This is a video provided to TMR by Tiny p Productions

Learn more about Chris Holbert at www.Holbert4House.com

Check out my stated values on my values page.

“I hold that any movement worth its salt should necessarily be rooted in values, but I contend that virtues should be a higher priority. The Tea Parties, 9-12 Projects and any other conservative grassroots movements are worth nothing if they don’t exercise virtuous actions based on their stated values.” – Paul Prosise

That being said, I’m back in the ring. Not only have I started a new company; Tiny p Productions, that will in part target campaigns that need video support, I’m also back to vetting and supporting candidates that I believe in.

My first project that I took on with TMR, which is really the campaign that brought The Move Right to anyone’s attention, was then candidate Chris Holbert. He is now Representative Chris Holbert of CO district 44. Chris who has since become a personal friend of mine, has meet all of my expectations as a State Representative. Chris Holbert has proven to be one of the most conservative people I’ve ever met, and I’m not even talking about his still short time in office.

Chris is a devout husband to Diane and father to Victor and Carson. He is also very outspoken about his faith, and if you watch him on any given day in the state house, you’ll find him praying under his breath, or even praying for someone in the hallway. This is rare, I’m an ordained pastor, who’s been paid to do that stuff and I’m not sure how bold I am in my faith to step out of a session because someone needs something.

During Chris’ very short time in the Colorado Legislature he’s not only been conservative and an example of faith, but he’s done the unthinkable. Representative Chris Holbert, the politician, fulfilled campaign promises. Yep, you heard that right. Here’s just a few:

2011 Legislative Highlights

Senate Bill 018 to require proof of citizenship for voter registration. Sponsored by Senator Harvey and Representative Holbert, the bill was assigned to the Senate Committee on State, Veteran, and Military Affairs (aka the “Kill Committee”) and was killed by Democrats (Senators Heath, Bacon, and Boyd) on a 3-2 party line vote.

House Bill 1252 to allow the Secretary of State to verify proof of citizenship after voter registration. Sponsored by Representative Holbert and Senator Harvey, the bill passed by the House Committee on State, Veteran, and Military Affairs, then by the House Committee on Appropriations. HB-1252 was then approved by the State House with bipartisan support. From there, the bill was assigned to the Senate Committee on State, Veteran, and Military Affairs (aka the “Kill Committee”) and was killed by Democrats (Senators Heath, Bacon, and Boyd) on a 3-2 party line vote.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 002 to refer to the ballot a measure to require proof of citizenship for voter registration. Sponsored by Senator Lambert and Representative Holbert, SCR-002 was intended to allow the voters to decide wheather proof of citizenship should be required to register to vote. The Resolution was assigned to the Senate Committee on State, Veteran, and Military Affairs (aka the “Kill Committee”) and was killed by Democrats (Senators Heath, Bacon, and Boyd) on a 3-2 party line vote.

Senate Bill 126 to provide in state tuition rates to persons illegally present in Colorado. The bill was passed by the Democrat-controlled Senate and killed by the House Committee on Education. As a member of the Education Committee, Representative Holbert was an outspoken opponent to the bill and did not hesitate to vote against the measure. “We must not provide yet another incentive for people to come here illegally,” said Holbert.

House Resolution 1009 by Representative Holbert. The Resolution encourages the State Board of Education to work with local school districts to adopt standards by which students graduating from high school in Colorado can demonstrate an aptitude and appreciation for American Exceptionalism. Passed by the Colorado House and sent to Governor Hickenlooper, our seven members of Congress, and the State Board of Education.

Now Rep. Holbert may not have been successful in all of his legislative bids, but he did as promised, and I commend him for that.

Chris has also begun to garner support from some unusual places and people. And it’s making the GOP political machine, not just irritated and not just annoyed, but flat out pissed. Especially within the ranks of the “ultra-conservative” Douglas County political system. Chris has stepped out of line, and I love him for that.

One huge issue for the political machine here in DougCo, is Chris’ endorsement from former Libertarian head David K. Williams, now republican activist and Vice-Chair of El Paso GOP. David, along with several other “political outcasts” have banded together to throw their support behind the Representative. In an upcoming event, supporting Chris’ candidacy and continuing election campaign, David and Don Rodgers and others will help Chris in his bid for another term of office. Find the event on Facebook.

Don Rodgers, an outspoken 9-12er and tea-partier, is co-hosting among others. Don had this to say on his Facebook page early on Nov 9, 2011.

