Poll: Who Will Win the HD-9 Primary?

by: Denver Pols

Tue Jan 24, 2012 at 13:23:00 PM MST

It's created an interesting dichotomy: the "establishment" candidate is the one without a title in front of his name while the previously elected candidate has been all but discounted entirely. Still, McMullen has previously been on the ballot and won, a distinction Rosenthal has yet to enjoy.

With the June 26 primary fast approaching, we want to know: who do you think will be the Democratic nominee in HD-9?

As always, we want to know what you think will happen, not your preference. If you had to bet everything you owned, who would you pick between Paul Rosenthal and Bill McMullen?

Greener Pastures for Wil Alston

by: Denver Pols

Tue Jan 24, 2012 at 09:37:00 AM MST

That's the latest word from the Denver newspaper, at least. Alston will instead handle communications in a newly created position at the Denver Department of Finance under the leadership of Denver's CFO Cary Kennedy.

Alston told the Denver paper that he wanted to "do something with a more strategic focus" - whatever that means.

We doubt that Alston will have half the strategic impact in the Department of Finance as he did in the Mayor's office. But it's because his new title will have fewer responsibilities that we suspect Alston is ultimately taking the cut in influence and pay.

Alston made several critical mistakes in shepherding the Mayor's underlying communications strategy, ranging from rumored clashes with Evan Dreyer to the much maligned (and immediately reversed) decision to ban recording devices from background briefings. Not to mention the implementation of a communications strategy designed to garner Hancock a national profile.

These mistakes made it clear that Alston wasn't prepared to handle communications for what is arguably the most high-profile elected position in Colorado. Whether Alston, Hancock, or Chief-of-Staff Janice Sinden came to that realization is immaterial - Alston was in over his head.

That Alston is instead landing in a newly-created (and still relatively well-paid) position somewhere else in city government is testament to the strong relationship he has with Hancock. If Alston wasn't stepping down either on his own accord or on the best of terms, we doubt he'd have had a position created especially for him. That's not to say friendship blurred Hancock's vision: Alston's a talented communicator and even if he lacked the leadership to run an entire communications shop on his own, he'll likely still be incredibly valuable as an advisor.

A search for a new communications director is underway. It'll be interesting to see whether Alston's successor will also be Alston's boss - all communications coming from the Department of Finance, we presume, will likely be crafted in part by the Mayor's office.

Until then, hopefully Alston will work to make sure Hancock's economic policy initiatives sound a little less like investor brochures.  

UFCW Local 9 Endorses Rosenthal in HD-9

by: Denver Pols

Fri Jan 13, 2012 at 15:01:00 PM MST

Perhaps it's because Rosenthal's courted (and received) so many endorsements that today's news doesn't come as a surprise:

UNITED FOOD & COMMERCIAL WORKERS LOCAL 7 ENDORSES

PAUL ROSENTHAL FOR COLORADO HOUSE DISTRICT 9

Rosenthal also raises $14,100 to Date

DENVER, January 12, 2012 - Paul Rosenthal, Democratic candidate for Colorado House District 9, has received the endorsement of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7.  UFCW Local 7 represents 24,000 members in Colorado and Wyoming in supermarkets, packing houses, food processing plants, barbers and cosmetologists, and healthcare facilities.

"We're committed to rebuilding the middle class in Colorado, and Paul has shown the leadership and commitment to get that done.  He'll be a champion for UFCW members and working families throughout the state of Colorado," said Debbie Olander, Political Liaison for UFCW Local 7.

In addition to UFCW, Rosenthal has received the endorsements of the Former Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff and over 150 precinct committee people and neighborhood activists within his district.  Elected officials endorsing Rosenthal include Rep. Joe Miklosi, Sen. Joyce Foster, Sen. Pat Steadman, Rep. Mark Ferrandino, Rep. Dan Pabon, Rep. Lois Court, and Denver Auditor Dennis Gallagher.  A more extensive list can be found on Rosenthal's website.

"UFCW Local 7 is a leading voice in fighting for struggling middle income and working people in our community, and I am honored to receive their endorsement and support in my race," stated Rosenthal.

Rosenthal, who has prioritized education and putting Coloradoan's to work by investing in our infrastructure, small businesses, and schools added, "As I knock on doors and talk to our neighbors in Southeast Denver, they tell me they want someone who can work with others to get things done, and I'm that person.  As a teacher, I am committed to making sure we have an economy that works and provides a bright future for all Coloradoans."

