COLORADO
===colorado news===
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September 6, 2024:
Boebert, Roy hold meeting with Aurorans on alleged gangs U.S. Reps. Lauren Boebert, of Colorado, and Chip Roy, of Texas, held a roundtable meeting with community leaders and Aurora locals. As FOX31's Gabby Easterwood reports, the meeting comes following reported violence and poor living conditions at several apartment buildings. (KDVR 9/6/24) READ MORE>>>>> Labor Day question: Do Democratic presidents really lead Republicans 50 to 1 on jobs? A video that's now gone viral reportedly shows members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, recorded on a camera by neighbors who have since moved out of the building, according to Aurora, Colorado City Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky. She said in an interview Thursday it was not an isolated incident. They have shoved their way into apartments. They have changed locks on residents' locks to the units and locks to exterior entrances and buildings."Jurinsky said she helped the family whose camera recorded the incident move out. "They have been living in absolute terror," she said. (Fayetteville Observer 9/1/24) READ MORE>>>>> Labor Day question: Do Democratic presidents really lead Republicans 50 to 1 on jobs? A video that's now gone viral reportedly shows members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, recorded on a camera by neighbors who have since moved out of the building, according to Aurora, Colorado City Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky. She said in an interview Thursday it was not an isolated incident. They have shoved their way into apartments. They have changed locks on residents' locks to the units and locks to exterior entrances and buildings."Jurinsky said she helped the family whose camera recorded the incident move out. "They have been living in absolute terror," she said. (Fayetteville Observer 9/1/24) READ MORE>>>>> |
(Opinion) Other Voices: We’ve lost confidence in Rep. Mike Lynch, too
We, too, have lost confidence in Colorado House Minority Leader Mike Lynch.
Lynch displayed a lapse in judgment and a lack of integrity when he drove drunk in 2022 and then failed to disclose his arrest and pending criminal charges to the public or even to his caucus as they considered him for the role of Republican Leader in the state House. Two weeks after his arrest, Lynch was elected as Republican Leader. He is still on probation for driving while ability impaired, a lesser charge than he first faced that was reached in a plea deal. (Greeley Tribune 1/26/24) READ MORE>>>>>
We, too, have lost confidence in Colorado House Minority Leader Mike Lynch.
Lynch displayed a lapse in judgment and a lack of integrity when he drove drunk in 2022 and then failed to disclose his arrest and pending criminal charges to the public or even to his caucus as they considered him for the role of Republican Leader in the state House. Two weeks after his arrest, Lynch was elected as Republican Leader. He is still on probation for driving while ability impaired, a lesser charge than he first faced that was reached in a plea deal. (Greeley Tribune 1/26/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Colorado legislators back ban on poison used in suicides: ‘This bill will save lives’
The bill would ban the sale of high-potency sodium nitrite — more than 10% pure — to Coloradans, except approved commercial businesses, in a bid to slow deaths in a state that regularly has one of the highest suicide rates in the country. The substance that Bennett ordered was 97% pure, his father said.
“It is incumbent on us to do what we can to save lives,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, a Boulder Democrat who’s co-sponsoring the bill with Rep. Marc Catlin, a Montrose Republican. “And this bill will save lives.”
(Greeley Tribune 1/31/24 ) READ MORE>>>>>
The bill would ban the sale of high-potency sodium nitrite — more than 10% pure — to Coloradans, except approved commercial businesses, in a bid to slow deaths in a state that regularly has one of the highest suicide rates in the country. The substance that Bennett ordered was 97% pure, his father said.
“It is incumbent on us to do what we can to save lives,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, a Boulder Democrat who’s co-sponsoring the bill with Rep. Marc Catlin, a Montrose Republican. “And this bill will save lives.”
(Greeley Tribune 1/31/24 ) READ MORE>>>>>
Colorado Republican Lauren Boebert vilified: ‘Will only embarrass you’
A Republican senator from Colorado criticized Rep. Lauren Boebert over her decision to switch congressional districts ahead of the November election. Boebert, a Colorado Republican, announced late last year that she plans to move from Colorado’s Third Congressional District to the more conservative Fourth District in the 2024 election.