I support Rep. Chris Holbert

On 10 Nov, supporters of Rep Chris Holbert are gathering and I am proud to be listed as a “co-host” for the event and although I can not physically attend I am sending the first cash donation to his reelection campaign today. Those who know me understand that I do not do this lightly. Politicians have failed us on many levels and I have become very selective in individuals I support. Watching Rep Holbert closely on every vote this last legislative session proved to me that Chris is not a “politician” , but he is a man of his word and his record is evidence. Chris ran on the values and principles of many in the liberty group community. Those are really just the values and principles most Americans live their lives by and expect of those we elect to represent us. Chris has proved he approaches his duties as an elected official exactly as he promised. He has proved his metal.

America suffers from a leadership crisis in government and we need honest and truly good men and women to step up into leadership roles. We as citizens must also be willing to support these individuals. I do not live in Rep Holbert’s district, but I know we need his leadership in Colorado. I support Rep Holbert and if you are looking for those to support in restoring Colorado to a more limited government and one that truly puts its citizens first, I ask you consider looking at Rep Holbert’s record and how he has conducted himself since taking office.

Don

This upsets people, the machine wants to keep the status quo, Don and Dave are anything but status quo. And I’m sure that’s why they’ve put their support behind Chris. It’s the reason I support him as well. But don’t blindly take my word on Chris. I hope you vet Chris, I’m not even sure I love everything about the man, but he’s got my support. Period.

One last thing, a character example of Chris. I got off the phone with him recently thinking, “wow that was cool.” He told me, “Paul if you think I’m being too stubbron or egotistical, tell me. If I am, and I trust you’d tell me, then I will fall on my face repent and ask for God’s forgiveness.”

I know that this is too “extreme right-winged” conservative crap to many of you out there, but this is one of the best things about Chris. He’s grounded, his faith and family keep him that way. As long as this holds true with him I will support Chris’ continued bid for office.

If you’re interested in going to an event to help Chris out click here: http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102826680724-32/Nov_10_Event.pdf

CBS is now reporting that there will be no photo release, and politicians we can’t believe, say they’ve seen the photo and he is dead.

Meanwhile, we still have an un-audited Fed causing QE2, sky rocketing gas prices and many other things that are tearing this country apart. Osama’s death is a convenient distraction for the administration. Stay focused on the task at hand which is ousting the current administration and standing up for our values.

President Barack Obama is proud of his record of accomplishment. Watch his first ad of the 2012 campaign brought to you by the National Republican Senatorial Committee. http://www.nrsc.org *Not actually an Obama 2012 ad*

VetTheGov.com Uncovers a Budget Crisis in Mesa County Colorado

The author of this new website, who I have great respect for his effectiveness in the political arena, has done his homework. If knowledge is indeed power then you’ll be one powerful person after reading VetTheGov.com.

Not only is the last post very will informed, it cuts straight to the bone of government’s inefficiencies. VetTheGov.com has been able to uncover millions of dollars in budgetary shortfalls and misspent tax money.

Beginning with the Landfill/Solid Waste department which for years was the talk of the town for actual good government business, has now become a negative on the balance sheet.  If you look at the this departments budget statement here you will notice that eventually all good government programs end up losing at some point.  The Solid Waste department will charge $3,875,000.00 for services with total expenditures for the program of $4,625,342.00 for a loss of ($750,342.00).  The positives for this catagory are required personnel which has stayed at Seven Full Time Equivalents (FTE’s) and some nice cash reserves.

The writer goes on to uncover,

Animal Services department is budgeted for $912,871.00 with charges for services of $501,100.00 for another loss of ($411,771.00).  The animal services manager annual salary based on monthly gross wages is $111,345.72.  The department also has an animal services director which is paid $72,894.96 annually.  The remaining portion divided up for 13 other positions and operating expenses.  Who would of thought the dog catching business paid so well?  Average response time 28.2 minutes for priority calls.

Here is where it gets interesting!  The Human Services and Health Fund department’s employ 306.58 FTE’s out of Mesa County’s 965.58 FTE’s total.  Combined budgets total $28,203,268.00 in which a large portion of their revenue comes from Federal government grants.  The Human Services department has 220.83 FTE’s with total appropriations of $21,927,203.00.  From this 21.9 million, $16,963,706.00 goes to salaries, benefits, and operating costs.  Only $4,908,165.00 makes it to actual clients.  See Human Services budget here.  There is no charge for services to clients.  The average Director gross salary is $87,515.00.

VetTheGov.com has several more targets in mind and is currently working on uncovering other stories. One current

Colorado bill SB 200 the Health Care Exchange Bill may just be subject to the VetTheGov’s next oversight. In a recent phone conversation I had with him, he said “this bill is nothing more that a open door for Obamacare.” I personally can’t wait to see what VetTheGov comes up with next.

Please support my friend and help expose Government waste and abuse.

The “confession” is most likely just a joke, but it’s an interesting comment at least.