Rosenthal will file with the Secretary of State that he raised a total of $14,100 in 2011.  He has about $10,000 cash on hand.  "I'm very proud of the tremendous support from people in SE Denver, who have funded much of my campaign," Rosenthal said.

Rosenthal, who lost a primary challenge to Miklosi in 2008, faces a challenger of his own: RTD Director Bill McMullen has also filed for the seat. Despite (or perhaps because of) his earlier electoral losses, however, Rosenthal's running his campaign exactly the way he should be: he's garnered nearly every influential endorsement in the southeast Denver district and his fundraising numbers, while not astounding, are nothing to shrug at. Most movers-and-shakers in the area, then, will continue to coalesce behind Rosenthal until the June primary makes him the official nominee.

McMullen won't be able to generate any momentum in the meantime - Rosenthal's seized it all already. That's the way to run a primary campaign.  

Hancock Vows to "Run Government Like a Business"

by: Denver Pols

Wed Jan 11, 2012 at 15:02:22 PM MST

Dear Neighbor:

As we anticipate another fiscally tough year, now is the time to reassess, recalibrate and fundamentally rethink the way City government serves every neighborhood, resident and business in Denver.

Over the past six months, my administration has begun the process of making Denver better, faster and stronger, and providing the highest level of customer service while maximizing every taxpayer dollar is essential to achieving this goal.

Today, I'm proud to announce we are moving to the next major milestone of my Peak Performance initiative: a common sense, data driven approach to running government more like a business.

Wasted resources are disrespectful to our citizens and to our employees. They abuse your trust as a taxpayer and they squander our time and hard work.

There are so many good uses for every dollar. My administration and our City are working to show you how responsible and innovative we can be with every single dollar we receive.

Since taking office in July, my administration has prepared all City agencies to undertake perhaps the most extensive strategic planning effort in the history of Denver.

Peak Performance will fundamentally alter the way the City operates. It will help us create a unified team rowing in the same direction. It will make us more efficient and more effective.

...

Peak Performance will create a new level of coordination that enables more capacity within all departments.  It will align resources and all aspects of city government around a shared goal of focusing our resources on kids, jobs, public safety and human services.

...

We are dedicated and committed to providing excellent customer
service, to creating a sustainable City regardless of economic pressures, and to delivering a world-class city where everyone matters.

Obviously, there's something very admirable in what Hancock is trying to do with this "Peak Performance" initiative - Denver is mired in economic challenges and will likely stay that way until the economy really starts to improve. The harsh reality of governing in 2012, then, is that cuts have to be made across the board, and with this initiative, Hancock is demonstrating that he's all too willing to make those cuts.

Still, we can't help but question a lot of the messaging that Hancock's office is using to roll out this new economic strategy. "Running government like a business," long a staple of both the Tea Party and now Mitt Romney, doesn't sound that good anymore. "Running a business like a business" hasn't really worked out lately, has it?

Hancock also throws around a lot of language that seems ripped from a Fortune 500 company's quarterly report: "a common sense, data driven approach," "It will help us create a unified team rowing in the same direction, "We are dedicated and committed to providing excellent customer service." We're just happy Hancock didn't throw in buzzwords like "synergy" or "scalable."

Regardless, Hancock's smart in throwing his weight and focus behind more efficient Denver government. He might not be framing it perfectly, but "eliminating government waste" is still a buzzword to which citizens respond.

DeGette Kicks Off 2012 Campaign

by: Denver Pols

Mon Jan 09, 2012 at 13:27:18 PM MST

From Diana DeGette for Congress:

Please join

Congresswoman Diana DeGette

For her 2012 Campaign Kickoff Party

Thursday, January 19
5 - 7 pm

The Mercury Cafe
2199 California Street
Denver

Complimentary appetizers and cash bar

Please RSVP by January 16 to Tom Keating
tkeating@degette.com or 303-832-1925

Although the Dean of the Colorado Delegation, DeGette is notorious for lackluster community outreach - after all, in the heavily Democratic Denver district, the Congresswoman doesn't have to work incredibly hard to keep her job.

To her credit, however, DeGette has been doing more to publicize her campaign this cycle than in recent years. She'll still cruise to re-election, of course, but perhaps she's becoming cognizant of the criticism that she focuses too much on DC to the detriment of those, you know, she's been elected to represent.  

Michael Hancock, Tim Tebow, and the Terrible Towel

by: Denver Pols

Fri Jan 06, 2012 at 15:27:08 PM MST

DENVER - Mayor Michael B. Hancock today proclaimed Friday, Jan. 6 "Orange Friday" in the City and County of Denver in support of the Denver Broncos and their return to the NFL playoffs.