(World Times Today 2/1/24) READ MORE>>>>>
A Republican senator from Colorado criticized Rep. Lauren Boebert over her decision to switch congressional districts ahead of the November election. Boebert, a Colorado Republican, announced late last year that she plans to move from Colorado’s Third Congressional District to the more conservative Fourth District in the 2024 election.
(World Times Today 2/1/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Wayne Williams says he won't join GOP primary in Colorado's 5th CD, throws support behind Jeff Crank
There will only be one candidate with the last name Williams running in Colorado's Republican primary for the congressional seat held by retiring U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn. Wayne Williams, the former two-term secretary of state who lost this year's Colorado Springs mayoral race, announced on Friday that he won't join state GOP chair Dave Williams and others seeking their party's nomination in the El Paso County-based 5th Congressional District.
(Ernest Luning/Colorado Politics 1/26/24) READ MORE>>>>>
There will only be one candidate with the last name Williams running in Colorado's Republican primary for the congressional seat held by retiring U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn. Wayne Williams, the former two-term secretary of state who lost this year's Colorado Springs mayoral race, announced on Friday that he won't join state GOP chair Dave Williams and others seeking their party's nomination in the El Paso County-based 5th Congressional District.
(Ernest Luning/Colorado Politics 1/26/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Opinion Why the Supreme Court ought to punt on Trump’s eligibility
Donald Trump’s Iowa caucuses romp raises the stakes in Trump v. Anderson, the Supreme Court’s review of a Colorado ruling disqualifying him from the state’s ballot. Soon after the justices hear the case next month, Trump could be the presumptive GOP nominee. The meaning of the 14th Amendment’s disqualification-for-insurrection clause will cease being an academic hypothetical and start being a question of whether states can, in effect, block an unfolding presidential nomination process. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court briefs have poured in. Most retread familiar legal ground, but an amicus brief filed Thursday by election law scholars Edward B. Foley and Richard L. Hasen, along with election lawyer Benjamin L. Ginsberg, makes a distinctive appeal: Whatever you do, the trio urges the justices, don’t punt on the question of Trump’s eligibility. Either rule that he is qualified for the presidency or rule that he is disqualified from it, full stop — don’t reverse the Colorado decision on “procedural or jurisdictional grounds.” (Jason Willick/Washington Post 1/21/24)
READ MORE>>>>>
Donald Trump’s Iowa caucuses romp raises the stakes in Trump v. Anderson, the Supreme Court’s review of a Colorado ruling disqualifying him from the state’s ballot. Soon after the justices hear the case next month, Trump could be the presumptive GOP nominee. The meaning of the 14th Amendment’s disqualification-for-insurrection clause will cease being an academic hypothetical and start being a question of whether states can, in effect, block an unfolding presidential nomination process. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court briefs have poured in. Most retread familiar legal ground, but an amicus brief filed Thursday by election law scholars Edward B. Foley and Richard L. Hasen, along with election lawyer Benjamin L. Ginsberg, makes a distinctive appeal: Whatever you do, the trio urges the justices, don’t punt on the question of Trump’s eligibility. Either rule that he is qualified for the presidency or rule that he is disqualified from it, full stop — don’t reverse the Colorado decision on “procedural or jurisdictional grounds.” (Jason Willick/Washington Post 1/21/24)
READ MORE>>>>>
Colorado GOP appeals removal of Trump from ballot to U.S. Supreme Court
(The Center Square) – The Colorado Republican Party is appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court in a case where the state Supreme Court ruled to remove Donald Trump from the 2024 Republican presidential primary ballot. The appeal automatically places the former president on the March 5, 2024, primary ballot when certification takes place on Jan. 5, 2024, due to a stipulation in the Colorado Supreme Court ruling, according to a news release from Democratic Secretary of State Jena Griswold. However, if the U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear the case or if it affirms the Colorado Supreme Court, Trump would not appear on the ballot. (Black Chronicles News Service 12/28/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
