Letter to the Editor in the DP

Below is the text of my letter to the editor, published in Sunday's DP:

Like many other Coloradans, I oppose Amendment 36 because of the damage it would do to Colorado's standing among the rest of the states. This amendment, which is opposed by Republicans and Democrats alike, would reduce the number of electoral votes that any one candidate could receive from Colorado. In doing so, the state's influence in Washington would diminish because, after the election, the winning candidate would have no incentive to support federal spending in a state where there is nothing to gain in the next election cycle.

However, there are more reasons to oppose Amendment 36. This amendment would take effect retroactively to influence the 2004 election. This is clearly an attempt to swing the results of a close Electoral College vote to the candidate who doesn't necessarily win the majority of the popular vote in Colorado. In addition, this amendment is being financed by a political organization in California. Apparently, supporters would rather manipulate the election in Colorado than in their own state.

Proponents of Amendment 36 will say, "The Electoral College doesn't allow every vote to count," but every vote does count within the state in which it is cast. This is the system that was set up to ensure manageable national elections, while allowing each person within a state to have a voice in the political process.

Whether you are Democrat, Republican or independent, passage of this amendment could swing this election and future elections in the opposite direction of the will of the majority of Colorado voters. Vote "no" on Amendment 36.