"It's great to see the Broncos back in the postseason," said Mayor Hancock, a stalwart Broncos fan. "It's now up to fans - the Broncos' 12th Man - to come together, show support for our team and give them the energy to make it all the way."

The Mayor also reached out to Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl today to make a friendly wager over the home playoff game this Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The two mayors agreed:
Denver Broncos Win: Mayor Ravenstahl will wear a Broncos jersey and "Tebow" in front of an iconic Pittsburgh location.
Pittsburgh Steelers Win: Mayor Hancock will wear a Steelers jersey and sport a Terrible Towel during one of his public events. [Pols Emphasis]

"I'm sure Pittsburgh fans will appreciate Mayor Hancock decked out in Steelers gear," said Mayor Ravenstahl. "I encourage him to keep the jersey so he has something to wear while watching us in the divisional playoff game."

"Denver is excited to host the Steelers for this playoff game and confident in our Broncos," Mayor Michael B. Hancock said. "We're looking forward to seeing that photo of Mayor Ravenstahl "Tebowing"... say at Heinz Field?"

Broncos fans throughout the Denver area and state are encouraged to wear orange on Friday in advance of the team's Sunday game. This will be the first postseason for the Broncos since last appearing in the playoffs in 2005.

"Celebrating Orange" is a Denver tradition that dates back to 1973 when then-Mayor Bill McNichols recognized Orange Monday, honoring the Denver Broncos.

Go Broncos!

The Steelers are the definite favorite to win Sunday's wild-card match at Sports Authority Field, but we're pretty sure most everyone in Colorado would be thrilled to see Luke Ravenstahl "Tebow."

And even if Hancock is forced to don a Terrible Towel during some press conference, this quirky bet with Pittsburgh's Mayor is in line with Hancock's efforts to raise his national profile. Considering that Tim Tebow is Denver's most notable resident of late, even if the Broncos lose, Hancock wins - Denver's mayor will get a couple mentions on ESPN no matter how Sunday's game plays out.

Here's hoping for a win, though.  

January 5th is Officially "Dress Western Day"

by: Denver Pols

Thu Jan 05, 2012 at 08:38:00 AM MST

From Denver Mayor Michael Hancock:

Mayor Michael B. Hancock today declared Thursday, Jan. 5 "Dress Western Day" in celebration of the 106th National Western Stock Show and its annual parade in downtown Denver.

"The Stock Show is a time-honored tradition for our city, region and state," Mayor Hancock said. "We are excited to kick-off its 106th year here in Denver. We encourage our employees, residents and visitors to get into the "steer-wranglin'" spirit and join us in donning our Western wear in celebration of this cherished institution."

The National Western Stock Show parade features a Texas Longhorn cattle drive, marching bands, floats, horseback riders and performing cowboys and cowgirls. It begins at Denver Union Station at high noon on Thursday and heads southeast on 17th St. The parade is preceded by the 4-H Barbecue starting at 11:30 a.m. in the atrium of the Wells Fargo Building and open to the public.

Hancock clearly has a political motivation to greet the Stock Show with as much pomp and circumstance as he can muster - he's got to prove that Denver is proud to be the home of such a "cherished institution." Still, this is probably the first time we've ever seen "steer-wrangling spirit" in a press release.

Of course, this is the same Michael Hancock who greets visitors at DIA with an uncharacteristically western drawl. Maybe he really does feel strongly about wranglin' steers, or, at the very least, wranglin' lost baggage.  

Scott Martinez Tapped as Deputy City Attorney

by: Denver Pols

Thu Dec 29, 2011 at 14:34:46 PM MST

As it turns out, Martinez will soon be trading his private practice digs (and considerable paycheck) for the mantle of public service. He'll be joining the Denver City Attorney's office as deputy to City Attorney and fellow USD Law alumnus Doug Friednash.

From Denver Mayor Michael Hancock:

DENVER - Mayor Michael B. Hancock today appointed Scott Martinez as Deputy City Attorney for Denver, a critical position responsible for helping manage the daily operations of the City Attorney's office and advising the City on a wide range of legal and policy issues.

"Scott is a well-respected attorney and a bold community organizer who will be a great asset to our team," Mayor Hancock said. "He brings an in-depth understanding of all aspects of government, a strong reputation in our community and a fervor to help deliver a world class city where everyone matters."

