endured.

Considering all the factors – I consider Marilyn’s re-election last year a remarkable accomplishment.

And helping re-elect Marilyn to Congress again is one of my top priorities.

Marilyn needs all of our support and I am asking for you to contribute $500, $250, $100 or whatever possible to the Musgrave for Congress campaign.

Marilyn needs to show a strong cash position to ward off potential liberal, Democrat opponents. With your help, we can make sure she is in a strong financial position.

Thank you in advance for your support and participation in this important event.

Best regards,

Tom Cole, M.C.
Chairman, NRCC

Musgrave steams ahead

The Denver Post reports that Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave, R - Fort Morgan, has been cementing campaign chairmen across her district.

Joining Musgrave for Congress so far:

D.A. Ken Buck, Weld County

Former Senator Mark Hillman, Kit Carson

Senator Greg Brophy, SD-1 Yuma County

Rep. Cory Gardner, HD-63 Yuma County

Senator Steve Johnson, SD-15 Larimer County

Why Brandon Shaffer's "Poll" is bad

Liberal blogs Colorado Pols and Colorado Confidential are celebrating a poll that shows State Senator "Boulder Brandon" Shaffer (Liberal - Boulder County) leading Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave, (Great American - Fort Morgan) in Colorado's 4th Congressional District.

You can read the polling memo here.

There are a number of problems with this poll.

First of all, they're not releasing the poll's cross-tabs and methodology. For all we know they polled the people in Shaffer's living room.

Secondly, as silly as it sounds, I am sure there is a misunderstanding among the average Joe and Jane Six-Pack between Brandon and Bob Shaffer/Schaffer.

Lastly, it's May of 2007. No one really cares about the next election right now, and our same Joe and Jane Six-Pack on the eastern plains don't know just how liberal Boulder Brandon's voting record really is...

Brandon Shaffer is in for CO-4

According to the liberal Colorado Confidential State Senator Brandon Shaffer, D - Longmont, will make a run for Colorado's 4th congressional district.

Shaffer will face off against Angry Angie Paccione and Eric "Which Party Do I Belong To" Eidsness in the Dem primary.

They all want to run against conservative hero Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave, R - Fort Morgan.

From CC:

Shaffer visited Washington D.C. last week with his wife, Jessicca, and after returning to Colorado yesterday he made up his mind to run against Republican incumbent Marilyn Musgrave in 2008. Last week Democrat Angie Paccione filed paperwork to run again in 2008 (Paccione narrowly lost to Musgrave last fall), and Shaffer says that he plans to talk with her soon about trying to avoid a primary.

"Angie is a friend of mine," says Shaffer. "I would hope that she would put her personal ambitions aside to give us the best chance possible to see change in the fourth congressional district and to win that seat."

Marilyn on Main Street

The Fort Collins Coloradoan follows up on Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave's (R-CO4) new district outreach program, that I wrote about yesterday.

The Coloradoan's editors lay down their normally poison pens to comment favorably on Marilyn's walk down main street:

Musgrave has been criticized in the past, including on this page, for opting for scripted meetings with selected constituents rather than opting for genuine outreach efforts. Musgrave appears to have gotten the message and is to be commended for adopting a new approach, never an easy step for a politician.

"In order to do my job as a representative, I am recommitting myself to reaching out and listening more to individuals' concerns," Musgrave said in announcing her schedule for the week."I was recently reminded of a lesson I learned early on as an elected official.The most effective public servants aren't those who are quick to speak but those who commit to listening, and I want to do a better job listening to my constituents."

Whether you support Musgrave or not, you have a chance this week to engage her in respectful conversation. Northern Colorado residents should take advantage of the opportunity, which will encourage Musgrave to continue the practice during future congressional breaks.

Musgrave walks

Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave (R - CO4) is out walking Colorado's 4th Congressional District. Yesterday Musgrave was in Greeley, with walks in Loveland, Fort Collins and Estes Park still to come.

From the Greeley Tribune:

Monday morning's stroll was part of a week's worth of events around the 4th Congressional District, which Musgrave's staff dubbed, "Marilyn on Main Street."

The idea is to reach out to residents and business people who might be out and about in pedestrian areas of northern Colorado municipalities. Later this week, Musgrave will walk in Old Town in Fort Collins and similar areas in Loveland and Longmont.

Money Quote:

Larson, at the Ice Haus, compared Musgrave to a hockey player.

"I was thinking when they said you would be coming by, hockey players are tough -- but during your last campaign, wow! Hockey players got nothing on her," he said. "This is a tough lady." [Emphasis added]

[Eds. Note: Marilyn is a tough lady. She is a hero of Colorado's conservative movement, and an all around nice person.]

Initially I was pretty skeptical about the "Marilyn on Main Stream" program. However it seems to me that this program can only help her image, which has unfairly suffered under the unskilled pen of the Fort Collins Coloradoan and the Greeley Tribune.

PoliticalPaleHorse has a fine bio of Musgrave.

Wednesday's Warrior: Marilyn Musgrave

The Editorial Staff of the Colorado Conservative Project are pleased to announce that this weeks Wednesday Warrior is Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave. Congresswoman Musgrave has been the defender of conservative values that others have tried to emulate since being elected into the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002. A Reagan Republican if there ever was one, Marilyn truly cares about her constituents and has been a staunch defender of Veterans, lower taxes and agriculture while in office. Others have taken note of Marilyn’s leadership and in the last month she has received the Taxpayer’s Friend Award from the National Taxpayers Union, retained her position as Policy Chair of the Western Caucus and even convinced Democrat John Salazar to join with her in pushing for permanent repeal of the Death Tax.

The Congresswoman has vastly broadened her repertoire of legislative leadership since coming into Congress and has recently taken up the fight to promote renewable energy research and hybrid vehicle technology. While these issues are not generally associated with Republicans, we applaud Congresswoman Musgrave for reaching across the aisle in support of issues that should matter to all Americans regardless of political persuasion.

Thank you Congresswoman Musgrave for all you have done for the people of the 4th District as well as how you have influenced other Colorado Conservative heroes to take up the good fight.

(Editors note: We have received numerous emails as to why we had not featured Congresswoman Musgrave as our Wednesday Warrior earlier on, and we can only say sorry that it took us this long to recognize a true conservative hero like Musgrave.)

Musgrave Retains Policy Chair for Western Caucus

Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave (CO-4) will continue to serve as the Policy Chair for the Western Caucus.

Musgrave said she, "will continue to support our western and rural communities by backing development of renewable fuel technology that will move our country toward energy independence and provide a sustainable way of life. The west can play an important role in developing renewable energy resources and we can revitalize our rural communities by generating home grown fuel."

This is good news for Musgrave, who continues to raise her profile and influence as a member of Colorado's congressional delegation.

Read more in the Greeley Tribune or the Fort Collins Coloradoan.