Need another reason why voting “NO” on the four Colorado Supreme Court justices up for re-election this year is the MOST important vote you can cast in this very important election year?

An editorial in this Sunday’s Pueblo Chieftain, “Chief justice wields clout over reapportionment” should make it clear:

Long after the concern about medical marijuana is settled, the 2010 and 2011 legislatures will be dealing with reapportionment of congressional and state legislative districts. One person - the chief justice of the Colorado Supreme Court - will decide which political party will control the legislative districts. [emphasis added] …

The first four reapportionment commissioners are the Senate president, Senate minority leader, the House speaker and the House minority leader, or their designees. The next three are chosen by the governor who can pick all three from one political party.

The last four are chosen by the Supreme Court chief justice. No more than six of the 11 commission members can be from the same political party. The recent results have been Republicans 6-5 in 1982, Republican-Democratic tie, 5-5, one liberal independent in 1992 and Democrats 6-5 in 2002.

Every legislator who might be around in 2011 ought to obtain, keep and reread many times the decision in “Re Reapportionment of Colorado General Assembly.”

The “clout” of the Colorado Supreme Court in drawing up legislative districts doesn’t end with state-level reapportionment, however; it also extends to how Colorado citizens will be represented in Congress.  Following the last census, when a lawsuit over a legislative redistricting plan sought to overturn the decisions of our elected officials, the Colorado Supreme Court declared itself part of the General Assembly in order to grab the power to draw up Congressional districts, despite the clear language of the Colorado Constitution.  The Chieftain’s excellent editorial explains this too:

Congressional redistricting

The state constitution, Article 5, provides: “The General Assembly shall divide the state into as many congressional districts as there are representatives . . . apportioned to the state by the Congress of the United States for the election of one representative to Congress from each district.”

If the General Assembly and the governor are unable to enact a plan for congressional redistricting, Denver District Court is forced to adopt a plan, as happened in Beauprez vs. Avalos in 2002. It is not subject to later revision by the Legislature until after the next census, according to the case Salazar vs Davidson in 2003.

Unless there is some change in civility, a District Court judge sitting in Denver may draw the 2012 congressional districts.

The Colorado Supreme Court - and particularly, the Chief Justice - exercises enormous power (”clout”) over the lives of Colorado citizens.  The current majority has repeatedly demonstrated that it does not exercise this power with restraint or consideration for your constitutional rights - ruling consistently against individual protections and in favor of expanded government power.  Upholding tax increases (such as the “Mill Levy Tax Freeze” property tax increase, or the “Dirty Dozen” new tax laws) imposed without the required vote of the people, enabling taxes to be collected under the guise of “fees” (such as the Colorado Car Tax), expanding eminent domain abuse to seize people’s property, and grabbing the (legislative) power to draw up voting districts - this court is acting like rulers, with you as the subjects; re-writing the laws, instead of upholding them.

Be a citizen, not a subject - exercise your right to vote “NO” this November on the four ‘unjust justices’ of the Colorado Supreme Court’s “Mullarkey Majority”- (Justices Michael Bender, Alex Martinez, Nancy Rice, and Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey) who need YOUR approval to continue taking away your constitutional rights: your right to vote on tax increases, your right to defend your home and business from seizure by rapacious governments, and your right to enjoy the benefits of the rule of law, instead of suffering under rule by activist, agenda-driven “justices.”  Support Clear The Bench Colorado with your comments (Sound Off!) and your contributions - and vote “NO” on retaining these unjust justices on the bench for another 10-year term!

As many Colorado citizens of various faiths today celebrate Palm Sunday, we also commemorate a decision reached 5 years ago on this date by the Colorado Supreme Court to dismiss the death penalty in the case of a convicted rapist-murderer - because a jurist in the case had brought a Bible into the jury room and discussed it with others.

The facts of the case and the conviction were not in doubt.  From the Colorado Bar Association case summary:

“In 1995, a jury convicted Robert Harlan of first degree murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and assault for the kidnapping, rape, and murder of Rhonda Maloney and the shooting of her would-be rescuer, Jaquie Creazzo. The jury rendered a unanimous death penalty decision.”

