STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE

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2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE COLORADO ACU Presents 2012 State Legislative Ratings The American Conservative Union is taking our hightly touted Congressional Ratings program to State

Last year, we graded State Legislators in the critical battleground states of Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia. This year, we are expanding our ratings to fifteen states.

Since then, our ratings system has become the most important conservative measuring stick in American politics- the gold standard for voters seeking more information on their representatives records.

1 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE COLORADO ACU Presents 2012 State Legislative Ratings The American Conservative Union is taking our hightly touted Congressional Ratings program to State Legislatures for the second year in a row, grading members on their votes on key conservative issues. Last year, we graded State Legislators in the critical battleground states of Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia. This year, we are expanding our ratings to fifteen states. ACU first began rating members of Congress in Since then, our ratings system has become the most important conservative measuring stick in American politics- the gold standard for voters seeking more information on their representatives records. Table of Contents ACU Board Members A Letter From The Chairman How We Selected the Votes Conservative All-Stars CO House Vote Descriptions House Scores CO Senate Vote Descriptions Senate Scores This expansion of our Conservative Ratings program is part of Chairman Al Cardenas vision for building on successful ACU initiatives and taking the fight for conservative principles to the state and local levels. In the next five years, the ACU will bring our ratings to all fifty states- scoring every legislature in every state, every year. Historical Capitol Building, Denver, CO American Conservative Union 1331 H St. NW, Suite 500, Washington DC (202) conservative.org

2 ACU Board Members Al Cardenas (Chairman) Thomas S. Winter (First Vice Chairman) Donald Devine (Second Vice Chairman) Becky Norton Dunlop (Treasurer) Jameson G. Campaigne, Jr. (Secretary) Joe Bast Jeffrey Bell Morton C. Blackwell Ambassador John Bolton Floyd Brown Muriel Coleman Dr. Larry Eastland Paul Erickson Carly Fiorina Charlie Gerow Alan M. Gottlieb Van D. Hipp, Jr. Asa Hutchinson David A. Keene Suhail A. Khan James V. Lacy Michael R. Long Honorable Serphin Maltese Carolyn D. Meadows Cleta Mitchell Joseph A. Morris Grover G. Norquist Ron Robinson Allen Roth Matt Schlapp Fred L. Smith, Jr. Lewis K. Uhler Kirby Wilbur ACU Foundation Board Members Cleta Mitchell (Chairman) Van D. Hipp, Jr. (Treasurer) Carolyn Meadows (Secretary) Al Cardenas Millie Hallow Robert Luddy Thomas S. Winter 2

June 29, 2012 Dear Fellow Conservative, On behalf of our Board of Directors, I am pleased to present the American Conservative Union s 2012 State Legislative Ratings for members of the Colorado

Al Cardenas, ACU Chairman Since 1971, our Congressional ratings have become the gold standard in holding every member of Congress accountable for their voting record on the most important issues

I am pleased to report that this year we will score 15 states, and Colorado is the first.

2012 is a critical election year in the life of our nation and it is important, now more than ever, that Americans have the information to elect true conservatives into office.

3 June 29, 2012 Dear Fellow Conservative, On behalf of our Board of Directors, I am pleased to present the American Conservative Union s 2012 State Legislative Ratings for members of the Colorado General Assembly. Al Cardenas, ACU Chairman Since 1971, our Congressional ratings have become the gold standard in holding every member of Congress accountable for their voting record on the most important issues facing our nation. Last year we brought that same commitment to conservative ideals to the states, by rating members in five legislatures. I am pleased to report that this year we will score 15 states, and Colorado is the first. And, in the next five years our plan is to bring our ratings to all fifty states scoring every legislature in every state, every year is a critical election year in the life of our nation and it is important, now more than ever, that Americans have the information to elect true conservatives into office. Now approaching four years under the failed leadership of President Barack Obama, America needs decisive change to rein in reckless spending, restore our standing in the international community and return to the traditional values that made our nation so great. The liberal policies of the Obama administration have energized a national grassroots conservative movement, bringing change to state and local governments nationwide. Because of this, our 2012 State Legislative Ratings are vital for voters to make informed choices on the future of our nation, especially in battleground states. We are dedicated to supporting the efforts of courageous conservative leaders fighting for limited government, promoting prosperity and individual freedom, and defending traditional values. Standing by voters around the nation, ACU is leading the way to encourage and help the next generation of conservative leaders, beginning at the state level. Thank you for your continued support. I know that together we can ensure America s best days are still ahead. Sincerely, Al Cardenas Chairman, American Conservative Union 1331 H Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC Tel: (202) Fax: (202)