(The Center Square) – The Colorado Republican Party is appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court in a case where the state Supreme Court ruled to remove Donald Trump from the 2024 Republican presidential primary ballot. The appeal automatically places the former president on the March 5, 2024, primary ballot when certification takes place on Jan. 5, 2024, due to a stipulation in the Colorado Supreme Court ruling, according to a news release from Democratic Secretary of State Jena Griswold. However, if the U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear the case or if it affirms the Colorado Supreme Court, Trump would not appear on the ballot. (Black Chronicles News Service 12/28/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
Boebert, who’s a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, narrowly beat Adam Frisch, a Democrat from Aspen, in 3rd District’s 2022 general election. Frisch is running for the seat in 2024. |
Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert switching congressional districts
U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., will not seek reelection in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, instead running for the seat left vacant by retiring Rep. Ken Buck. In an announcement Wednesday, Boebert said she’s looking for “a fresh start” following a difficult year in her personal life. Boebert this year divorced her husband of 17 years and drew criticism for her actions while in the audience of a musical theater performance in Denver. (Derek Daplan/Black Chronicle 12/28/23) READ MORE>>>>> |
May 26, 2023: CPR: Rep. Lauren Boebert’s son called police on father in months before divorce filing
One of Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert’s teenage sons called 911 late last year, saying his father, Jayson Boebert, was “throwing” him around the house.
In the 911 tape from Dec. 11, 2022, at 6:46 p.m., the audibly upset boy told the dispatcher he didn’t know why his father got mad. “He just started yelling at me and he started throwing me (around the house),” before adding that his dad told him to leave and yelled at him to get away.
One of Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert’s teenage sons called 911 late last year, saying his father, Jayson Boebert, was “throwing” him around the house.
In the 911 tape from Dec. 11, 2022, at 6:46 p.m., the audibly upset boy told the dispatcher he didn’t know why his father got mad. “He just started yelling at me and he started throwing me (around the house),” before adding that his dad told him to leave and yelled at him to get away.
May 21, 2023: CPR: Three ways Coloradans will be impacted if the US defaults on its debt
“These are uncharted waters,” said Shai Akabas, executive director of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Economic Policy Program. “Unlike, say, a government shutdown, it’s hard to predict exactly what default will look like, other than “we’ll be in for a turbulent ride that could mean real harm to American households.”
“These are uncharted waters,” said Shai Akabas, executive director of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Economic Policy Program. “Unlike, say, a government shutdown, it’s hard to predict exactly what default will look like, other than “we’ll be in for a turbulent ride that could mean real harm to American households.”
May 22, 2023:
I read a good letter to the editor in a Colorado newspaper called "the Journal". Part of it:" Thus far in her congressional career, our U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert has been more of an annoyance than a threat, showboating about MAGA hot-button issues of “critical importance” to the 3rd Congressional District, such as whether urination in public is prohibited in Washington, D.C. But the threat level is changing.
The federal government is within days of hitting the debt limit. Because the feckless Kevin McCarthy, in his unbridled quest to become speaker of the house, went ahead and cut a backroom deal with Boebert and the Freedom Caucus, these ultra right-wing members have been potentially granted an outsized influence in the debate. Now, they say that Senate needs to pass their bill “as-is” with no changes. Otherwise, no debt limit increase. That isn’t a negotiation. It’s economic terrorism." And..same paper: Three years ago, when Boebert initially ran for Congress, she vowed to save Colorado’’ water from downstream liberals, which was very appealing to many. She blamed liberals in a conspiracy to steal the vote, along with Colorado’s water.
However, her voting record contradicts the goal. She boasted of securing almost $230 million for storage and delivery projects, with an additional $50 million for rural projects to combat drought. James O’Rourke of the Colorado Times Recorder revealed that Boebert actually voted against this measure. According to O’Rourke, the Democrats passed the bill.
..And again..same paper: Boebert supported the elimination of the U.S. Department of Education; she opposed Colorado’s red flag laws, which allow the police to remove a firearm from someone deemed dangerous to themselves or others; she believes that the market, rather than the government, should determine how the energy market and the health care system functions.
