Q: State contracting?
A: No.
Source: 1998 Colorado State National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Ed Perlmutter:
No same-sex marriage, but allow equal benedifts
Q: Do you believe that the Colorado government should recognize same-sex marriages? A: No.
Q: Should unmarried same-sex couples in Colorado have the same legal rights and benefits as married heterosexual couples?
A: Yes.
Source: 1998 Colorado State National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Eli Bremer:
Biden undercut Title IX, women's sports no longer protected
Biden and progressives are changing the definition of "woman" to a point where we risk having a legal definition that is unsustainable nor understandable. This risks undercutting the entirety of legal protections America has afforded to women.
Biden undercut Title IX initiatives and set women's rights back decades. Women's sports are no longer protected and abused female athletes are not being protected by Washington.
Source: 2022 Colorado Senate campaign website EliForSenate.com
Jun 27, 2022
Greg Lopez:
Don't teach personal choices of sexual lifestyle in schools
Our current governor's policies on education are teaching our children that America is the villain and that our values are unfair and immoral. He demands that personal choices of sexual lifestyle become part of the school curriculum in all
178 school districts, in 1,888 schools. We now live in a state where over 53,000 teachers and 3,200 administrators are poisoning the minds of 905,000 public school students with extreme ideology.
Source: 2022 Colorado Gubernatorial campaign website Lopez2022.com
Nov 9, 2021
Heidi Ganahl:
Misrepresented gender policy for students in high school
In a fundraising email, Ganahl claims that an Adams County school district instituted policies, allowing high school students to stipulate their gender at school, "without being voted on or put on the agenda for public notice and comment." According to
a spokesperson, the "guidelines were developed over several years with input from our preschool, elementary, middle, and high school communities, including students, staff, and parents, as well as community members and our Board of Education."
Source: Colorado Times Recorder on 2022 Colorado Gubernatorial race
Jan 21, 2022
Jared Polis:
Would be Colorado's first openly gay Governor
U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, the Boulder Democrat who represents Colorado's 2nd Congressional District, announced his gubernatorial bid in June. He told The Denver Post his platform would focus on getting the state to 100 percent renewable energy by
2040, providing free access to full-day preschool or kindergarten for those three and older, and encouraging companies in Colorado to provide stock options to employees. He would be Colorado's first openly gay Governor.
Source: Colorado Times-Recorder on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial race
Apr 17, 2017
John Hickenlooper:
Let's pass civil unions!
Let's pass civil unions!
Some of us tried very hard, but it didn't get done last year. This year, let's do it. Let's pass civil unions!
Source: 2013 Colorado State of the State address
Jan 10, 2013
John Hickenlooper:
Called special legislative session to pass same-sex marriage
In 2012, a bill that would legalize civil unions for same-sex couples in Colorado died on the Republican-controlled state legislature floor. Then-Governor Hickenlooper called a special session of the legislature to make sure the bill passed, and it
worked.At the bill signing, the governor recalled a time when he promoted a gay employee to a manager position at his brewing company in the early '90s, despite complaints from customers. "They said they weren't going to come to our business
anymore," the governor said. "One of our waitresses was standing beside me, and she said, 'You know, that's not going to bother any of us at all.'"
After signing the bill, Hickenlooper said, "It is a moment that the whole community has waited for,
for so long." [Senate Bill 2, passed Senate 23-12 April 26, 2012; bill died in Committee on May 15, 2012; then passed in 2013].
Source: Frank Olito, Insider.com, on Colorado voting record SB2
Mar 26, 2019
Ken Buck:
Prosecute the murder of transgender as a hate crime
Campaign For Liberty [created an] ad which is not a strict candidate endorsement, which would violate the law, but instead to promote the group's surveys.The commenter suggests the ad was the work of wealthy Colorado gay-rights activist Tim Gill who,
the theory goes, is supporting Buck because last year Buck chose to prosecute the murder of transgender Greeley resident Angie Zapata as a hate crime. The prosecution was a victory for the Zapata family and the gay community that rallied around the trial
Source: John Tomasic in The Colorado Independent
Jan 28, 2010
Ken Buck:
Don't-ask-don't-tell policy makes a lot of sense
An issue that illustrates the differences between Buck and Bennet is the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. When asked about repealing don't-ask-don't-tell, Sen. Bennet said he supported lifting the ban, saying opposition to homosexuality was a result
of "outdated views of our society."Buck said, "I do not support the repeal of don't-ask-don't-tell. I think it is a policy that makes a lot of sense." The don't-ask-don't-tell policy itself was instituted during the Clinton years and prohibits
inquiries into the sexual orientation of military members. The current policy states that a person who makes their sexuality known is subject to discharge under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The Colorado Independent, in a story
titled "Coloradans mostly agree with Bennet not Buck on don't-ask-don't-tell," reported that the majority of Coloradans supported lifting the ban. However, Buck's opinion appears to be more in line with the majority of generals and service-members.