Martinez will assist in overseeing the 88 attorneys and 91 staff members within the City Attorney's office, one of the largest law firms in the state.  He will provide critical support in representing the City in all civil and prosecutorial litigation, advising on legal matters affecting Denver's interests and drafting legislation and legal opinions. Martinez will begin January 9, 2012.

"It's a privilege to join Hancock's dynamic team of community leaders who work diligently to provide the highest level of services to the residents of Denver," Martinez said. "As a steward of the public's trust, I take the responsibility of providing high-quality legal counsel to our City very serious and I am eager to get to work."

An attorney at Holland & Hart, Martinez' practice spans from government investigations to commercial litigation to data security. He has recently been recognized for his work in crafting the boundaries for Colorado's congressional and legislative districts.

"Scott has been a wonderful asset to Holland & Hart and our clients during his more than five years with our firm," said Tom O'Donnell, managing partner of Holland & Hart. "We will miss him, but are very proud of his appointment as Deputy City Attorney with the City & County of Denver.  We know that he will bring incredible dedication in his new position serving the public."

In 2009, Martinez was appointed by Governor Ritter to serve on the Colorado Election Reform Commission. Also, in 2007, he was named one of the twelve inaugural "Top Up and Coming Attorneys" by Law Week Colorado.

Martinez remains active in Denver's community as a member of the Board of Directors for the Bell Policy Center and as a motivational speaker at local schools. He took a short leave from Holland and Hart to serve on the Obama-Biden Presidential Transition Team, where he worked with both the technical and legal teams regarding transparency and ethics in the federal government.

Martinez also serves as a member of the Colorado Bar Association Board of Governors, an Advisory Board Member of the Byron White Center for the Study of American Constitutional Law and Chair of the Hispanic Bar Association Public Policy Committee.

The term "rising star" is often overused and abused in politics: anybody under 35 who has achieved any modicum of professional success usually earns the title. Most are undeserving - after all, you can only rise for so long.

Martinez, on the other hand, has incredible connections across Colorado and in the Obama White House. His move to the city attorney's office makes a lot of sense: Martinez will be gaining valuable experience as a public servant. That experience may inform a future run for district attorney or any other office in Denver in addition to even primer appointments in city and state government.

The move to a deputy position in the mayor's office may at first seem like a step down from Martinez's view at Holland and Hart, but the lawyer is nothing if not shrewd. We suspect this is but the first step in what will amount to a long career in public service. Make no mistake, Martinez's star is on the rise and will be for the foreseeable future.  

Occupy Denver Arsonist Charged

by: Denver Pols

Thu Dec 22, 2011 at 18:07:09 PM MST

Still, when people are starting fires in the middle of a public park, White's certainly obligated to arrest them for, say, arson.

And that's exactly what's happened. From 7News' Wayne Harrison:

A man accused of setting fires at an Occupy Denver protest has been charged with arson.

Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey said that 22-two-year-old Michael Clapper was charged with four counts of fourth-degree arson on Thursday.

Clapper, of Westminster, allegedly set fire to a structure and other debris in Civic Center Park on Monday. That's when police moved in to clear out the nearby sidewalk that had served as the hub for the Occupy movement. Some makeshift structures had been erected there and some went up in flames as police closed in.

Bottom line, White's playing his cards exactly as he should. He's being forceful when the Occupiers are endangering public safety, but he's still responsive to their needs. The fact that Occupy Denver is permitted to protest even after arson charges is testament to the fact that White seems to know what he's doing with the civil unrest in Civic Center Park. Not bad for the first couple of weeks on the job.  

Why is Houck Running against Labuda?

by: Denver Pols

Wed Dec 21, 2011 at 16:21:03 PM MST

Houck officially filed an affidavit for her candidacy late last month and has been making the rounds in her race to unseat Labuda.

But what inspired the former HD-1 chair to take on the HD-1 incumbent? The Colorado Statesman sheds some light:

For one of the main reasons Houck is challenging Labuda, look no further than your local payday lending outfit - the one with the flashing lights, where all those Mr. Donut stores used to be. Houck says she wants to fire the incumbent because she doesn't like Labuda's record on efforts to regulate payday lending. Houck believes the industry "is predatory as it exists today," her spokesman says.

Houck currently chairs the Democratic Party of Denver's education committee and helps get out the word at North High School (Go Vikings!). Dem up-and-comer Jason Krueger is running her campaign.

