Colorado: Steve Johnson

What is it with our local elected officials thinking they're members of congress all of a sudden? Earlier this week the Colorado legislature wasted a day debating the Israel-Palestinian conflict, as though a resolution from the Colorado legislature will solve the issue.

Now we have the Larimer County Commissioners passing a resolution condemning the stimulus package in Congress and laughably - and arrogantly - acting as though our leaders in Washington should take their advice on the financial mess. "I hope the Senate will take this warning and move forward in a different manner," said Commissioner Tom Donnelly.

But the best, or worst, part of this story comes from Commissioner Steve Johnson, the former State Senator who used to be one of the more reasonable moderates in the legislature.

Several of the 20 candidates for Colorado's Secretary of State have some heavy hitters backing them.

TV talk show host and 1990 Democratic Secretary of State nominee Aaron Harber offered former U.S. Sens. Gary Hart (D-Kittredge) and Hank Brown (R-Denver) as references on his application.

Joseph Poche, vice president of operations at Physicians Management Information Services, Inc., can more than match Harber when it comes to A-list backers: the Denver resident lists 1992 and 1996 presidential candidate Ross Perot and U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) as references.

State Rep. Randy Fischer (R-Fort Collins) counts "hands-on intensive carpentry" among his hobbies.

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Steve Johnson (R-Fort Collins) has worked as a box boy at a Fort Collins Bath and Body Works since last November.

And Deputy House Majority Whip Andrew Casso (D-Denver) is apparently a fan of the Star Wars soundtrack.