NOTE: Due to staff and budget limitations, beginning December 2005 we will no longer be making transcripts of Western Skies available. Transcripts of previous editions remain available online.

Show Summary – Western Skies #154– October 12, 2006

RACE FOR HEFLEY'S SEAT SUDDENLY COMPETITIVE
Suddenly, the U.S. House race that conventional wisdom said was a foregone conclusion has turned into a real contest. This week a poll commissioned by the Denver Post showed Democrat Jay Fawcett tied with Republican Doug Lamborn in the contest for House District 5. A Democrat has never won the district since it was created in 1972. We hear from Colorado College Political Science Professor Bob Loevey and Colorado Springs City Councilman Scott Hente, a Republican who is endorsing Fawcett.[LISTEN]

"527" MONEY SURGES IN COLORADO
Spending by so-called 527 committees has skyrocketed in Colorado this election cycle. It's six times higher than the last election according to a new study from the Center for Responsive politics, a nonpartisan group that tracks money in politics. Bente Birkeland spoke with Massie Ritsch with the Center for Public Integrity to find out how 527s operate and how the groups are affecting Colorado's campaigns. [LISTEN]

COLORADO'S MINIMUM WAGE BALLOT ISSUE
One of the most hotly contested of the 14 state ballot measures voters will face this November is one that would amend Colorado's constitution to raise the minimum wage, and to provide for future raises based on the cost of living. KUNC's Brian Larson reports. [LISTEN]

COLORADO'S BALLOT MEASURE TO REFORM LOBBYING
Many lobbyists and legislators say a proposed constitutional amendment to clean up state government is overreaching and unnecessary. But proponents say the state needs to crack down on inappropriate influences. The amendment is one of 14 ballot questions voters will see this fall. It bans gifts from lobbyists to lawmakers and sets strict limits on gifts to government workers. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver. [LISTEN]

DENVER'S PIT BULL BAN DUMPS DOGS NEAR COLORADO SPRINGS
Sometimes the people we vote for, upon getting elected, appear to be someone completely different. And when new legislation, initiatives and referenda pass, they all result in the same law - the law of unintended consequences. An example are the laws passed by Denver and other municipalities in the area banning a specific breed of dog, the pit bull - the unintended consequence is that many of the outlawed dogs are ending up in and around Colorado Springs. Eric Mack reports [LISTEN]

COMMENTARY: DRIVE-BY CAMPAIGN LITERATURE
Andy Lyons reviews attempts to get the attention of voters behind the wheel. [LISTEN]

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