Blue.

It’s been an extra great week to be blue. Bill Ritter was sworn in as Colorado’s new Governor. His inaugural address was humble and exciting. And then, it was announced that Denver was selected as the host city for the 2008 Democratic National Convention. And then, I had the honor of attending Governor Bill Ritter’s Inaugural Gala at the Colorado Convention Center’s Four Seasons Ballroom. While it’s always been cool to be a Democrat, suddenly it was once again chic.

The amazing thing about Governor Ritter’s gala was how many people were stuffed in one place. I heard there were 2500 at the Convention Center and then another 1000 across the street at the Grand Hyatt. All to celebrate our new Governor. As I walked around the gala, I noted to myself how we Dems really do invite everyone to the table. A rainbow, if you will. It was among the most diverse rooms I’ve been in for a long time. And one of the most comfortable. Not just blue but every color. I was thrilled to be there.

And thrilled, as always, to shake the hand of our new Governor and of our Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff. I had the chance to meet new Congressman Ed Purlmeter, and meet almost-senator Tom Strickland. Mayor Hickenlooper was also there; he kicked off the festivities of the evening. It’s always great to talk with the mayor. He actually was defending his snow removal philosophy with the union folks at my table. I did not mention to him that High Street between 14th and 13th still required an all-terrain vehicle.

And to think there will be 35,000 more of us here in August 2008. I can’t wait.



Here is (left to right) my pal and future state representative Mark, his handsome husband and agent Greg, and I at the Gala.










On the way home, the MINI reminded me that it was four degrees. When did we move to Buffalo?