tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13897172193989250482024-02-18T23:50:14.484-08:00Rocky Mountain Alliance 2.0Ben DeGrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834102063921650816noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1389717219398925048.post-88348941302138833712009-11-30T20:36:00.000-08:002009-11-30T20:39:01.849-08:00RMA Welcomes Another New MemberAl Maurer of <a href="http://reclaimtheblue.us/" target="blank">Reclaim the Blue</a> is the newest member of the Rocky Mountain Alliance of Blogs. From <a href="http://reclaimtheblue.us/about/" target="blank">Al's bio</a>:<blockquote>I am a former military officer and assistant professor of political science. I am also a geek. Technology is my business, politics and history my passion. I write this blog as I have time. I’m one of the 40% of Americans who support the rest by paying taxes.</blockquote>Welcome aboard!Ben DeGrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834102063921650816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1389717219398925048.post-13098835789411593942009-11-12T06:48:00.000-08:002009-11-12T06:56:16.708-08:00Membership Update<span style="font-style:italic;">Quick updates...</span> <br />We welcome two new Colorado blogs to the Rocky Mountain Alliance and invite you to check them out and add them to your regular blog reading (if you haven't already):<ul><li><a href="http://businessword.com/" target="blank">The Business Word</a> by Don Johnson</li><li><a href="http://www.mom4freedom.com/">Mom 4 Freedom</a> by Michelle Morin</li></ul>Also, Steve Nielson's <a href="http://stevenmnielson.blogspot.com/" target="blank">The Liberty Republican</a> (fka The New Conservative), having relocated to Washington State, has resigned from the RMA. Though in a different part of the country he still has interesting things to say, so feel free to keep him on your blogroll.Ben DeGrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834102063921650816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1389717219398925048.post-20808341504778314052009-01-26T20:52:00.000-08:002009-05-12T11:12:54.802-07:00Getting Connected in ColoradoThe Rocky Mountain Alliance's own Randy Ketner (aka Night Twister) has created an invaluable resource for conservative activists in our state: Check out <a href="http://www.nighttwister.com/?p=10">"Getting Connected in Colorado"</a>.Ben DeGrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834102063921650816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1389717219398925048.post-90075535148921736542008-11-18T09:00:00.000-08:002009-06-09T21:19:48.087-07:00Listen to the Rocky Mountain Alliance Every Tuesday on Blog Talk Radio<p align="center"><img src="http://www.bendegrow.com/images/RMAradio.jpg"/></p><br /><br />The Rocky Mountain Alliance of Blogs hosts <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Rocky-Mtn-Blogs">a weekly Blog Talk Radio program</a>. Tune in Tuesdays at <span style="font-weight:bold;">8:30 PM</span> local Mountain Time. You will find a complete listing of past episodes below.<br /><br />Various members of the Rocky Mountain Alliance host the show -- including <a href="http://jsharf.com/view">Joshua Sharf</a>, <a href="http://slapstickpolitics.blogspot.com">Michael Sandoval</a>, <a href="http://nighttwister.blogivists.com">Randy Ketner</a>, <a href="http://bendegrow.com">Ben DeGrow</a>, and <a href="http://bestdestiny.blogspot.com">Michael Alcorn</a>. <br /><br />Guests regularly join us to share in some lighthearted and penetrating discussion of the week's events in national and Colorado politics from a right-of-center perspective. <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Rocky-Mtn-Blogs">You are welcome to join in the conversation.</a><br /><br />Click the icon to listen to our latest episode and to find links to previous editions:<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Rocky-Mtn-Blogs" target="blank"><img src="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/img/180x60_wht.gif"/></a><br><br><span style="font-weight:bold;"><font size="3">Episode History</font></span><br><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2009</span></p><span style="font-weight:bold;">June 9:</span> (Episode 30) Becoming the show's first-ever repeat guest, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Jim Pfaff</span> of the <a href="http://judicialnetwork.com/contents/about/">Colorado Judicial Network</a> explains why and how conservatives should actively challenge the U.S. Supreme Court nomination of Sonia Sotomayor. Due to the second consecutive unscheduled absence of Republican gubernatorial candidate <span style="font-weight:bold;">Dan Maes</span>, the hosts discussed concerns about <a href="http://www.danmaes.com/the-issues/">his stated issue positions</a> while also taking on three recent <span style="font-style:italic;">Denver Post</span> opinion pieces.