What Happens When the Middle Sits Out

By Warren Epstein, Citizens Project Board Member

So, we kicked the bums out.

Senators John Morse and Angela Giron got their walking papers, thanks to an unprecedented $200,000-plus special recall election (they're calling it "Colorado's total recall") that drew a sparse 20 percent of the electorate, a fraction of those who vote in regular elections.

This was mostly a symbolic victory, of course. The new pro-gun senators will face a still Democratic-controlled legislature, and it's unlikely they will be able to kill the offending gun bill that made Morse and Giron targets of the gun lobby.

Still, what's happened here is the birth of a new political weapon, one that can be wielded by both political parties. It's a tool tailor made for extremists on the left and right. Clearly, offending politicians don't have to break the law. They don't have to embroil themselves in scandal. They merely need to upset a fringe group.

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Upcoming General Election Events

The following events are scheduled for the upcoming general election. Check our website for more information as it becomes available.

Election Education Forums

District 2: October 15 at 5:30 pm, Harrison High School

District 49: October 16 at 5:30 pm, Vista Ridge High School

District 11: October 21 at 5:30 pm, Carnegie Room, Penrose Library

District 3: October 23 at 5:30 pm, Mesa Ridge High School

Get Out the Vote Events

Postcard Writing: October 10 at 5pm

Phone Banking: October 17 at 5 pm

Trick-or-Vote Canvassing Night: October 31 at 5 pm

Citizens Project Welcomes New Intern, Nichole 

Human Rights Campaign Is Hiring

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Global Engagement Program seeks an Associate Director. Click here for more information.

One Colorado Is Hiring

One Colorado is looking for a new Executive Director. Check here for more information.

Facilitator Training for Food for Thought

Food for Thought is a dialogue program of the Colorado Springs Diversity Forum which brings a diverse group of individuals together to discuss challenging topics. Groups of ten guided by trained co-facilitators meet five times in six months for dinner and conversation. CSDF is recruiting individuals who would like to serve as co-facilitators for this interesting, meaningful program.

Training is Sept 19th and 24th from 5:30-8:00 pm at COS Utilities Conservation and Environmental Center, 2855 Mesa Rd.  Learn basic facilitation skills that apply to small group dialogue and Food for Thought.

Contact Victoria Schwab for more information and registration.

 Voices United for Separation of Church and State - Concert

Saturday, September 28

7:00 pm

First Unitarian Society of Pueblo
110 South La Crosse Avenue, Pueblo, CO 81001

more information

4th Annual Walk In the Garden AIDS Walk

Saturday, September 28

 8:30am-1:00pm

Garden of the Gods Park, Colorado Springs

more information

English Dockside Hosts CP Fundraiser

Tuesday, October 1st

11 am -1 pm and 5 pm -8 pm

2220 Academy Place

Colorado Springs, CO 80909

more information 

School Board Election Education Forums

October 15, 16, 21, and 23

5 pm

Locations and more information here