4 How We Selected the Votes 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE COLORADO As the nation s largest grassroots conservative organization, the American Conservative Union serves as an umbrella organization for conservatives in America. The ACU tracks a wide range of issues before Congress and State Legislatures to determine which issues and votes serve as a clear litmus test separating those legislators who defend liberty and liberal members who have turned their backs on our founding principles constitutionally limited government, individual liberty, free markets, a strong national defense and traditional values. Throughout the history of our Conservative Ratings program, the ACU has become the go-to source for determining whether an elected official s philosophical rhetoric matches his or her record. ACU s mission in the expansion of this program is informing grassroots conservatives and the public in an unbiased, transparent manner on where individual members of their State Legislature fall on the ideological spectrum. Conservative All-Stars of the Colorado General Assembly Defenders of Liberty ACU Defenders of Liberty are those members of the Colorado General Assembly who scored 100 percent on the ACU 2012 State Legislative Ratings. Colorado Senate: Bill Cadman Kevin Grantham Ted Harvey Kent Lambert Kevin Lundberg Shawn Mitchell Tim Neville Scott Renfroe Colorado House of Representatives: Cindy Acree David G. Balmer Mark Barker Randy Baumgardner Don Beezley Brian DelGrosso Bob Gardner Janak Joshi Marsha Looper Carole Murray Amy Stephens Spencer Swalm Libby Szabo Mark Waller 4

5 ACU Conservatives ACU Conservatives are those members of the Colorado General Assembly who scored 80 percent or higher on the ACU 2012 State Legislative Ratings. Colorado Senate: Greg Brophy Keith King Steve King Ellen Roberts Mark Scheffel Nancy Spence Jean White Colorado House of Representatives Jon Becker Laura Bradford J. Paul Brown Kathleen Conti Don Coram Cheri Gerou Chris Holbert James Kerr Larry Liston Frank McNulty B.J. Nikkel Kevin Priola Robert Ramirez Ray Scott Jerry Sonnenberg Ken Summers Keith Swerdfeger Glenn Vaad True Liberals of the Centennial State True Liberals of the Centennial State are those members of the Colorado General Assembly who scored 0 percent on the ACU State Legislative Rankings. Colorado Senate: Colorado House of Representatives Irene Aguilar Bob Bacon Morgan Carroll Angela Giron Rollie Heath Evie Hudak John Morse Jeanne Nicholson Lois Court Crisanta Duran Mark Ferrandino Rhonda Fields Randy Fischer Dickey Lee Hullinghorst John Kefalas Jeanne Labuda Beth McCann Dan Pabon Su Ryden Sue Schafer Nancy Todd Angela Williams 5