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">June 2:</span> (Episode 29) The hosts discuss major Colorado political races, tough decisions for Governor Ritter, the General Motors takeover, President Obama's trip to the Middle East, and the NRSC's meddling in the Florida Senate primary. Colorado Republican U.S. Senate candidate <a href="http://www.tidwellforsenate.com/index.cfm"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Cleve Tidwell</span></a> talks about some of the issues in his campaign, including the online astroturfing controversy that <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_12502416">reached the <span style="font-style:italic;">Denver Post</span></a> this week.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">May 26:</span> (Episode 28) Longtime GOP political consultant <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Davis"><strong>Patrick Davis</strong></a> dissects the state of play in Colorado's major statewide races for 2010, as fields of Republicans seek to challenge Governor Bill Ritter and appointed U.S. Senator Michael Bennet. The Independence Institute's <a href="http://jessicacorry.com"><strong>Jessica Corry</strong></a> talks about the ongoing budget controversies at the University of Colorado.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">May 19:</span> (Episode 27) Local businessman and community leader <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://activerain.com/tghaemi">Tim Ghaemi</a></span> gives his informed insights into the upcoming national Iranian elections. State representative <span style="font-weight:bold;">Kent Lambert</span> of the <a href="http://www.rscc.us/">Republican Study Committee</a> recaps the recent legislative session and crucial budget issues.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">May 12:</span> (Episode 26) Republican Weld County District Attorney <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://kenbuck.com/">Ken Buck</a></span> makes the case for his U.S. Senate candidacy and takes on issues both foreign and domestic. <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.scottgessler.com/">Scott Gessler</a></span>, the GOP's first candidate for Secretary of State, explains his qualifications and his plans to clean up Colorado elections.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">May 5:</span> (Episode 25) Blogger extraordinaire <span style="font-weight:bold;">Ken Marrero</span> (the <a href="http://conservablogs.com/bluecollarmuse/">Blue Collar Muse</a>) talks about his extensive involvement in the <a href="http://taxdayteaparty.com/">national Tea Party movement</a>, the emerging <a href="http://www.americanlibertyalliance.com/">American Liberty Alliance</a> (of which he will be the new executive director), and a little of his home-state Tennessee politics.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">April 28:</span> (Episode 24) Colorado's first announced Republican candidate for state treasurer <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.stapletonforcolorado.com/">Walker Stapleton</a></span> highlights his qualifications for taking on Cary Kennedy, while dissecting the challenges of public pension reform and other fiscal issues at the state level.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">April 21:</span> (Episode 23) <span style="font-weight:bold;">Matt Arnold</span> from <a href="http://www.clearthebenchcolorado.org/">Clear the Bench Colorado</a> explains his grassroots campaign to vote out four sitting state supreme court justices. Senator <span style="font-weight:bold;">Greg Brophy</span> joins the hosts to talk about the ongoing budget debate at the State Capitol.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">April 14:</span> (Episode 22) The hosts discuss the Tea Party movement and upcoming Tax Day Tea Party events in Denver (and Fort Collins) with grassroots organizer <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://twitter.com/hearus">Brian Campbell</a></span>. <a href="http://www.facethestate.com">Face The State</a> political reporter <span style="font-weight:bold;">Kate Melvin</span> discusses Colorado higher education spending and <a href="http://www.i2i.org/main/article.php?article_id=1720">the exchange</a> between CU President Bruce Benson and the Independence Institute.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">April 7:</span> (Episode 21) The hosts review the results of the Fort Collins city council elections. Prospective state treasurer candidate <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://rockymountainright.com/?q=node/697">J.J. Ament</a></span> outlines his qualifications and his ideas to restore fiscal responsibility to state government. Independence Institute education analyst (and part of the RMA extended family) <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.i2i.org/main/author.php?author_id=96">Marya DeGrow</a></span> explains the need for homeschoolers in Colorado to remain vigilant.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">March 31:</span> (Episode 20) Arapahoe County clerk <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.nancyadoty.com/">Nancy Doty</a></span> talks about a potential run for Secretary of State. University of Denver law professor <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.law.du.edu/index.php/profile/robert-hardaway">Robert Hardaway</a></span> brings his expertise to bear on HB1299, the bill to replace the Electoral College with a National Popular Vote.