The Republican Liberty Caucus of Colorado (RLCC) – which considers itself “the conscious of the Colorado GOP” – just released the first edition of its “liberty scorecards.”
The organization evaluated members of the Colorado General Assembly based on their fealty to the “conservative principles of individual liberty, free markets and limited government.”
The 2019 legislative session featured dozens of proposals, but the RLCC narrowed their analysis to 72 bills it perceives to have biggest impact on its primary areas of concern.
This included opposition to bills aimed at reducing insulin prices, allowing local regulation of nicotine products and expanding school lunch protections.
Three members of the state house – Rep. Stephen Humphrey (R-Severance), Patrick Neville (R-Castle Rock) and Rep. Lori Saine (R-Dacono) – received A’s.
Tim Neville – the former state senator and father of the aforementioned younger Neville – served on the committee which evaluated the lawmakers.
In January, Denver Westword labelled Saine — who’s known for her caustic, controversial statements — “Colorado’s nastiest yet most clueless politician.”
The highest grade for a state senator – a mere B – went to Sen. Vicki Marble (R-Weld County) while every single Democrat received an outright F.
“Our standards are quite high, so a passing grade,” of a D or higher – the organization’s website says – “reflects at least a nodding acquaintance with the Constitution.”
The RLCC opposed the overwhelming majority of the 72 bills it deemed most important.
Of the ten bills the RLCC has decided to support, almost half pertain to legal marijuana – something the group has really gotten behind.
They’d like to see medical marijuana regulations loosened for those with severe pain and autism.
Additionally, they support the legalization of marijuana delivery and got behind a bill to create more flexibility for investors in the state’s cannabis industry.
It seems that in the more libertarian, free market-oriented ranks of Colorado’s Republican establishment, the green rush has gone over well.
