PARTY TIME

Colorado Republicans today are expected to pick Dick Wadhams to head their party, while Colorado Democrats are expected to re-elect Pat Waak.

"I think our guy can beat up their gal."

Sen. Nancy Spence, R-Centennial, on Wadhams, who has reputation as a pit bull

"We're not afraid of Dick Wadhams."

Waak, who last year led her dparty to impressive victories

HOUSE WEATHERMAN

Rep. Rafael Gallegos, D-Antonito, used to work for the National Weather Service, which is why he's fond of delivering regular weather reports on the House floor.

That prompted this tongue-in-cheek amendment Friday from Rep. David Balmer, R-Centennial:

"Rep. Gallegos shall be required to make it stop snowing. If it snows again, Rep. Gallegos shall contribute $1 million to the 'Snow Day Fund,' which is hereby created in the state treasury."

TENT INTENT

El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa, facing the problem of a crowded jail, is touting a plan to erect a massive heated tent to house inmates until the downtown jail is renovated.

A heating unit would keep the temperature at 65 degrees or higher, but as Maketa is quoted as saying, "If it gets a little chilly on occasion, I think a little chill does the soul a little good." A fence - and the idea of razor wire and guard dogs - would make it so wannabe escapees would "experience pain if they tried to do it."

Source: The Gazette