Harlan’s crime was particularly heinous.  Not only did he kidnap, torture and rape (multiple times) one woman (before murdering her), he also shot another woman attempting to help the victim.

Despite clear establishment of guilt, Harlan’s lawyers tried every trick in the book to dismiss the unanimous death penalty decision reached by the jury - and settled, finally, on a trick involving a book - the Bible.  The Colorado Supreme Court bought into the argument, and in a 3-2 decision (Justice Hobbs, joined by Justice Martinez and Justice Mullarkey in the majority, with Justice Rice and then-Chief Justice Kourlis dissenting and Justices Bender and Coats not participating) used the technicality of “extraneous undue influence” by the presence of (ore reference to) a Bible to dismiss the death penalty.

Again quoting from the case summary:

“The Supreme Court concludes that unauthorized introduction into the jury room of the Bible and its text commanding the death sentence for murder could influence a typical juror to vote for death instead of life imprisonment. Under Colorado law, the death penalty is not required for first-degree murder, and it takes the vote of only one juror to refuse the death sentence when the state is seeking the defendant’s execution.

Applying the objective test for ascertaining prejudice to a defendant from juror use of improper, extraneous, and prejudicial materials, the Supreme Court upholds the trial court’s order vacating Harlan’s death sentence and imposing a sentence to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. In light of the trial court’s evidentiary findings and exercising its duty to independently review the death penalty, the Supreme Court finds that it can no longer say that the death penalty verdict was not influenced by passion, prejudice, or any other arbitrary factor.”

The full text of the decision - People v. Robert Eliot Harlan - contains additional information on the convoluted reasoning by which the majority reached their decision to vacate the death penalty, as well as the dissent rebutting many of the assertions advanced by the majority and the defense lawyers.

From the dissent:

“The jurors’exposure to Romans 13:1 and Leviticus 24:20-21 was not prejudicial to Harlan because the jurors were required to make an overwhelming moral decision, namely whether the death penalty was an appropriate punishment for Harlan. To this end, the court instructed the jurors to “apply [their] reasoned judgment in deciding whether the situation calls for life imprisonment or the imposition of the death penalty”(emphasis added). The court further told the jurors that “you must still all make a further individual moral assessmentof whether you have been convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the death penalty, instead of life in prison, is the appropriate punishment for [Harlan] in this case”(emphasis added). As such, the jury instructions squarely directed the jurors to consider their moral and religious precepts, as well as their general knowledge, when making a reasoned judgment about whether or not to impose the death penalty.”

Justices Hobbs, Martinez, and Mullarkey - the ruling majority in the case - apparently found that “unauthorized introduction” of the same (improper, extraneous, and prejudicial) document used to swear in the jurors to duty in the case constituted “passion, prejudice, or any other arbitrary factor” in their sentencing decision.

These same justices will be asking for your approval this November to continue making similar decisions.  Don’t give it to them - exercise your right to vote “NO” on the ‘unjust justices’ of the Colorado Supreme Court who need YOUR approval to continue taking away your constitutional rights: your right to vote on tax increases, your right to defend your home and business from seizure by rapacious governments, and your right to enjoy the benefits of the rule of law, instead of suffering under rule by activist, agenda-driven “justices.”  Support Clear The Bench Colorado with your comments (Sound Off!) and your contributions - and vote “NO” on retaining these unjust justices on the bench for another 10-year term in this year’s November elections!

Celebrating the one-year anniversary of the notorious “April Fool’s” brief to the Legislature’s Joint Budget Committee that opened the door to a flood of new taxes (er, “eliminating tax exemptions“) without the constitutionally-required prior approval by a vote of the people.