6 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE COLORADO Colorado House of Representatives Vote Descriptions 1. H. B State Agency Rules. This bill requires state agencies to conduct a regulatory analysis for every proposed rule and requires the analysis include information on the effect of the rule on jobs in Colorado. ACU supports increased transparency in rulemaking and supports this bill. The bill passed the Colorado House on February 12, 2012 by a vote of H.B Second Amendment Rights. This bill protects the right to lawfully own or carry a firearm in a state of emergency except under specific, declared circumstances. ACU supports this protection of Second Amendment Rights and supports this bill. The bill passed the Colorado House on February 20, 2012 by a vote of H.B Spending Limitation. This bill limits the annual increase in total state general fund appropriations to 6% over the appropriations for the previous year. Half of any surplus each year would go into a newly created rainy day fund for use during economic downturns. ACU supports these types of spending caps and prudent use of surplus funds and supports this bill. The bill passed the Colorado House on April 24, 2012 by a vote of H.B Extending Castle Doctrine to Businesses. This bill extends the right to use deadly force against an intruder to business owners and employees. ACU supports the Castle Doctrine and supports this bill. The bill passed the Colorado House on February 13, 2012 by a vote of H.B State Emissions Inspection. This bill allows local governments to opt-out of enhanced auto inspection and emissions regulations if the county does not violate national air quality standards. ACU opposes one size fits all regulations and supports this bill. The bill passed the Colorado House on March 20, 2012 by a vote of H.B Voter ID. This bill requires a photo ID for the purposes of voting. ACU supports protecting the integrity of the electoral process and supports this bill. The bill passed the Colorado House on March 20, 2012 by a vote of H.B Collective Bargaining. This bill ensures that collective bargaining negotiations between school authorities and union representatives are open to the public. Executive sessions would be allowed when there are no union representatives present. ACU supports these efforts toward transparency in government and supports this bill. The bill passed the Colorado House on March 20, 2012 by a vote of H.B Parental rights. This bill allows parents to petition the State Board of Education to intervene in schools that have failed to meet improvement standards for two consecutive years. ACU supports this increase in parental rights and supports this bill. The bill passed the Colorado House on March 1, 2012 by a vote of

7 9. H.B Energy mandates. This bill adds methane gas captured from active and inactive coal mines to the definition of biomass in order to meet renewable energy mandates. ACU opposes energy mandates and supports this bill which would help keep energy costs from rising under the mandates. The bill passed the Colorado House on February 28, 2012 by a vote of H.B Carbon Tax. This bill would eliminate the inclusion of a federal carbon tax in the state Public Utility Commission s rate modeling until and unless an actual carbon tax is enacted by the federal government. ACU supports this elimination of the so-called phantom carbon tax and supports this bill. The bill passed the Colorado House on February 29, 2012 by a vote of H.B Entertainment Production Subsidies. This bill would double the existing subsidies and add a loan guarantee program to benefit film production, music videos and video game companies. ACU opposes these taxpayer subsidies and opposes this bill. Nevertheless, this bill passed the Colorado House on April 12, 2012 by a vote of H.B Union Dues Payroll Deduction. This bill allows public school employees to decided whether union dues will or will not be deducted from their paychecks and allows employees to join or terminate their union membership at any time. ACU supports this expansion of worker rights and supports this bill. The bill passed the Colorado House on May 1, 2012 by a vote of S.B. 68 Food Mandates. This bill prohibits the inclusion of industrially produced trans fats in foods made available on school grounds. ACU opposes these arbitrary government mandates and opposes this bill. Nevertheless, this bill passed the Colorado House on May 9, 2012 by a vote of

8 COLORADO 2012 HOUSE VOTES Bill HB 1007 HB 1064 HB 1075 HB 1088 HB 1103 HB 1111 HB 1118 HB 1149 HB 1160 HB 1172 HB 1286 HB 1333 SB 068 ACU + / - ACU % Representative Name District Party ACREE 40 R /13 100% BALMER 39 R /13 100% BARKER 17 R /13 100% BAUMGARDNER 57 R /13 100% BECKER 63 R /13 85% BEEZLEY 33 R /13 100% BRADFORD 55 R E /12 92% BROWN 59 R /13 92% Casso 32 D E /12 17% CONTI 38 R /13 92% CORAM 58 R /13 92% Court 6 D /13 0% DELGROSSO 51 R /13 100% Duran 5 D /13 0% Ferrandino 2 D /13 0% Fields 42 D /13 0% Fischer 53 D /13 0% GARDNER B. 21 R /13 100% GEROU 25 R /13 85% Hamner 56 D /13 8% HOLBERT 44 R /13 92% Hullinghorst 10 D /13 0% Jones 12 D /13 15% JOSHI 14 R /13 100% Kagan 3 D /13 8% Kefalas 52 D /13 0% Kerr A. 26 D E E /11 9% KERR J. 28 R E /12 92% Labuda 1 D /13 0% Lee 18 D /13 15% Levy 13 D /13 8% LISTON 16 R /13 92% X = Did not vote.; E= Excused Absence 8

