News

Colo Launches Registration Program For Teen Voters

STEVEN K. PAULSON, Associated Press Writer

Buescher asks voters in hometown for help

Grand Junction Daily Sentinel - Gary Harmon

Colorado Secretary of State Bernie Buescher told hometown Democrats on Saturday he’ll need their help to keep his job.

Buescher, a Grand Junction native, is running for election to the post to which he was appointed when his predecessor was elected to Congress. He spoke during the Democrats’ assembly in the Central High School auditorium.

“I have been fortunate to be in places where big issues have been placed before me,” Buescher said.

Colorado secretary of state says finance laws need to be fixed in wake of Supreme Court ruling

CB Online - Steven K. Paulson

DENVER - Colorado Secretary of State Bernie Buescher said Wednesday state lawmakers must fix several state laws on campaign finance because of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling backed by the Colorado Supreme Court.

Gov. Bill Ritter asked the Colorado high court to weigh in after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled businesses and unions should be allowed to directly spend unlimited amounts of money to produce and run their own ads for campaigns.

Panel OKs unaffiliated candidate bill

Durango Herald - Joe Hanel

Secretary of State Bernie Buescher gave a push Monday to a bill that helps future unaffiliated candidates.

His support helped House Bill 1271 pass the House Judiciary Committee 11-0.

La Plata County Commissioner Joelle Riddle testified for the bill Friday. But in its current form, the bill would not help Riddle or the bill's sponsor, Rep. Kathleen Curry, an unaffiliated lawmaker from Gunnison.

Colorado Municipal League holds essay contest for seventh-graders

DENVER — The Colorado Municipal League (CML) has launched the third annual “If I Were Mayor…” essay contest, sponsored by ColoTrust.

This year's honorary contest chair is Colorado Secretary of State Bernie Buescher.

“Although 2008 was a banner year for engaging young voters, only half of Colorado's 18- to 24-year-olds actually cast a ballot,” Buescher said. “We can do better. Keeping young people involved and engaged in civics through efforts such as CML's contest will help familiarize and prepare these future voters to actively participate in their government.” 

Buescher teams with Sen. Morse to return $1.5 million in overpayments

Denver, Colorado – Today, Secretary of State Bernie Buescher joined state Senator John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) to announce legislation aimed at allowing Buescher to return more than $1.5 million to thousands of individuals and businesses. The returned overpayments go as high as $2,500.

Ritter asks Supreme Court for clarification on campaign finance laws

The Colorado Statesman - Anthony Bowe

The Colorado Supreme Court will begin accepting opening briefs from interested parties on March 8 regarding state campaign laws thought to be invalidated by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last month.

The Court’s response came a day after Gov. Bill Ritter submitted a set of questions seeking clarification on independent expenditure and electioneering laws.