Yes, the joke was on you - and the punchline was repeated twelve times at the start of this year’s legislative session with the “Dirty Dozen” tax increase bills (er, “closing corporate loopholes”) on everything from candy & soda, pesticides & animal drugs, energy production, software downloads, online sales/purchases, and even doggy bags…

… ALL courtesy of a blatantly anti-constitutional ruling in the “Mill Levy Tax Freeze” case by the “Mullarkey Majority” on the Colorado Supreme Court.

So come on out, have a great time, and help support Clear The Bench Colorado as we lead the fight to keep Colorado’s ‘unjust justices’ from getting another 10-year term.

Don’t get fooled again - exercise your right to vote “NO” on the four Colorado Supreme Court ‘unjust justices’ (Michael Bender, Alex Martinez, Nancy Rice, and Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey) who need YOUR approval to continue taking away your constitutional rights: your right to vote on tax increases, your right to defend your home and business from seizure by rapacious governments, and your right to enjoy the benefits of the rule of law, instead of suffering under rule by activist, agenda-driven “justices.”  Support Clear The Bench Colorado with your comments (Sound Off!) and your contributions - and vote “NO” on retaining these unjust justices on the bench for another 10-year term!

For most of the past year, Clear The Bench Colorado has been predicting that the Colorado legislature would not be proposing any new tax increases in this year’s legislative session - at least, not in name.  Good news, right?  Of course, the bad news punchline is that, thanks to the Colorado Supreme Court’s Mullarkey Majority rulings on the “Mill Levy Tax Freeze” case and the “Fees are not Taxes” case - they won’t have to; they’ll just call it a “freeze”, a “fee”, or the “elimination of an existing tax credit or tax exemption.”

Until today, these predictions have been borne out; although the legislature has already come up with numerous “revenue-generating mechanisms” this year to avoid that pesky TABOR requirement to seek voter approval before taking your money (such as, most prominently, the notorious “Dirty Dozen” tax increase - er, elimination of tax credits or exemptions - bills which dominated the start of this year’s legislative session), the legislature had so far NOT openly proposed any new “taxes”.

This one is - wait for it - “for the children”: Proposal would raise taxes for Colorado schools

“Rep. Debbie Benefield of Arvada announced Wednesday that she would introduce a referred measure asking voters this November to amend the state constitution to give lawmakers open-ended authority to raise taxes to cover education expenses.

Currently, the Taxpayers Bill of Rights requires lawmakers to get voter approval for any proposed tax increase. Benefield’s proposal would make a permanent exception for hikes that fund schools. …

Judy Solano, Mike Merrifield and Joe Rice also stood in support.”

Well, at least they’re asking this time…  although it’s kinda like the neighborhood bully who repeatedly beats you up all week for your lunch money, then comes back on Sunday and asks you to contribute more money for his anger management and substance abuse therapy.  Sure, it’s a good cause, but…

Besides, the excuse that “it’s for the children” is wearing a bit thin.  The 2007 School Finance Act, passed through that year’s Senate Bill 199 (upheld in the notorious “Mill Levy Tax Freeze” ruling) massively increased property taxes “for the children”:

Ritter praised the court’s decision. “As you know, the Colorado Supreme Court today ruled in the state’s favor in what has become known as the ‘mill levy’ case,” he said in a prepared statement. “But the real winners today are Colorado’s children, Colorado’s families and Colorado’s schools.”

 Except that the revenues collected didn’t go towards school funding after all: TURNS OUT, MILL LEVY INCREASE ISN’T REALLY ‘FOR THE CHILDREN’

“Fast-forward several weeks, and it turns out Colorado schools won’t see an additional dime despite higher property tax collections. At least not this year. The Denver Post reported Sen. Bob Bacon, D-Fort Collins, saying the mill levy freeze saved the state about $130 million this fiscal year because the state didn’t have didn’t have to backfill school coffers in order to meet a mandated per pupil allotment.”

Well, that’s Strike One on revenue collection “for the children” - what’s the next pitch?