9 COLORDO 2012 HOUSE VOTES Bill HB 1007 HB 1064 HB 1075 HB 1088 HB 1103 HB 1111 HB 1118 HB 1149 HB 1160 HB 1172 HB 1286 HB 1333 SB 068 ACU + / - ACU % Representative Name District Party LOOPER 19 R /13 100% MASSEY 60 R /13 77% McCann 8 D - E /11 0% McKinley 64 D /13 69% MCNULTY 43 R /13 92% Miklosi 9 D E E E E /9 11% MURRAY 45 R /13 100% NIKKEL 49 R /13 85% Pabon 4 D /13 0% Pace 46 D /13 23% Peniston 35 D /13 8% PRIOLA 30 R E /12 92% RAMIREZ 29 R /13 92% Ryden 36 D /13 0% Schafer S. 24 D - - E /12 0% SCOTT 54 R /13 92% Singer 11 D /13 8% Solano 31 D /13 8% SONNENBERG 65 R /13 92% Soper 34 D /13 15% STEPHENS 20 R /13 100% SUMMERS 22 R /13 85% SWALM 37 R /13 100% SWERDFEGER 47 R /13 92% SZABO 27 R /13 100% Todd 41 D /13 0% Tyler 23 D /13 8% VAAD 48 R /13 92% Vigil 62 D /13 23% WALLER 15 R /13 100% Williams A. 7 D E E /11 0% Wilson 61 D /13 8% Young 50 D /13 31% X = Did not vote.; E= Excused Absence 9

10 Colorado Senate Vote Descriptions 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE COLORADO 1. S.B. 1 Contracting Preferences. This bill sets up preferences for government contracts to contractors who certify that 90% of their employees are Colorado residents and are offered health insurance and retirement benefits regardless of the cost. ACU opposes these arbitrary requirements that drive up the cost of government to taxpayers and opposes this bill. The bill passed the Colorado Senate on April 11, 2012 by a vote of S.B. 3 Employer Mandates. This bill prohibits employers from using consumer credit information as part of their hiring decisions. ACU opposes this type of government interference in the marketplace and opposes this bill. The bill passed the Colorado Senate on February 21, 2012 by a vote of S.B. 4 State Purchase Requirements. This bill requires state agencies to give purchasing preferences to companies that certify they will try to use materials manufactured in the United States even if they cost up to 5% more. ACU opposes these arbitrary preferences that drive up the cost of government to taxpayers and opposes this bill. The bill passed the Colorado Senate on April 16, 2012 by a vote of S.B. 68 Food Mandates. This bill prohibits the inclusion of industrially produced trans fats in foods made available on school grounds. ACU opposes these arbitrary government mandates and opposes this bill. The bill passed the Colorado Senate on April 10, 2012 by a vote of S.B. 86 Cost of Regulations. This bill sets up a legislatively appointed task force to study the cost of compliance with state regulations by Colorado businesses. The cost of the task force will be funded by private donations. ACU supports this first step toward easing the regulatory burden on the private sector and supports the unique funding mechanism for the task force. The bill passed the Colorado Senate on May 2, 2012 by a vote of S.B. 93 Religious Freedom. This bill would require the state public health department to set up rules requiring hospitals to inform patients of their right to obtain services at another hospital (such as abortions) that hospital does not provide because of religious beliefs. ACU opposes this government mandate and opposes this bill. The bill passed the Colorado Senate on March 16, 2012 by a vote of S.B. 109 Voting Integrity. This bill would take any voter whose registration record has been marked Inactive-failed to vote and change their status to an active elector. ACU supports efforts to clean the voter lists each election cycle and opposes this bill which would undermine those efforts. The bill passed the Colorado Senate by a vote of