Boebert also opposes gay marriage, and the separation of church and state. To top it all off, Boebert espouses several conspiracy theories, including QAnon, which holds that Hillary Clinton and the Democrats are operating a clandestine pedophilia ring.
Simply put, Boebert is a menace. And the voters responded accordingly.
I read a good letter to the editor in a Colorado newspaper called "the Journal". Part of it:" Thus far in her congressional career, our U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert has been more of an annoyance than a threat, showboating about MAGA hot-button issues of “critical importance” to the 3rd Congressional District, such as whether urination in public is prohibited in Washington, D.C. But the threat level is changing.
The federal government is within days of hitting the debt limit. Because the feckless Kevin McCarthy, in his unbridled quest to become speaker of the house, went ahead and cut a backroom deal with Boebert and the Freedom Caucus, these ultra right-wing members have been potentially granted an outsized influence in the debate. Now, they say that Senate needs to pass their bill “as-is” with no changes. Otherwise, no debt limit increase. That isn’t a negotiation. It’s economic terrorism." And..same paper: Three years ago, when Boebert initially ran for Congress, she vowed to save Colorado’’ water from downstream liberals, which was very appealing to many. She blamed liberals in a conspiracy to steal the vote, along with Colorado’s water.
However, her voting record contradicts the goal. She boasted of securing almost $230 million for storage and delivery projects, with an additional $50 million for rural projects to combat drought. James O’Rourke of the Colorado Times Recorder revealed that Boebert actually voted against this measure. According to O’Rourke, the Democrats passed the bill.
..And again..same paper: Boebert supported the elimination of the U.S. Department of Education; she opposed Colorado’s red flag laws, which allow the police to remove a firearm from someone deemed dangerous to themselves or others; she believes that the market, rather than the government, should determine how the energy market and the health care system functions.
Boebert also opposes gay marriage, and the separation of church and state. To top it all off, Boebert espouses several conspiracy theories, including QAnon, which holds that Hillary Clinton and the Democrats are operating a clandestine pedophilia ring.
Simply put, Boebert is a menace. And the voters responded accordingly.
A political action committee advocating against big money in political elections filed a complaint against U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert that alleges she illegally spent $60,000 on her 2022 campaign.
End Citizens United filed the complaint with the Federal Election Commission on Thursday claiming Boebert, a Silt Republican, used campaign funds on calls and texts that were not accurately reported. The group asked the FEC to investigate “this apparent violation” and fine Boebert and those involved the maximum amount permitted by law.
“Congresswoman Boebert used her leadership PAC as a personal bank, but unfortunately for her, this practice is illegal under federal law,” End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller said in a statement.
The complaint says that the We the People Leadership PAC, a PAC supporting Boebert, reported on Nov. 18 a disbursement of $53,760 to Telephone Town Hall Meeting, Inc for “get out the vote” calls and messages. That came after an earlier reporting of $6,221.73. The same day as the leadership PAC’s initial reporting, Lauren Boebert for Congress also reported paying $4,623.22 to the same communication company. --The Journal
End Citizens United filed the complaint with the Federal Election Commission on Thursday claiming Boebert, a Silt Republican, used campaign funds on calls and texts that were not accurately reported. The group asked the FEC to investigate “this apparent violation” and fine Boebert and those involved the maximum amount permitted by law.
“Congresswoman Boebert used her leadership PAC as a personal bank, but unfortunately for her, this practice is illegal under federal law,” End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller said in a statement.
The complaint says that the We the People Leadership PAC, a PAC supporting Boebert, reported on Nov. 18 a disbursement of $53,760 to Telephone Town Hall Meeting, Inc for “get out the vote” calls and messages. That came after an earlier reporting of $6,221.73. The same day as the leadership PAC’s initial reporting, Lauren Boebert for Congress also reported paying $4,623.22 to the same communication company. --The Journal
Apr 21, 2023: Colorado Politics: Ed Perlmutter backs Shad Murib in Colorado Democratic Party's state chair race
Former U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter on Tuesday threw his support behind strategist Shad Murib, one of the three candidates running for state chair in the Colorado Democratic Party's upcoming leadership elections.