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">March 24:</span> (Episode 19) The hosts review the results of the recent state GOP organizational meeting. Boulder County GOP chair <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.starinforcongress.com/">Scott Starin</a></span> weighs in with his ideas about the future direction of the Party. <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.bluecarp.com/">David K. Williams</a></span> explains the work of his newly co-founded <a href="http://www.gadsdensoc.com/">Gadsden Society of Colorado</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">March 17:</span> (Episode 18) State Senate Minority Leader <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/leg_dir/Senate/members/Sen07.htm">Josh Penry</a></span> discusses Senate Bill 228 and the Democrats' attempt to lift the state spending cap. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Nathan Chambers</span> talks about his candidacy for Colorado Republican Party state vice chair.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">March 10:</span> (Episode 17) <a href="http://www.cologop.org/">Colorado Republican Party</a> Chair <span style="font-weight:bold;">Dick Wadhams</span> looks at the party's past and future fortunes. Iranian-born political freedom advocate <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://english.iranianlobby.com/darBarehMa.php">Hassan Daioleslam</a></span> explains what the Iranian mullahs' lobby is up to in the United States.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">March 3:</span> (Episode 16) <a href="http://nighttwister.blogivists.com/2009/03/01/fort-collins-city-council-candidates-on-rma-blogtalk-radio/">Two candidates for Fort Collins City Council</a>, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Aislinn Kottwitz</span> (District 3) and <span style="font-weight:bold;">Andrew Boucher</span> (District 5), discuss their agendas to change city government. <a href="http://tomcstone.com/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tom Stone</span></a> explains why he is challenging Dick Wadhams for the state Republican Party chairmanship.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">February 24:</span> (Episode 15) <span style="font-weight:bold;">Evan Coyne Maloney</span> elaborates on his film <a href="http://www.indoctrinate-u.com/intro/">Indoctrinate U</a>, shown at the inaugural <a href="http://www.i2i.org/main/event.php?event_id=61">Liberty on Film</a>. <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.fraserinstitute.org/authors/detail.aspx?id=914">Nadeem Esmail</a></span> of the Fraser Institute discusses the dangers of single-payer (socialized) medicine from firsthand experience.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Two special editions of RMA Radio:</span> The Pork Roast/anti-stimulus rally edition from the steps of the State Capitol (February 17) and extensive coverage of the Larimer County Lincoln Day dinner (February 21).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">February 17:</span> (Episode 14) Denver-based political activist <span style="font-weight:bold;">Chris Maj</span> explains why he got active in Ron Paul’s <a href="http://www.campaignforliberty.com/">Campaign for Liberty</a>. The hosts reflect on the day's Pork Roast/anti-stimulus rally at the State Capitol.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">February 10:</span> (Episode 13) State Representative <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/leg_dir/House/members/Hou63.htm">Cory Gardner</a></span>, R-Yuma, probable candidate in the CD-4 GOP primary, talks about key transportation and other issues at the State Capitol. Republican activist <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://fromthetusks.blogspot.com/">Leondray Gholston</a></span> discusses his candidacy for state GOP vice-chair.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">February 3:</span> (Episode 12) <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.daveedgr.com/">Daveed Gartenstein-Ross</a></span> from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies shares his compelling story. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Mike Saccone</span>, ace state political reporter for the <span style="font-style:italic;">Grand Junction Sentinel</span>, gives his insider's perspective on issues unfolding under the Golden Dome.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">January 27:</span> (Episode 11) Elections expert <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://electionneutralitynow.com/">Jan Tyler</a></span> highlights the need for greater integrity in the administration of elections. State Senator <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.gregbrophy.net/">Greg Brophy</a></span>, R-Wray, discusses energy issues at the State Capitol.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">January 20:</span> (Episode 10) Independence Institute investigative reporter <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://completecolorado.com/">Todd Shepherd</a></span> talks about the changing local media scene. <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://markhillman.com/">Mark Hillman</a></span>, Colorado Republican National Committeeman, previews the elections for RNC chairman.