Speaker of the House Vote and the Best and Worst of Colorado Politics 2022

On January 2, 2023, Kim Monson welcomes the new year with two guests examining political challenges at both the national and state levels. Wade Miller of Citizens for Renewing America discusses the critical Speaker of the House vote and why conservatives are demanding paradigm-shifting leadership. Pam Long presents her annual review of the best and worst of Colorado politics in 2022.

The Speaker Vote and the Uniparty Problem

Start listening at 30:42 – Hour 1

In this segment, Wade Miller, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Citizens for Renewing America, provides analysis on the upcoming Speaker of the House vote. Miller explains why Kevin McCarthy does not have the votes needed and why conservatives are holding out for meaningful concessions.

“Conservatives are holding out and they want a paradigm shifting speaker, someone who recognizes the late hour that it is in America and the problems that we face, not just fiscally, but culturally, and who are willing to take on the tough battles and to actually do what is necessary to change the trajectory of this country.”

– Wade Miller, Executive Director, Citizens for Renewing America

Miller introduces the term “uniparty” to describe Republicans who say what they need to get elected but then team up with Democrats to push a Democrat-wide agenda. He emphasizes that the fight against progressive policies requires a new approach that goes beyond traditional conservative battles over taxes and spending to address cultural and institutional problems.

The Best and Worst of Colorado Politics 2022

Start listening at 72:23 – Hour 2

Pam Long, West Point graduate and former Army Medical Service Corps captain, presents her annual review of Colorado politics. Long highlights how State Senator Kevin Priola finally declared himself a Democrat after voting with Democrats since 2014, and examines the healthcare worker shortage created by vaccine mandates.

“We have a shortage of 10,000 health care workers in Colorado. And when that impacts your health care, you know who to blame.”

– Pam Long, West Point Graduate and Army Veteran

Long declares “gaslighting” as the word of the year, noting how Denver Mayor Hancock blamed the pandemic rather than his defund-the-police policies for the city’s crime problems. She praises Douglas County’s reintegration program as the best use of public funds, while criticizing Child Protective Services for false accusations that have led to a class action lawsuit.

Lauren Boebert and the Grassroots Movement

Start listening at 41:40 – Hour 1

Wade Miller defends Representative Lauren Boebert against establishment Republican criticism, noting that she represents exactly what the party needs: parents who see what’s going on and step up to make change. Kim and Miller discuss how Republican consultants and the uniparty have undermined conservative candidates while padding their own pockets.