Here's why Houck says she's running:

"House District 1 has been my community and home for over a decade. I am running for state representative as a motivated advocate who is concerned for the welfare of my friends and neighbors. The time has come for a leader who is willing to step up and take on the challenges facing my community; the time has come for a leader who is willing to create opportunities. I am running because I believe I am that leader."

The payday lending issue is certainly a novel reason to unseat an incumbent, and it probably is an issue Houck cares deeply about. There has to be more than one reason why she's mounting a campaign, however.

We suspect it has something to do with the previous occupant of the HD-1 seat. There had been rumblings that former State Representative (and Labuda endorser) Fran Coleman was herself considering a primary campaign. With Houck in the race, we doubt Coleman will run. Still, this primary challenge raises compelling questions about what, if any, conversations Houck has had with Coleman. We'll see which campaign Coleman lends her name to.

But why would Houck or Coleman even consider a primary? Perhaps it's the payday lending issue. But we have good reason to suspect that some Democratic insiders are questioning Labuda's overall continued service in the Capitol. The House Majority Project poured money into the incumbent's race last cycle in part because Labuda wasn't a particularly hardworking campaigner. We've heard of some stewing resentment among donors who believe that Labuda is partly to blame for the loss of the speaker's gavel - the argument being that resources spent in her race could've been used to prevent the Republicans from gaining a razor thin majority. Had Labuda dedicated herself to her re-election, the thinking goes, she easily could've staved off challenger Danny Stroud without any outside support.

If this resentment is widespread, Houck may have an easy time dispatching Labuda. It all depends on how Denver institutional players line up in this race and how badly Labuda's House colleagues want her to return after 2012.

Trial by Fire for Robert White

by: Denver Pols

Tue Dec 20, 2011 at 15:37:26 PM MST

This morning, White joined Mayor Michael Hancock in a press conference on the matter. From Westword's Kelsey Whipple:

Last night's Occupy Denver eviction is unlikely to be the last one in the near future. In a statement on the subject, Mayor Michael Hancock supported the city's actions and cited the now commonly repeated concerns of public safety and access. Accompanied by new Police Chief Robert White, Hancock confirmed plans to follow the same steps in the future. "If it goes up today, it comes down today," White says.

Hancock began the press conference by narrating a summary of last night's events: "After several attempts to communicate with protesters," he said, the Denver Police Department made the decision to move in and remove the group's handmade forts -- defined by the city as 'encumbrances' -- in person. In all, last night's eviction marked a tense relationship between police and protesters, who set fire to some of their forts as officers closed in on the encampment. The wait to evict them "went on a day or two longer than it probably should have," Hancock says.

After White met with a group of ten Occupy Denver representatives yesterday afternoon, he said he could tell demonstrators had no intention of taking down the tarp-covered shacks themselves.

"It was pretty obvious they were going to keep those encumbrances, but it's our duty to enforce those ordinances," White says. Although several media outlets reported police aggression against both protesters and press, White described the behavior of the officers as "calm and patient." For the time being, the DPD plans to station police officers in the park to guard against further city ordinance violations. "We will have a presence in the park as long as it's necessary."

Hancock appointed White, in part, to "restore public trust" in the Denver Police Department. Indeed, many are turning to White to reform what the Denver newspaper's editorial board called a "culture of police brutality."

Despite the fires, it seems as though White - and by extension Mayor Hancock - is doing an admirable job of dealing with the Mile High City's Occupy movement. That's good, because he has no other choice: the first occasion of any police violence will immediately raise uncomfortable questions about White's ability to reform DPD.  

Meet Your New Police Chief, Denver

by: Denver Pols

Mon Dec 12, 2011 at 13:01:15 PM MST

DENVER - Mayor Michael B. Hancock today welcomed the 69th Chief of Police Robert White to Denver, marshaling in a new era of safety to the city.

"Building trust and strengthening communications and relationships between our safety department and Denver communities is of the utmost importance to this Administration," Mayor Hancock said. "With the addition of Chief White and Manager Alex Martinez to our team, we will boldly pursue the highest level of safety for every resident and neighborhood in Denver."

"I also want to thank Chief Gerry Whitman for his leadership of the department and dedication to the citizens of Denver. Through nearly 12 years of service, he has set a solid foundation of innovative solutions and best practices for future leaders to stand on," Mayor Hancock said.

Chief White will hit the ground running with an ambitious schedule to introduce him to the six precincts and more than 1,400 officers within the Department and the more than 70 neighborhoods that comprise Denver.

"I am honored to be joining the incredible team at the police department and look forward to getting to work," Chief White said. "Starting today, we begin our journey to build a world class department with stronger collaboration between the community and our officers."

