House leaders defend early work

DENVER - Recent embarrassing episodes involving House members prompted legislative leaders to assure the public Monday they’re still focused on doing their jobs.

House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver, and Minority Leader Mike May, R-Parker, held a rare joint news conference to discuss the accomplishments of the first month of the 2008 session.

But they also acknowledged that scandals have made headlines since the session began Jan. 9:

First, Colorado Springs Republican Rep. Douglas Bruce was censured — the first in the history of the House — for kicking a news photographer even before he was sworn in as a midterm replacement.

Then, Assistant Majority Leader Michael Garcia, D-Aurora, resigned amid allegations that he exposed himself to a lobbyist at a bar.

Lastly, Rep. Larry Liston, R-Colorado Springs, apologized for calling young, unwed parents “sluts” duing a Republican caucus lunch.

May conceded that such incidents are “bad for the public image.”

Romanoff was adamant that the controversies have not disrupted House work, noting that the censure vote and reading of two personal statements on the incidents took a combined 30 minutes.

“We’ve handled each of these issues as swiftly as possible. We’ve handled each of these issues together,” Romanoff said, gesturing toward May.

Romanoff lauded the Legislature for passing several energy-related measures in the first month. May, meanwhile, praised the unanimous passage of a bipartisan bill to streamline recertification of voting machines, which Gov. Bill Ritter signed Monday.

CONTACT THE WRITER: (303) 837-0613 or ed.sealover@gazette.com