Colorado Politics and Policy Governing a Purple State

"Tom Cronin and Bob Loevy have captured the complexities of Colorado policy making in this wonderful book. It clearly explains the challenges our state faces: conflicting constitutional measures; our inclination toward direct democracy through initiatives; and the personalities and organizations that sometimes join hands and sometimes oppose each other as measures move through the system. Its a fascinating read. - Gail Klapper, chair of Colorado Forum "A valuable guide for reporters, legislators, activists, and others who want to understand Colorados often unique system of governance. Sections on finance and taxes are especially useful because of the strange things we Coloradans have done to complicate our fiscal policy. - Fred Brown, veteran political columnist for the Denver Post "Cronin and Loevy have given us a uniquely valuable handbook for anyone who is concerned with sustaining and strengthening the consent of the governed in Colorado. The authors perspectives and prescriptions are stimulating, whether or not one agrees. - John Andrews, former president, Colorado State Senate, and former Republican candidate for governor of Colorado "A superb job of relating the past to the present and preparing the reader for tomorrow's Colorado. - Duane A. Smith, Colorado historian, Fort Lewis College "An excellent comprehensive volume on Colorados government and politics by two of Colorados premier scholars. - John Straayer, political scientist, Colorado State University "Terrific book! It captures the state, its politics, and its political culture extremely well. The issues and challenges laid out in the final chapter are right on. - Jim Carpenter, partner, Stratton-Carpenter and Associates, and former chief of staff for Governor Bill Ritter