Former U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter on Tuesday threw his support behind strategist Shad Murib, one of the three candidates running for state chair in the Colorado Democratic Party's upcoming leadership elections.
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April 6, 2023:
Dozens of students at Boulder High School participated in a state and national walkout on Wednesday to raise awareness of gun violence in schools and push for the passage of gun safety laws. Sophomore Alex Berk said the goal of the walkout was to get attention from lawmakers about the issue of school shootings. “We don’t want to be killed. We don’t want to be a face in the newspaper,” Berk said. “So, it’s important we show the people who don’t go to school that this is something serious that we think about.” More than 20 schools in Colorado and 200 schools nationwide participated in the walkouts organized by youth gun safety advocates with Students Demand Action in Colorado, part of the nonprofit Everytown for Gun Safety. |
“We don’t want to be killed. We don’t want to be a face in the newspaper. So, it’s important we show the people who don’t go to school that this is something serious that we think about.” |
March 10, 2023: Denver Post: Colorado Republicans’ all-night filibuster sought to stall gun reform, safe drug-use site bills
House Republicans had pledged to fight the Democrat-backed bills, one of which would enact a minimum three-day waiting period for buying a gun, and the other would allow local governments to open safe-use drug sites. They made good on those threats Thursday: Debate on the gun measure began at 1:30 p.m. and ended at 2:30 the next morning. Republicans rejected a deal to end debate in exchange for a modest amendment as midnight approached, and Democrats shot down more than a dozen Republican attempts to change the gun bill.
House Republicans had pledged to fight the Democrat-backed bills, one of which would enact a minimum three-day waiting period for buying a gun, and the other would allow local governments to open safe-use drug sites. They made good on those threats Thursday: Debate on the gun measure began at 1:30 p.m. and ended at 2:30 the next morning. Republicans rejected a deal to end debate in exchange for a modest amendment as midnight approached, and Democrats shot down more than a dozen Republican attempts to change the gun bill.
March 10, 2023: Denver Post: Boebert announces she’ll be a 36-year-old grandmother when her 17-year-old son’s partner gives birth
Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., has announced that she will be a grandmother at 36 next month when her 17-year-old son’s partner gives birth to a son.
Boebert revealed this family news at a women’s breakfast during the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland that ended last weekend, where she received a “mothers of influence” award. Boebert addressed women and men at the breakfast after accepting the award.
Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., has announced that she will be a grandmother at 36 next month when her 17-year-old son’s partner gives birth to a son.
Boebert revealed this family news at a women’s breakfast during the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland that ended last weekend, where she received a “mothers of influence” award. Boebert addressed women and men at the breakfast after accepting the award.
Feb 26, 2023: Denver Post: Who is running for Denver mayor? Get to know all 17 candidates
There are currently 17 candidate vying to become Denver’s next mayor. Pictured on top row, from left to right are: Andy Rougeot, Debbie Ortega, Ean Thomas Tafoya, Kelly Brough, Leslie Herod and Lisa Calderón. Pictured in the middle row, from left to right are: Mike Johnston, Thomas Wolf, Trinidad Rodriguez, Kwame Spearman and Chris Hansen. Pictured in the bottom row, from left to right are: Al Gardner, Aurelio Martinez, James Walsh, Renate Behrens, Robert Treta and Terrance Roberts.
There are currently 17 candidate vying to become Denver’s next mayor. Pictured on top row, from left to right are: Andy Rougeot, Debbie Ortega, Ean Thomas Tafoya, Kelly Brough, Leslie Herod and Lisa Calderón. Pictured in the middle row, from left to right are: Mike Johnston, Thomas Wolf, Trinidad Rodriguez, Kwame Spearman and Chris Hansen. Pictured in the bottom row, from left to right are: Al Gardner, Aurelio Martinez, James Walsh, Renate Behrens, Robert Treta and Terrance Roberts.
Feb 14, 2023: Denver Post: Adam Frisch announces another run against U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert in 3rd Congressional District
Adam Frisch will once more run to unseat the far-right incumbent U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, he announced early Tuesday morning.
