News

The Western Slope Constitutional Patriots meet up once a month in Delta county at various locations.  The groups aligns themselves with the tea party movement and met with KVNF's Ali Lightfoot last April to talk discuss candidates, politics, ideas and the constitution. 
 

Former state Rep. Kathleen Curry of Gunnison, is running as an independent on the ballot for House District 61 this year.  The newly drawn House District 61 includes Summit, Lake,  Pitkin, Gunnison and Delta counties.  In this interview, Kathleen Curry talks about running as an unaffiliated candidate and the growing independent movement in the U.S.

This election season, some political opinions are being boldly expressed around the North Fork Valley. Yard signs read: “STOP THE WAR ON COAL—FIRE OBAMA.” Area coal miners demonstrated the same message on a rainy afternoon a few weeks ago. KVNF’s Ariana Brocious took a look at the economic realities behind the “war on coal” rhetoric.

October 30, 2012. With the election now only one week away, nearly a quarter of Colorado voters have already cast their ballots. Early in person voting ends on Friday. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Headlines:

• Early "In-person" Voting Ends Friday
• "War On Coal" - A West Slope Perspective
• Garfield County To Study Air Pollution Near Oil & Gas Ops
• Wildfire Update

Control of the Colorado statehouse is up for grabs this November and the balance of power could hinge on just a handful of races. Republicans currently have a one-seat advantage in the House of Representatives and are trying to hang on to their majority. Bente Birkeland has this profile on one of the more competitive races.

Headlines:

• Roatcap Fire Starter Arrested, Identified
• Governor Signs Disaster Declaration For Roatcap Fire
• Capitol Coverage: State House District 3 Race Profile
• House District 61 Race Profile
• Insurance Exec Indicted Over Delta Petroleum Insider Trading
• Hurricane Sandy Affecting DIA Flights

The town of Paonia lost more to employee fraud than first reported.

People on the streets of  Hotchkiss and Paonia weigh in on amendment 64 - a controversial measure on the ballot in Colorado.   Amendment 64 proposes to amend the Colorado Constitution to regulate marijuana like alcohol in the state.  It would allow those over the age of 21 to grow, process, and transport up to 6 marijuana plants with certain restrictions. It would allow the state to enact an excise tax on marijuana sales to be credited to an account for construction of public schools. And finally, it would require the state legislature to enact legislation concerning the growth, processing and sale of industrial hemp.

The presidential race is tightening and both candidates are making a final push in key swing states- including Colorado. More than 10 thousand people filled Red Rocks amphitheater Tuesday night to see Governor Mitt Romney and his running mate Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan. President Barack Obama is holding a rally in Denver today/Wednesday. Bente Birkeland has more from Lakewood.