Congressional Exodus and Colorado’s Political Reckoning

On December 14, 2023, Kim Monson explores the growing exodus of congressional Democrats with Epoch Times reporter Mark Tapscott and examines Colorado’s most consequential political battles of the year with policy analyst Pam Long, a former Army captain and West Point graduate.

The Best and Worst of Colorado Politics 2023

Start listening at 73:16 – Hour 2

Pam Long delivers a comprehensive assessment of Colorado’s political landscape in 2023. The former Army captain and West Point graduate awards the best legislative victory to Rocky Mountain Gun Owners for defeating the assault weapons ban, noting that five bills to restrict gun rights were introduced and four were signed into law by Governor Polis.

The worst state policy award goes to the fallout from 2020’s defund the police legislation. FBI data now ranks Colorado fourth highest nationally for combined property and violent crime rates, third for property crime, and eighth for violent crime. Denver specifically ranks third in property crime, fourth in motor vehicle theft, and 20th in violent crime compared to other U.S. cities.

Long awards best defense of TABOR to fiscal hawk Natalie Metten, whose articles educated voters on how local governments could reduce property taxes without Proposition HH. The worst attack on TABOR goes to Governor Polis and the deceptive language of SB 23-303, which attempted to steal TABOR refunds for generations. The special session cost taxpayers $96,000 for four days and delivered only 0.065% property tax relief.

Secretary of State Jenna Griswold earns worst elected official for her press tour promoting a lawsuit to remove President Trump from the 2024 ballot based on an incitement charge he has never been formally charged with. Long questions whether Griswold disqualified herself from supervising fair elections through her demonstrated bias.

The best grassroots support for public decency goes to Castle Rock, where 75 men wearing Stand Up for Children shirts blocked a Pride Fest stage after elected officials failed to act on community concerns. The town council subsequently updated decency codes for taxpayer-funded venues.

“Colorado as of 2022 has ranked fourth highest nationally for combined property and violent crime rates, according to the FBI data. Colorado ranks third in the nation for property crime rates and eighth in the nation for violent crime rates.”

Pam Long, Children’s Health Defense

Mortgage Rates Drop as Fed Signals 2024 Cuts

Start listening at 24:08 – Hour 1

Lorne Levy breaks down the Federal Reserve’s latest decision to hold rates steady and signals plans for three rate cuts in 2024. The mortgage specialist explains how the 10-year Treasury yield dropping below 4% has already pushed mortgage rates from their 8% peak down into the mid-6% range. Levy notes this creates immediate opportunities for homeowners with 7% or 8% mortgages to refinance, and for prospective buyers who were priced out of the market to reconsider their options.

Veterans and FHA borrowers have particularly attractive streamline refinancing options available, with rates now in the lower 6% range. Levy emphasizes the adage about marrying the home and dating the rate, suggesting now may be the time to act before rates potentially fall further.

“The mortgage market is loosely tied to the 10-year U.S. Treasury, which used to be at 0.5 when rates were in the 2.5s. It went all the way up across 5 when rates hit 8%. It broke back down under four yesterday.”

Lorne Levy, Polygon Financial Group

Democrats Abandon Ship as Biden’s Poll Numbers Sink

Start listening at 33:31 – Hour 1

Mark Tapscott reveals that 33 House Democrats have decided not to seek reelection in 2024, compared to only about a dozen Republicans. The veteran congressional reporter attributes this disparity to President Biden’s continually sinking poll numbers across all major surveys. Tapscott explains that Biden is losing support not just among independents in the middle but increasingly among members of his own party, particularly over Israel and Hamas.

The Epoch Times editor warns that the Democratic Party has been controlled by very liberal and left-wing elements for decades. As the federal government acquires more regulatory authority, the urge to tell citizens how to live becomes irresistible. Tapscott points to electric vehicle mandates as a prime example, arguing the push for EVs is less about the environment and more about government control.

On Hunter Biden, Tapscott describes the president’s son raising a middle finger to Congress by holding a press conference instead of appearing before the House Oversight Committee as subpoenaed. The real question underlying the Biden investigations centers on what foreign governments thought they were getting in return for the at least $24 million paid to the family through 20 shell companies.

“When we all have a gas-powered vehicle that we can get in and go wherever we want, whenever we want, that makes it much more difficult for the government to control us.”

Mark Tapscott, The Epoch Times

Housing Outlook as Buyers Return

Start listening at 64:16 – Hour 2

Karen Levine reports that the positive movement in interest rates is creating renewed optimism in the Colorado housing market. The RE/MAX realtor notes that 2023 was one of the most difficult markets since 1993, with transaction volumes down significantly due to affordability challenges.

With the Fed signaling no intention to raise rates further and an election year ahead, Levine’s industry experts predict rates will become more favorable as 2024 progresses. Sellers motivated to close before year-end are now more open to negotiation, creating opportunities for prepared buyers. Levine emphasizes that consumers buying or selling real estate only do so every 10 to 12 years on average, making professional guidance essential in navigating market conditions.

“Just a little positive downward movement in interest rates with the Fed holding steady about 30 days ago, six weeks ago, and again yesterday reporting they’re not intending to raise rates. That’s creating some optimism in the marketplace.”

Karen Levine, RE/MAX Realtor