11 8. S.B. 143 Government Data Collection. This bill would direct the state to create an electronic database of local businesses in Colorado and charge a fee for being included in the database ACU does not believe this is a proper function of government and opposes this bill. The bill passed the Colorado Senate on March 5, 2012 by a vote of S.B. 147 Voting Integrity. This bill would make a felony the act of intentionally communicating false information regarding election procedures or voter eligibility. ACU opposes this obvious attempt to intimidate citizens from challenging voting procedures and opposes this bill. The bill passed the Colorado Senate on February 23, 2012 by a vote of S.B. S-003 Socially Responsible Corporations. This bill would set up a new category of corporation called a Benefit Corporation that would, in the opinion of the government, act to benefit the public. ACU opposes this type of government intrusion in the marketplace to decide these issues and opposes this bill. The bill passed the Colorado Senate on May 15, 2012 by a vote of H.B Entertainment Production Subsidies. This bill would double the existing subsidies and add a loan guarantee program to benefit film production, music videos and video game companies. ACU opposes these taxpayer subsidies and opposes this bill. The bill passed the Colorado Senate on May 9, 2012 by a vote of

12 COLORADO 2012 SENATE VOTES ; = Bill SB 001 SB 003 SB 004 SB 068 SB 086 SB 093 SB 109 SB 143 SB 147 SB S003 HB 1286 ACU + / - ACU % Senator Name District Party Aguilar 32 D /11 0% Bacon 14 D /11 0% Boyd 21 D /11 9% BROPHY 1 R /11 91% CADMAN 10 R /11 100% Carroll 29 D /11 0% Foster 35 D /11 9% Giron 3 D /11 0% GRANTHAM 2 R /11 100% Guzman 34 D /11 9% HARVEY 30 R /11 100% Heath 18 D /11 0% Hodge 25 D /11 9% Hudak 19 D /11 0% Jahn 20 D /11 36% Johnston 33 D /11 9% KING K. 12 R /11 91% KING S. 7 R /11 82% LAMBERT 9 R /11 100% LUNDBERG 15 R /11 100% MITCHELL 23 R E E /9 100% Morse 11 D /11 0% NEVILLE 22 R /11 100% Newell 26 D /11 9% Nicholson 16 D /11 0% RENFROE 13 R E /10 100% ROBERTS 6 R /11 82% SCHEFFEL 4 R /11 91% Schwartz 5 D /10 20% Shaffer 17 D /11 9% SPENCE 27 R A - 9/10 90% X = Did not vote.; E= Excused Absence; NR=Not Rated Due to Missing Votes; * = ACU Conservative award due to missed votes 12

13 COLORADO 2012 SENATE VOTES Bill SB 001 SB 003 SB 004 SB 068 SB 086 SB 093 SB 109 SB 143 SB 147 SB S003 HB 1286 ACU + / - ACU % Senator Name District Party Steadman 31 D /11 9% Tochtrop 24 D /11 9% WHITE 8 R /11 82% Williams S. 28 D /11 9% X = Did not vote.; E= Excused Absence; A=Absent 13

MOBILIZING THE MOUNTAIN WEST REGISTER ONLINE:

org INVITED SPEAKERS INCLUDE: JOHN BARRASSO JAN

is proud to a project of present CPAC Colorado,

at the Crowne Plaza Denver International Airport.