That would be the attempt to bypass the legislative process entirely and just sue the state in court to get increased funding for schools - ironically, using taxpayer dollars to pay for both sides.  The latest example of using the courts to take a bite out of your rights (instead of defending them) was enabled thanks to a Colorado Supreme Court ruling last October (Lobato v. State of Colorado) allowing the lawsuits to go forward, overturning lower courts that had held (correctly) that school funding decisions are a matter of policy - not law - and are therefore the job of elected legislators - not appointed judges - to decide.

However, since the lawsuits are likely to be tied up in the courts for some time, they are unlikely to succeed in bringing in any revenues “for the children” (as opposed to the copious revenues that WILL be generated in the meantime “for the lawyers”) anytime soon - so this approach is a costly “foul ball.”  Strike Two.

Next up: the “Dirty Dozen” tax increase bills - courtesy of that same “Mill Levy Tax Freeze” ruling that raised property taxes - were justified (again!) as being “for the children” (and schools, and teachers…) - as expressed both in floor debates and in (taxpayer-funded?) fundraising letters to constituents:

“Increasing taxes “means $145 million we do not have to cut from K-12 education,” the Democrat fundraising e-mail said, specifically claiming that one tax could save up to 1,700 jobs for teachers.”

However, the claim is disingenuous, at best, according to several state legislators:

“Democrats know full well that K-12 education won’t see an extra dime from these tax increases,” said Sen. Nancy Spence, R-Centennial.  ”It’s time for the Democrats to stop lying to the public about where this money will go.”

That would be - Strike Three?

Unfortunately, the batter’s still not out (yet!) - apparently, the rules get bent a bit in favor of those coming after your wallet.  Benefield may be swinging for the bleachers with her latest tax proposal - but hey, with the umpire(s) on your side, why not?

The question is, why should “We The People” wish to give “open-ended authority to raise taxes” and create a “permanent exemption” to the Taxpayers Bill of Rights [which] “requires lawmakers to get voter approval for any proposed tax increase?” Particularly when any loophole created - even if narrowly tailored to only “fund schools” or support education - will be aggressively exploited by future legislators and expanded on by the current majority on the Colorado Supreme Court.

Our Constitution has already been shredded enough in the name of legislation and court rulings “for the children” with a cynical, activist Mullarkey Court leading the way.

Although it’s almost April 1st, don’t get fooled again - exercise your right to vote “NO” on the four Colorado Supreme Court ‘unjust justices’ (Michael Bender, Alex Martinez, Nancy Rice, and Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey) who need YOUR approval to continue taking away your constitutional rights: your right to vote on tax increases, your right to defend your home and business from seizure by rapacious governments, and your right to enjoy the benefits of the rule of law, instead of suffering under rule by activist, agenda-driven “justices.”  Support Clear The Bench Colorado with your comments (Sound Off!) and your contributions - and vote “NO” on retaining these unjust justices on the bench for another 10-year term!

The massive expansion of Federal government power that culminated in this last weekend’s “historic” vote for what is essentially a takeover of healthcare is an unprecedented intrusion into the most personal of human rights and decisions, in the face of overwhelming popular opposition and openly engaging in the worst kind of dirty machine power politics (arm-twisting, vote-buying and out-and-out bribery that would get any regular citizen thrown in jail…)

It is increasingly clear that We The People cannot trust our elected officials (who increasingly appear to view themselves as rulers, not representatives of the citizenry) to restrain themselves from abusing the power that we have placed into their hands.

The single positive result of this repugnant display - which may not be new, but has never been so apparent - is the re-awakening of popular interest in constitutional restraints on the scope and extent of government authority.  The ongoing devolution of our constitutional republican form of government (limited powers, delegated authority based on the consent of the governed) into mob-rule democracy (constrained only by momentary and shifting balances of power) has highlighted the need for limits like never before - and is also raising awareness of the role of our 3rd branch of government (the judiciary) in either undermining or upholding those limits, which constitute the very essence of the rule of law which safeguards our rights and our liberty.

Hopefully, our nation’s constitutional reawakening will begin to deliver us from the precipice. There is no constitutional authority for two-thirds to three-quarters of what Congress does.