For his second run, Frisch, a former Aspen City Councilman, will start with more money and name recognition than he had before. Politicos throughout Colorado and across the rest of the country also understand now that he’s not just a longshot anymore, he’s a contender.
Adam Frisch will once more run to unseat the far-right incumbent U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, he announced early Tuesday morning.
For his second run, Frisch, a former Aspen City Councilman, will start with more money and name recognition than he had before. Politicos throughout Colorado and across the rest of the country also understand now that he’s not just a longshot anymore, he’s a contender.
Dec 7, 2022: Verdict Justia: Can SCOTUS Prevent Free Speech from Swallowing Anti-discrimination Law?
On Monday, the Supreme Court heard oral argument in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis. As the case comes to the high Court, it presents a clash between a Colorado law forbidding places of public accommodation from discriminating based on sexual orientation and a conservative Christian web designer’s objection to creating material that, she says, tacitly expresses approval of same-sex marriage. Although the original complaint raised issues of both religious freedom and free speech, the Court took the case to decide the free speech question alone.
On Monday, the Supreme Court heard oral argument in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis. As the case comes to the high Court, it presents a clash between a Colorado law forbidding places of public accommodation from discriminating based on sexual orientation and a conservative Christian web designer’s objection to creating material that, she says, tacitly expresses approval of same-sex marriage. Although the original complaint raised issues of both religious freedom and free speech, the Court took the case to decide the free speech question alone.
The gay club shooting suspect evaded Colorado's red flag gun law
Gun control advocates say Aldrich's June 2021 threat is an example of a red flag law ignored, with potentially deadly consequences. While it's not clear the law could have prevented Saturday night's attack — such gun seizures can be in effect for as little as 14 days and be extended by a judge in six-month increments — they say it could have at least slowed Aldrich and raised his profile with law enforcement.
"We need heroes beforehand — parents, co-workers, friends who are seeing someone go down this path," said Colorado state Rep. Tom Sullivan, whose son was killed in the Aurora theater shooting and sponsored the state's red flag law passed in 2019. "This should have alerted them, put him on their radar." 11.21.22
Gun control advocates say Aldrich's June 2021 threat is an example of a red flag law ignored, with potentially deadly consequences. While it's not clear the law could have prevented Saturday night's attack — such gun seizures can be in effect for as little as 14 days and be extended by a judge in six-month increments — they say it could have at least slowed Aldrich and raised his profile with law enforcement.
"We need heroes beforehand — parents, co-workers, friends who are seeing someone go down this path," said Colorado state Rep. Tom Sullivan, whose son was killed in the Aurora theater shooting and sponsored the state's red flag law passed in 2019. "This should have alerted them, put him on their radar." 11.21.22
Pueblo Cheiftain: Frisch's lead over Boebert continues to shrink after more results tabulated in Pueblo County
Democrat Adam Frisch is challenging Republican incumbent Lauren Boebert (R-Silt) to represent Colorado's 3rd Congressional District in Washington, D.C., and is outperforming Boebert in preliminary results in what could be one of the biggest upsets of this election.
Here's how the candidates are doing as of 3:30 p.m. Wednesday:
Democrat Adam Frisch is challenging Republican incumbent Lauren Boebert (R-Silt) to represent Colorado's 3rd Congressional District in Washington, D.C., and is outperforming Boebert in preliminary results in what could be one of the biggest upsets of this election.
Here's how the candidates are doing as of 3:30 p.m. Wednesday:
- Adam Frisch: 152,740 votes (50.36%)
- Lauren Boebert: 150,535 votes (49.64%)
Oct 20, 2021: Cincinnati Enquirer: U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan says he spoke to Trump after Jan. 6 attack, blasts committee probe
"What happened on Jan. 6, that was a direct attack on liberty," Colorado Rep. Ed Perlmutter said. "That was a direct attack on freedom. That was a direct attack on people's right to vote."
"What happened on Jan. 6, that was a direct attack on liberty," Colorado Rep. Ed Perlmutter said. "That was a direct attack on freedom. That was a direct attack on people's right to vote."