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">January 13:</span> (Episode 9) State Representative <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/leg_dir/House/members/Hou59.htm">Ellen Roberts</a></span>, R-Durango, discusses important judicial and water issues in the new legislative session. State Senator <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/leg_dir/Senate/members/Sen22.htm">Mike Kopp</a></span>, R-Littleton, makes a cameo appearance.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">January 6:</span> (Episode 8) CU Regent <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="https://www.cu.edu/regents/current/lucero.html">Tom Lucero</a></span>, expounds on higher education issues, his recent successful Amendment 54 campaign, and his own newly-announced candidacy for CD 4 in 2010.<br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-weight:bold;">2008</span></p><span style="font-weight:bold;">December 30:</span> (Episode 7) Members of the Rocky Mountain Alliance reunite to take a look back at a dismal year in our 2008 year-in-review episode.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">December 23:</span> (Episode 6) <span style="font-weight:bold;">Jim Pfaff</span> of Americans for Prosperity Foundation and <a href="http://opiniontimes.com/">Opinion Times</a> discusses the AFP Colorado report <a href="http://www.americansforprosperity.org/keeping-colorado-competitive">"Keeping Colorado Competitive"</a> and bridging the Christian/libertarian gap.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">December 16:</span> (Episode 5) State Representative <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.kevinlundberg.com/">Kevin Lundberg</a></span>, R-Berthoud, talks about key proposals he plans to introduce in the upcoming legislative session. The hosts discuss the Ken Salazar appointment as Obama's Secretary of the Interior.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">December 9:</span> (Episode 4) Aurora City Councilman and rising Republican star <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.ryanfrazieraurora.com/">Ryan Frazier</a></span> talks about his vision of liberty, his support of right-to-work in the recent campaign, and plans for his own political future.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">December 2:</span> (Episode 3) <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.toddbensman.com/Bensman/Home_Page.html">Todd Bensman</a></span> of the <span style="font-style:italic;">San Antonio Express-News</span> gives insight into the well-acclaimed investigative series he authored <a href="http://www.toddbensman.com/Bensman/Breaching_America_series.html">"Breaching America: Examining Illegal Immigration from the Muslim World"</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">November 25:</span> (Episode 2) <a href="http://www.redcounty.com/contributor/mkerr"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Michael Kerr</span> from Red County</a> highlights the need for focused citizen blogging at the local level.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">November 18:</span> (Episode 1) <span style="font-weight:bold;">Seeme Hasan</span>, founder of <a href="http://www.muslimsforamerica.us/">Muslims for America</a> and latest recipient of the Independence Institute's annual David D'Evelyn Award, discusses her philanthrophy, political activism, and related issues.Ben DeGrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834102063921650816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1389717219398925048.post-61267118177282996122008-05-18T14:52:00.000-07:002008-12-11T08:58:49.908-08:00The Rocky Mountain Alliance is Back<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-kc8ylMeyjqQTohkSYApIjvlh3o_Qd3zVbJUfM2k1_nmwO79L-oZ-rOjo4Wnsi2Kk7FygK-V6KnyrUzf2ktCwRkpE7_QF8DU8iZFHzHBwuaN5tpuspHdlKIXwTWM1yQxUfs2doOVOJox/s1600-h/RMAB3ae.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-kc8ylMeyjqQTohkSYApIjvlh3o_Qd3zVbJUfM2k1_nmwO79L-oZ-rOjo4Wnsi2Kk7FygK-V6KnyrUzf2ktCwRkpE7_QF8DU8iZFHzHBwuaN5tpuspHdlKIXwTWM1yQxUfs2doOVOJox/s400/RMAB3ae.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201840146135233650" /></a><br /><br />In 2004, the <a href="http://rockymountainalliance.blogspot.com/">Rocky Mountain Alliance of Blogs</a> was formed - a loose collection of Colorado conservative bloggers who combined forces to grow new media influence in our state.<br /><br />Times change. New blogs come. Old ones go. 2008 brings the birth of the Rocky Mountain Alliance, version 2.0. To the right you will find not only links to each of our sites but also a feed you can scroll through to see our latest posts.<br /><br />Some of the original cast remain, strengthened by the fresh blood of some high-quality newcomers. The goal of the Rocky Mountain Alliance 2.0 is to promote our shared conservative vision of limited and accountable government, freedom, and personal responsibility - in Colorado and in our nation, the result of the most brilliant and noble political experiment in human history.<br /><br />You are invited to visit each of our sites and leave your comments.Ben DeGrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834102063921650816noreply@blogger.com2