America directly to an important battleground

the American people in Denver the night President

Denver will also be the site of the first

CPAC Colorado the President s failed leadership

AL CARDENAS DOUG LAMBORN HUGH HEWITT MICHELLE

will bring national and regional conservative

full day of blockbuster speeches, grassroots

celebrating our founding principles of limited

Crowne Plaza Denver International Airport, 15500 E.

$129/night SARAH PALIN DENNY REHBERG MITT ROMNEY

I WANT TO ATTEND THE CPAC COLORADO CONFERENCE.

REGISTRATION OPTIONS: GENERAL REGISTRATION - $50

onsite) Valid Student ID Required at Check In VIP

include a one year complimentary ACU membership.

15 MOBILIZING THE MOUNTAIN WEST REGISTER ONLINE: conservative.org INVITED SPEAKERS INCLUDE: JOHN BARRASSO JAN BREWER GLENN BECK The American Conservative Union is proud to a project of present CPAC Colorado, held on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza Denver International Airport. CPAC Colorado takes the fight for the future of America directly to an important battleground state, and the site of the broken promises made to the American people in Denver the night President Obama accepted his party s nomination in Denver will also be the site of the first Presidential debate, where -- the night before CPAC Colorado the President s failed leadership will be on full display. AL CARDENAS DOUG LAMBORN HUGH HEWITT MICHELLE MALKIN RAÚL LABRADOR JOHN MCCAIN CPAC Colorado will bring national and regional conservative leaders and grassroots activists together for a full day of blockbuster speeches, grassroots activist training and network opportunities all celebrating our founding principles of limited government, a strong national defense and traditional values. KEVIN MCCARTHY MICHAEL MEDVED PEGGY NOONAN VENUE: Crowne Plaza Denver International Airport, E. 40th Avenue, Denver CO Discounted Room Rate: $129/night SARAH PALIN DENNY REHBERG MITT ROMNEY REGISTER: Online at conservative.org or mail form below YES! I WANT TO ATTEND THE CPAC COLORADO CONFERENCE. ENCLOSED IS MY REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT: REGISTRATION OPTIONS: GENERAL REGISTRATION - $50 ($75 onsite) STUDENT REGISTRATION - $25 ($35 onsite) Valid Student ID Required at Check In VIP - $200 Includes VIP ticket with priority seating, VIP reception and VIP express check-in. *For non-acu members, ticket purchase(s) will include a one year complimentary ACU membership. a project of NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: ST: ZIP: *CELL PHONE: PAY BY CREDIT CARD: CARD # EXP. SEC. CODE NAME ON CARD: MAKE CHECK PAYABLE & MAIL TO: CPAC COLORADO 1331 H Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC (202) SIGNATURE:

16 The American Conservative Union The American Conservative Union (ACU) is America s oldest and largest grassroots conservative organization. Founded in 1964, ACU represents the views of Americans who are concerned with economic growth through lower taxes and reduced government spending and the issues of liberty, personal responsibility, traditional values, and national security. As America s conservative voice, ACU is the leading entity in providing conservative positions on issues to Congress, White House Administration Officials, State Governments, the media, political candidates and the public. The ACU s marquee initiatives include the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) and the annual Ratings of Congress guide. Under the leadership of ACU Chairman Al Cardenas, the organization remains the standard bearer of conservatism in America. Chairman Cardenas is dedicated to growing the national conservative movement through the expansion of ACU programs, unprecedented outreach and advocacy especially to young, emerging activists and an extended reach into local and state issues. Among these inaugural efforts are the expansion of conservative rating to State Legislatures and a first-ever series of regional CPAC s in states across the country, building on the legacy of the annual national CPAC event in our Nation s Capital. For more information on the American Conservative Union, please visit our website at Contact Us 1331 H Street, NW, Suite 500 Washington, DC Phone: (202) conservative.org

COLORADO STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE

COLORADO STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE 2013 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE COLORADO The American Conservative Union is taking our highly touted Congressional Ratings program to State Legislatures for the third year in a row, grading members