Our Constitution’s father, James Madison, explained: “The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government, are few and defined … (to be) exercised principally on external objects, as war, peace, negotiation and foreign commerce.”

When government - at the behest of our elected or appointed officials - oversteps its authority, as laid out in our “rulebook” (the Constitution), it is up to We The People (who have delegated specific powers and authority, but retain all rights) to stop them.  The Courts provide the mechanism to do so without violence - and our judges, especially at the highest levels (state and Federal Supreme Court) fill the role of referee, applying the laws and ensuring that the rules in our “rulebook” are observed and obeyed.

Several state Attorneys General - including Colorado Attorney General John Suthers - have joined to file a lawsuit in response to the Federal government attempted takeover of healthcare as “an unconstitutional expansion of federal power” that violates the rights of states and individuals:

Suthers said the health care bill, by requiring all Americans to buy health insurance, violates the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which says “powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.”

Given the political and procedural difficulties inherent in repealing laws once passed - including a certain presidential veto - it may well be that the ONLY feasible “way to stop this federal overreach is through the courts.” (”Kill It In Court” editorial)

When judges fail in their duty to apply the law in accordance with the “rulebook” (our Constitution) - either ignoring existing law, or inventing new law (”legislating from the bench”) they have abandoned their proper role as referees and become players - or bystanders.  Both alternatives are dangerous - our system cannot abide judges who cannot, or will not, uphold the rule of law.

 In Colorado, we have experienced the worst examples of this - a majority of our state Supreme Court justices have repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to ignore, re-write, or otherwise violate our state Constitution.  Fortunately, We The People of Colorado have the right, the opportunity, and the civic duty to hold our judiciary accountable through the process of retention elections - phrased in the form of the ballot question: “Should Justice X be retained in office?  Vote Yes or NO.”

Yes, you can exercise your right to vote “NO” on the four ‘unjust justices’ of the Mullarkey Majority (Michael Bender, Alex Martinez, Nancy Rice, and Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey) who need YOUR approval to continue taking away your constitutional rights: your right to vote on tax increases, your right to defend your home and business from seizure by rapacious governments, and your right to enjoy the benefits of the rule of law, instead of suffering under rule by activist, agenda-driven “justices.”  Support Clear The Bench Colorado with your comments (Sound Off!) and your contributions - and vote “NO” on retaining these unjust justices on the bench this year!

Clear The Bench Colorado has previously noted that a recent decision by the CSU Board of Governors to deprive Concealed-Carry Weapons (CCW) permit-holders of their legal rights under Colorado statute on CSU campuses is virtually certain to be legally challenged and ultimately decided (as a matter of Colorado law, regulating concealed carry) by the Colorado Supreme Court.

Recent statements by Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden that he would refuse to prosecute any licensed permit-holder detained or sanctioned by University enforcement officers, because any such action would violate state law as well as his oath to uphold the Federal and state Constitution and Colorado statute, has drawn additional attention to the issue.

Sheriff Alderden recently appeared on the Independent Thinking television program to discuss the issue of “Guns on Campus” with host Jon Caldara and leftist Denver Post columnist Mike Littwin (the CSU Board refused to appear in defense of their policy decision, probably on the advise of legal counsel in order to avoid making self-incriminating statements).

In this segment (number 2 of 3 total), Sheriff Alderden reiterates the fact that the CSU gun ban violates state law:

(At approximately the 7 minute mark, Sheriff Alderden gets to the crux of the matter:
“The law says that if you have a Concealed Carry Permit, you CAN carry on campus… that’s what the statute says.”)

18-12-214. Authority granted by permit - carrying restrictions.

  (1) (a) A permit to carry a concealed handgun authorizes the permittee to carry a concealed handgun in all areas of the state, except as specifically limited in this section. …  A local government does not have authority to adopt or enforce an ordinance or resolution that would conflict with any provision of this part. (emphasis added)

The ONLY hope for this clearly unconstitutional ban to withstand the inevitable legal challenge - and the ongoing legal challenge to the CU ban - is if the Colorado Supreme Court refuses to uphold the law (certainly not impossible, given the repeatedly demonstrated anti-gun bias and generally anti-constitutional predilections of the Mullarkey Majority which dominates the 7-member court).

