Purplish

As Colorado's legislative session kicks off, the atmosphere is charged with excitement and challenges. Lawmakers navigate shifting traditions, revealing deep divisions, particularly within the Republican Party. Political theater takes center stage during election certification, spotlighting the fragile bipartisanship. Meanwhile, Democrats unveil ambitious legislation on voting rights and gun control, facing hurdles like budget constraints and potential bipartisan cooperation. Tensions simmer as some Democrats express dissatisfaction with the governor's address, reflecting a complex political landscape.

Colorado's General Assembly gavels in on Jan. 8 with one big issue hanging over its head: the state budget. With painful cuts looming, lawmakers have some hard choices to make. They'll also be navigating the start of the second Trump administration as "an island of blue in a sea of red."The new legislature also marks a new beginning for Purplish. Joining Bente Birkeland in the studio is KUNC state capital reporter Lucas Brady Woods. CPR and KUNC, along with the Colorado Sun and Rocky Mountain PBS, are partnering to form the Capitol News Alliance with the goal of deepening coverage of Colorado's lawmakers and state government. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Going forward you'll see Purplish in your podcast feed weekly, and encounter new voices and stories from the Alliance on the show.This episode of Purplish was edited by Jo Erickson and Megan Verlee and produced by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music was composed by Brad Turner.

Election night has come and gone, but when we went to the mics, there was still one race too close to call. Hosts Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim talk about what happened there, plus what the results in Lauren Boebert's districts -- old and new -- say about the future of Republican representation in the state. Plus, editor Megan Verlee joins to go through all the ballot measures (she couldn't stay away!) and news fellow Kiara DeMare takes us to the 'bittersweet and boozy' Democratic Party's party.This episode was produced by Shane Rumsey and edited by Jo Erickson and Megan Verlee.

On the eve of the election, hosts Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim discuss what they've heard from voters, volunteers and campaigns about the top races on Coloradans' ballots. From Pueblo County to Mesa and Weld, we look at how voters' feelings about the presidential race mirror, and diverge from some of the state's most consequential congressional contests.This episode was edited and produced by Jo Erickson, Shane Rumsey and Megan Verlee.

Kiara DeMare, a news fellow at CPR News, dives into the pressing concerns surrounding election integrity in Colorado. She discusses widespread anxieties over non-citizen voting and how these fears are often fueled by misinformation. The conversation unveils the robust safeguards in place, including bipartisan oversight and risk-limiting audits, designed to uphold transparency and trust. DeMare also emphasizes the importance of isolating voting systems from the Internet to thwart hacking risks, providing clarity on what truly ensures the integrity of elections.

Jenny Brindin, an education reporter for CPR News, shares her insights on Amendment 80, diving into the nuances of school choice and its implications for families. Dan Boyce, also from CPR News, discusses Proposition 127, which seeks to ban big cat hunting, highlighting the biodiversity and ethical concerns surrounding wildlife management. Together, they explore the broad spectrum of ballot measures, from property tax reforms to crime initiatives, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the vital issues at stake this election.

For this episode, we're doing something we never have before: recording the show in front of a live studio audience. Hosts Caitlyn Kim, Bente Birkeland and Megan Verlee discuss what's at stake for congress in the upcoming congressional races.Which party controls the U.S. House could have a lot to do with how voters in Colorado's newest district are feeling about their first term congresswoman, and her law-and-order challenger. Plus, Rep. Lauren Boebert's district-hopping gamble has scrambled the races in two of the state's Republican seats. And, what could a new congress hold for other members of the Colorado delegation?

Kent Theory, a multi-millionaire and former CEO of DeVita, is deeply involved in Colorado politics, advocating for the introduction of ranked choice voting through Proposition 131. He discusses how this reform could reshape elections by eliminating partisan primaries and promoting centrist candidates. The conversation dives into the motivations for these changes, potential impacts, and the challenges of educating voters about the new system. Theory also reflects on comparisons with other states, sparking debates around trust and accessibility in the electoral process.

Purplish is coming back to help you prepare for Colorado's 2024 election, including contentious congressional races and 14 statewide ballot measures.Tune in for the stories behind those initiatives, and to hear arguments for and against them. Also, why Coloradans will choose new representatives in all the congressional seats Republicans hold. Episodes start October 4.Plus, you can participate in the first Purplish live taping on October 8 in Denver. Get tickets here: cpr.org/purplishlive.

Our hosts discuss the big themes that emerged from Republican primary results and what they mean for the future of the party, and for the general election.