Colorado State Senator John Morse was recently the subject in the Colorado Accountability Project’s latest article.  They discovered that Sen. Morse is collecting money at a rate far higher than any of his colleagues, including both Senate and House leadership members. Morse requested per diem reimbursment, $99 per day, nearly 100 days more than then Speaker Terrance Carrol.

CAP’s report had this to say:

“Most members of leadership only submit for time they spend at the capitol or days when they attend meetings as a representative of the state.

Morse claimed a full 120 days during the legislative session then claimed an additional 211 days, or nearly $21,000, after the end of the session. The majority of those days were labeled as ‘constituent work’ on the reimbursement request; such ‘constituent work’ was not supported by Sen. Morse’s calendars. In fact, days where reimbursements were requested the calendar entries reflected haircuts, dentist appointments and packing and moving.

Recently, Sen. Morse ran an amendment to cut $25,000 from the Attorney General‟s budget. During debate of the same bill, he chastised Secretary of State Scott Gessler for his claims that he could not live on a salary of $68,500. Morse went on to say that Gessler “needed to tighten his belt the way ordinary Coloradans have.”

Sen. Morse has been quick to criticize others while collecting state money at a rate superior to his fellow members of leadership. In fact, Morse requested reimbursement at a rate of 28% greater than then-Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll, 31% greater than President of the Senate Brandon Shaffer and 44% and 68% greater than Republican leadership.”

Video from Townhall.com

Despite a valiant effort by the Colorado GOP Senators, Cevette was confirmed today in the Colorado State Senate. It’s a sad day in Colorado Politics as the Democrats ignore house rules and rubber stamp Hickenlooper’s appointee.

Source: Colorado Senate News

At the confirmation hearing for the directors board of Pinnacol Assurance. John Cevette was answering questions from the panel when, Democrat Senator Lois Tochtrop, stepped over the line breaking senate protocol and advised Mr. Cevette to not answer the questions from Republican Senator Shawn Mitchell.

Senator Mitchell was asking questions about SB 09-281,  according to Sen. Mitchell the bill “would have transferred $500 million from Pinnacol’s reserves to the state’s General Fund.” Senator Mitchell wanted to know Cevette’s position on the bill and Mitchell feels the tax payers deserve an answer. He also questions Mr. Cevette’s ability to serve on the Pinnacol’s Board and continue on with his current job, this could only lead to an “unavoidable conflict of interest”.

Senator Mitchell also had this to say, “If Mr. Cevette continues to assert “staff-principal” privilege when questioned about potential conflicts of interest arising from his role as an advisor to the President, such secrecy will inevitably cast aspersions on the Board’s work.”

During the questioning Senator Tochtrop can be heard interrupting Senator Mitchell and Mr. Cevette, effectively protecting and silencing any opposition questioning to the appointee.

Senator Shawn Mitchel Questions John Cevette

Senator Mitchell clearly felt this was a serious breach of protocol and has issued a letter to the Senate President Schaffer with his concerns over Senators Tochtrop’s actions.

Listen to the audio: Democrat Committee Chair Lois Tochtrop Protects Democrat Appointee From Answering Questions.

A copy of Sen Shawn Mitchell’s letter is included below:

February 23, 2011

President Shaffer,

I am writing to express my concerns about today’s confirmation hearing for the members of the Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors.

During the hearing, I asked Mr. Cevette a question pertinent to the position for which he was nominated. The chair of the committee, Senator Tochtrop, informed Mr. Cevette that he did not have to answer the question. Senator Tochtrop did not rule the question out of order; she arbitrarily shielded the witness from answering it. I believe that the members of the committee and the public deserve an answer, as the matter was directly related to Mr. Cevette’s potential role as a Pinnacol Board member.

My question was whether or not Mr. Cevette expressed an opinion to the President of the Senate regarding SB 09-281, the bill which would have transferred $500 million from Pinnacol’s reserves to the state’s General Fund. The matter of whether or not Mr. Cevette approved of the bill at the time, or offered advice on it, is highly pertinent to his potential work on the Board.

Mr. Cevette’s actions in the past regarding SB 09-281 cut to the heart of our concerns about his appointment: that serving on the Board of Directors while continuing in his present job will place him in a position of unavoidable conflict of interest. If Mr. Cevette continues to assert “staff-principal” privilege when questioned about potential conflicts of interest arising from his role as an advisor to the President, such secrecy will inevitably cast aspersions on the Board’s work.

I respectfully request that Mr. Cevette provide the Business, Labor and Technology committee with an answer to my question. We owe nothing less than complete transparency to the public and the thousands of small businesses who have a stake in Pinnacol Assurance’s success.

Sincerely,

Senator Shawn Mitchell