Meanwhile, the CU Regents ban on responsible and licensed concealed-carry has already been challenged by students from different CU campuses; although a lower court judge dismissed the case on a technicality, the case is now coming before the Colorado Court of Appeals (one level shy of the Colorado Supreme Court).  Oral arguments in the case begin this coming Tuesday (23 March) starting at 1:30 PM (those with an interest in upholding the constitutional right to keep and bear arms in Colorado may wish to appear in (polite and civil) witness to the proceedings.

Ultimately, these cases are likely to be decided by the Colorado Supreme Court; given the current majority, this cannot be an entirely encouraging prospect for friends of liberty and defenders of our constitutional rights. 

Fortunately, friends of liberty and the constitutional right to keep and bear arms in Colorado can “head ‘em off at the pass” in November 2010 by voting to REMOVE FOUR of the most anti-constitutional justices on the Colorado Supreme Court (Justices Michael Bender, Alex Martinez, Nancy Rice, and Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey) BEFORE the challenge comes to a final resolution before the court.

Freedom isn’t Free - Defend YOUR Constitution, and exercise YOUR right to vote “NO” on retaining the four unjust justices of the Mullarkey Majority (Justices Michael Bender, Alex Martinez, Nancy Rice, and Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey) who need YOUR approval to continue taking away your constitutional rights: your right to vote on tax increases, your right to defend your homes and business from seizure by rapacious governments, and your right to enjoy the benefits of the rule of law, not rule by activist, agenda-driven “justices.”  Support Clear The Bench Colorado with your comments (Sound Off!), your contributions, and your “NO” vote against retaining these unjust justices in November 2010!

Tonight is the night that Colorado citizens of all political persuasions (at least those registered with a political party) have the opportunity to make their voices heard and influence their respective party’s choice of candidates in the elections, at their local precinct caucus.  The precinct caucuses are the most direct interaction that the majority of Colorado citizens have in the political process, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunity, whatever your party affiliation.

The precinct caucuses ALSO present the opportunity for citizens to speak out on matters of policy, as well as politics - by introducing resolutions at the caucuses to gain support within the political parties and their membership.

Clear The Bench Colorado asks citizens attending the caucuses who care about our Constitution and upholding the rule of law - be they Republican, Libertarian, Green Party, or Democrat (although it may take a bit more courage from members of the latter parties) to introduce the following resolution (which must be submitted in written form) at your local precinct caucus:

     Whereas, the rule of law must be upheld by judges who respect the Constitution and act to interpret laws as written, rather than make them by legislating from the bench and overriding the will of the people -  

      Be it Resolved that  We The People strongly advocate a “NO” vote on the retention of Colorado Supreme Court Justices Michael Bender, Alex Martinez, Nancy Rice, and Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey in the November 2010 elections, in order to restore accountability to the judiciary of Colorado.

Join Clear The Bench Colorado in returning “power to the people” - get active, get involved, raise your voice and help to restore accountability to the Colorado judiciary by exercising YOUR RIGHT to vote “NO” on the four unjust justices of the Colorado Supreme Court (Justices Michael Bender, Alex Martinez, Nancy Rice, and Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey) who need YOUR approval to continue taking away your rights: your right to vote on tax increases, your right to defend your home or business from seizure by government abuse of eminent domain power, and your right to enjoy the benefits of the rule of law, not rule by activist, agenda-driven “justices.”  Help to Support Clear The Bench Colorado with your voice (Sound Off!), your contributions, and your “NO” vote to remove these unjust justices on election day this November!

The resurgence of “We The People” in the form of local citizens banding together in grassroots civic action organizations to defend our constitutional rights is THE continuing political story of the year 2010 in America…

Clear The Bench Colorado Director Matt Arnold is both proud and humbled to have been invited as a guest speaker to several such groups over the last several months - beginning with the massive (7000+) crowd at the Tax Day Tea Party rally at the Denver Capitol and continuing through several events throughout the Spring (examples here, and here), Summer (examples here, here, and here) and Fall (examples here, here, here, here, and here) and Winter (here, and here) of 2009 - and now coming back for more in 2010!

