Immigration Issue Sparks Tension in Colorado Politics

Colorado's highest court has dealt a significant blow to a November ballot initiative aimed at denying government services to illegal immigrants, rekindling a contentious issue that had seemingly been put to rest. The decision has sparked a heated debate between Republicans and Democrats, with the latter facing pressure from a possible special legislative session called by Governor Bill Owens. The move has galvanized Republican candidates for governor, who have expressed disapproval of the court's decision, but diverge on the call for a special session. Political analysts and consultants are urging Democrats to tread carefully, as the issue has the potential to harm their party in the upcoming elections.

Key Takeaways:

• The Colorado Supreme Court's ruling on Monday disqualified a November ballot measure to deny government services to illegal immigrants.
• Republican Governor Bill Owens has threatened to call a special session to address the issue, citing concerns about taxpayer dollars being spent on services for illegal immigrants.
• Democrats are split on the issue, with some urging caution and others advocating for a public debate through a special session.
• The proposed ballot measure had a fiscal note estimating costs of $4 million in the first year and $6 million in the following year, largely due to the need for additional staff to verify immigrant status.
• Significant disagreement among Republican gubernatorial candidates on whether to call a special session, with some expressing disapproval of the court's decision but differing on the path forward.
• Democrats face pressure from the possibility of a special legislative session, with some warning that it could lead to political harm for the party.
• State Senator John Evans has called for an investigation into potential judicial misconduct, citing concerns about the court's ruling.
• Political analyst Steve Welchert suggests Democrats should call Republicans' bluff, pointing out the lack of specific evidence on how a ballot measure would address immigration issues.
• Other consultants recommend making the session as short as possible and putting the issue on the ballot, satisfying Coloradans' desire for a say in policy decisions.

Statistics:

• The proposed ballot measure would have cost $4 million in the first year and $6 million in the following year to implement and staff.
• The nonpartisan legislative staff estimated these costs would primarily come from hiring additional staff to verify immigration status.
• Governor Bill Owens has threatened to call a special session, potentially at a significant cost to taxpayers.
• Coloradans have expressed strong desires to have a say in policy decisions, according to a recent survey.
• The fallout from the court's decision has sparked debate and tensions between Republicans and Democrats, both within the state legislature and among gubernatorial candidates.

Sources:

• "Memo to Democrats on Immigration: Tread Carefully," by Lynn Bartels, Rocky Mountain News
• "Colorado Supreme Court rejects immigration ballot initiative," Rocky Mountain News
• "Gubernatorial candidates take a dim view of court's immigration decision," Rocky Mountain News
• "Bill Owens has threatened to call a special session of the legislature," Rocky Mountain News
• "Colorado Supreme Court rejects immigration ballot initiative," Rocky Mountain News (graphic archive)