Election Integrity Challenges and Energy Policy Under Attack

On November 10, 2022, just two days after the midterm elections, Kim Monson addressed the disappointing results for Colorado Republicans while finding encouragement in the national picture. Three guests offered insights on election integrity, energy policy, and the path forward for conservatives.

Election Integrity Symposium in Eastern Colorado

Start listening at 18:29 – Hour 1

Steve Brown, one of the organizers of the Phillips County Election Integrity Project, announced an upcoming symposium in Holyoke featuring speakers including Tina Peters, Dr. Douglas Frank, and Ron Hanks. Brown outlined three core goals for election reform: cleaning up voter rolls, eliminating voting machines in favor of counterfeit-proof paper ballots with voter ID, and returning to hand counts in small precincts. He emphasized that election integrity transcends partisan politics, calling for fair and transparent elections regardless of party affiliation.

“I would agree with her completely. And I tell everybody that our vote in America is much more important than convenience. I think that in the long run, we should see a national holiday where it’s easy for everyone to vote on one day and only have absentee ballots as necessary, but limited.”

Steve Brown, Phillips County Election Integrity Project

Energy Policy and the Assault on Fossil Fuels

Start listening at 33:45 – Hour 1

Bob Boswell, CEO of Laramie Energy, criticized the Biden administration’s continued assault on the oil and gas industry. Boswell noted that federal lease acreage has plummeted to 133,000 acres compared to 4 million under previous administrations. He reframed the climate debate by arguing that the goal should be eliminating poverty rather than achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050. The energy executive warned that limiting natural gas production threatens fertilizer supplies, with 70 percent of fertilizers derived from methane, potentially leading to food shortages.

Boswell expressed puzzlement over election results that seemed disconnected from voter sentiment, noting that 75 percent of polled voters believed the country was heading in the wrong direction. He connected poor energy policy to broader economic challenges including inflation, crime, and illegal immigration, all symptoms of misguided leadership.

“Our goal shouldn’t be zero carbon by 2050, it should be zero poverty. And unfortunately, this political rhetoric and trying to put fear and crisis in people’s mind weighs on them, particularly in front of an election.”

Bob Boswell, CEO, Laramie Energy

Colorado Election Laws and Republican Challenges

Start listening at 69:11 – Hour 2

Kevin Lundberg, former state senator and author of The Lundberg Report, provided extensive analysis of Colorado’s election landscape. He detailed how the state’s election laws have evolved over the past 20 years to create opportunities for those who would game the system. Lundberg explained that House Bill 1303 in 2013 converted approximately 300,000 inactive voters to active status while initiating the all-mail ballot system, resulting in ballots sent to people who likely no longer resided at those addresses.

The former senator discussed the impact of redistricting on his old Senate district, which was redrawn to include parts of Boulder County, fundamentally changing its political makeup. He criticized the open primary system as both ineffective and potentially unconstitutional, citing a 2000 U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding California’s similar system. Lundberg offered hope regarding the Lauren Boebert race, noting that the margin had shrunk to under 100 votes and would trigger an automatic recount.

“Those who are just trying to argue on which program is better than another program have missed the point. Go back to, you know, on Election Day, I sent out an email to folks on my list that simply quoted from the Declaration of Independence.”

Kevin Lundberg, Former State Senator, Author of The Lundberg Report