The Grassroots Revival continues.  Clear The Bench Colorado Director Matt Arnold is speaking this morning (Saturday) at the Vail Valley 9.12 Project meeting at the Avon Branch Library starting at 10AM.

Join Clear The Bench Colorado and the Grassroots Revival in restoring “power to the people” - get active, get involved, raise your voice and help to restore accountability to the Colorado judiciary by exercising YOUR RIGHT to vote “NO” on the four unjust justices of the Mullarkey Majority (Justices Michael Bender, Alex Martinez, Nancy Rice, and Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey) who need YOUR approval to continue taking away your rights: your right to vote on tax increases, your right to defend your homes and business from seizure by rapacious governments, and your right to enjoy the benefits of the rule of law, not rule by activist, agenda-driven “justices.”  Support Clear The Bench Colorado with your voice (Sound Off!), your contributions, and your “NO” vote to remove these unjust justices on election day this November!

Clear The Bench Colorado Director Matt Arnold is the featured guest speaker at the Colorado Springs Candidate Search 2010 Forum this Tuesday (9 March) at the Mr. Biggs Family Event Center (I-25 & Nevada).  Doors open to the general public at 5:00 PM for meeting and mingling, and the speeches and debates begin at 6:00 PM.

[UPDATE: Video from the event, posted by "theusrepublic" on WittySparks]

The event will also feature candidates for Colorado Governor, State Treasurer, and U.S. Senate.

This event provides an opportunity for you to learn more about the candidates asking for your vote in statewide elections this year (primaries are in August, general election is 2 November).

The grassroots, nonpartisan organizations sponsoring and hosting this event are:

Take the opportunity to learn more about why the MOST important votes you can cast in this very important election year are four “NO” votes on the unjust justices of the Mullarkey Majority on the Colorado Supreme Court - and get to know more about the candidates for those other offices, too.

Become an informed citizen; conduct your own evaluation of ANY official (including judges) asking for your vote, based on how (and whether) they follow the Constitution and uphold the rule of law.  Armed with information, Yes, you can exercise your right to vote “NO” on the four ‘unjust justices’ of the Mullarkey Majority (Michael Bender, Alex Martinez, Nancy Rice, and Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey) who need YOUR approval to continue taking away your constitutional rights: your right to vote on tax increases, your right to defend your home and business from seizure by rapacious governments, and your right to enjoy the benefits of the rule of law, instead of suffering under rule by activist, agenda-driven “justices.”  Support Clear The Bench Colorado with your comments (Sound Off!) and your contributions - and vote “NO” on retaining these unjust justices in the upcoming November elections!

Clear The Bench Colorado Director Matt Arnold is this month’s featured speaker at the Mesa County Republican Women’s luncheon (Monday, March 6th) at the Two Rivers Convention Center, discussing the grassroots movement to restore accountability to the Colorado Supreme Court and bring back balance to the bench.

Learn more about the Mullarkey Court’s repeated assaults on the Colorado Constitution, the resulting impact to your wallet, the degradation or outright elimination of YOUR constitutional rights, and most importantly what you can do about it.

Enjoy a great luncheon, then sit back and learn more about how - and why -  you can and should exercise YOUR right to vote “NO” on retaining the four unjust justices of the Mullarkey Majority (Justices Michael Bender, Alex Martinez, Nancy Rice, and Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey) who need YOUR approval to keep taking away your constitutional rights: your right to vote on tax increases, your right to defend your homes and business from seizure by abuse of eminent domain, and your right to enjoy the benefits of the rule of law, not rule by activist, agenda-driven Colorado Supreme Court “justices.”  Support Clear The Bench Colorado with your comments (Sound Off!), your contributions, and your “NO” vote on retaining these unjust justices in November’s elections!