Since day one, Mayor Hancock has driven an aggressive vision of restoring public trust in the department and providing an even better police force to the people of Denver. White will help the Administration move forward with the goal of delivering a world class City where everyone matters.

"I am proud that Chief White has chosen to serve our City and I am excited for the next chapter of our safety department," Mayor Hancock said. "We welcome him to our City, and together, we will usher in a new era of safety for all of Denver."

White, who was previously the chief of police in Louisville, Kentucky, has to hit the ground running. From punctuated clashes with Occupy Denver protestors to a widespread perception of police brutality, White's going to have to improve the Denver Police Department's image, starting now.

The whole city is watching.  

(Probably) Everybody in Denver Supporting Mitch Morrissey

by: Denver Pols

Tue Nov 29, 2011 at 10:24:30 AM MST

Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey cruised to re-election in 2008, facing no Democratic opposition in the primary and no challenger in the general election. There's a good reason for that: Mitch is as popular a politician as he is cunning a prosecutor, and we've heard few - if any - complaints about his time in the job.

Mitch also knows how to play his political cards really, really well. Case in point, this invitation to his 2012 campaign kick off lists nearly every Denver elected official, political consultant, and notable activist, including Colorado Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Udall, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, and all three Colorado Democrats in the US House.

Folks, there are two ways an incumbent can handle their re-election campaigns. They can hope and pray that nobody will run against them, or they can take a more proactive position and ensure that nobody who wants any future career in politics jumps into the race. Morrissey is smartly going down the latter path, and with a host committee that includes nearly every influential politico from the region, he can be sure that he'll be re-elected as easily as he was in 2008. In fact, we doubt anybody will attempt to challenge him.

We should say, however, we're surprised to see the name of State Senator John Morris on the invite. We're assume whoever put the e-mail together intended to showcase State Senator John Morse, the Senate Majority Leader, and thinks a little bit too phonetically.  

Hancock's Office Still Working Out the Kinks With Media

by: Denver Pols

Fri Oct 28, 2011 at 14:16:45 PM MST

Denver mayor Michael Hancock has selected Louisville, Kentucky Police Chief Robert White to become the next Denver Chief of Police.

Hancock, who wasn't planning to make the announcement Friday, hastily scheduled a news conference for 3:30 p.m.

Before Hancock's office was ready to announce the choice Friday, White's department in Louisville put out its own press release that he was taking the Denver job. Earlier Friday, Hancock's press secretary Amber Miller said that "we're continuing our review process and hope to have someone appointed soon." [Pols emphasis]

This isn't as bad as trying to bar reporters from using tape recorders, but it is really a silly mistake for Hancock's team. It's quite clear that this decision had been signed, sealed and delivered before today, but it would appear that nobody was communicating with the City of Louisville on the timing of the announcement. That kind of thing is incredibly important in the Internet age, where it's just as easy to find out about an announcement in Louisville as it is to learn of one down the street.

Hancock's team got bad press in early August for being a bit too excited to push his "story" to the national media. If they don't start getting more careful, and fast, that story is going to write itself...but not with the narrative they are looking to find.

Hancock to Appear Beside Obama

by: Denver Pols

Mon Oct 24, 2011 at 11:15:38 AM MST

President Barack Obama will be in Denver on Tuesday and Wednesday to tout the jobs plan he is trying to push through Congress as well as to raise campaign funds. And his Environmental Protection Agency chief will visit Denver on Monday.

Obama is slated to arrive Tuesday night on Air Force One. He has a fundraising appearance slated that night, The Denver Post's Allison Sherry reports. Obama will appear at the Pepsi Center with Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, according to Hancock's schedule.

As Denver and the West become increasingly more important to Barack Obama's re-election efforts, Mayor Hancock may get to share some of the spotlight. We've previously written at length about Hancock's efforts to shop his story to the national media, and appearing alongside the President of the United States goes a long way towards getting recognition for Hancock's inspiring narrative.

Of course, that's more a function of 2012's emphasis on Colorado as a bellwether than anything Hancock's PR team has done. Either way, though, Hancock has to be thrilled with his timing: he gets to appear alongside the first African-American president as Denver's widely supported African-American mayor.

This is going to look particularly great for Hancock, especially with other Colorado leaders giving the President a cooler reception. In fact, we think that it's not too presumptuous to assume that Hancock wants to be Obama's western spokesman, so to speak. It would certainly be the easiest way to rake in mainstream media appearances.