Source: Greeley Gazette coverage of 2010 Colorado Senate debate
Sep 29, 2010
Ken Buck:
Birth influences homosexuality like it influences alcoholism
Ken Buck compared homosexuality to alcoholism Sunday in a nationally televised debate. [One analyst speculated], "The homosexuality question is going to produce most of the headlines out of the debate."Asked by the host to elaborate on a statement he
made in an earlier debate about gays in the military, Buck said he believes sexual orientation is a choice. Buck went on to say, "I think that birth has an influence over it, like alcoholism and some other things, but I think that basically you have a
choice."
Bennet jumped on Buck's remark. "I absolutely believe he's outside the mainstream of views on this," Bennet said.
After the debate, a Buck spokesman said Buck did not mean to imply with his alcoholism comparison that Buck believes
homosexuality is a disease. Buck told The Denver Post after the debate that he "wasn't talking about being gay as a disease" but also said of his remark that "there's no doubt there will probably be a commercial on something like that" from Democrats.
Source: Greeley Tribune coverage of 2010 Colorado Senate debate
Oct 18, 2010
Ken Buck:
Being gay is a choice, but birth has an influence
Q: On the issue of gays, in a debate last month you expressed your support for "don't ask, don't tell," and you alluded to lifestyle choices.
Do you believe that being gay is a choice?BUCK: I do.
Q: Based on what?
BUCK: Based on what?
Q: Yeah, why do you believe that?
BUCK: Well, I guess, you can choose who your partner is.
Q: You don't think it's something that's determined at birth?
BUCK: I think that birth has an influence over like alcoholism and some other things, but I think that basically you, you have a choice.
Q: [to Bennet]: Does that put him outside the mainstream of views on this?
BENNET: I absolutely believe he's outside the mainstream of views on this.
Source: NBC's Meet the Press: 2010 Colorado Senate debate
Oct 17, 2010
Ken Buck:
Buck "mis-spoke" comparing homosexuality to alcoholism
Buck made national news after saying on Meet the Press that he believed same-sex attraction was a lifestyle choice and comparing homosexuality to alcoholism. He later stood by the statement even in the face of calls from gay activists, doctors and
psychologists to retract them and even given the fact that the statements strongly supported assertions made by his detractors that his views are out of sync with the views of most Coloradans. [One voter wrote to Buck] calling for Buck to retract his
comments. Buck's campaign sent this email:Thank you for your response. Ken may have mis-spoke, but his desire is to serve the people of Colorado period. As the prosecuting attorney for Weld County, Ken was the only DA in the country
to try a hate crime that involved a transgender individual and win. Too often comments are misunderstood and taken out of context, but the hope is that you will realize Ken's commitment to Colorado and its citizens.
Source: Colorado Independent coverage of 2010 Colorado Senate debate
Oct 25, 2010
Ken Buck:
Won't compare gays to alcoholics again; better candidate now
Amy Stephens made the case that Ken Buck hurt the party in his failed 2010 Senate bid. Stephens said that the Weld County district attorney's performance in a national television interview had significant ramifications. Stephens noted that "unfortunately
when Ken had the 'Meet the Press' incident, along with our gubernatorial (candidates), we watched a lot of things implode."
Buck said the campaign mistakes he made four years ago, including the controversial remark comparing gays to alcoholics, was a mistake he would not repeat again. "I was unprepared for the question, and
I answered it in a shorthanded way, and I shouldn't have answered it," said Buck. "I'm a better candidate than I was four years ago. I will not implode, though I don't agree with the premise I did implode."
Source: Denver Post on 2014 Colorado Senate debate
Feb 26, 2014
Ken Salazar:
Oppose the Federal Marriage Amendment
I believe that marriage is between one man and one woman. I oppose the Federal Marriage Amendment.
I support expanding hate crimes laws to include sexual orientation, and I support laws prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations.
Source: 2004 Senate campaign website, SalazarForColorado.com
Aug 11, 2004
Ken Salazar:
Change the Patriot Act to balance civil liberties
Law enforcement needs effective tools to deal with terrorists, but we must balance our civil liberties with the need to protect America. I support the bipartisan Security and Freedom Ensured (SAFE) Act, which makes important changes to the
Patriot Act related to secret searches and roving wiretaps and impose reasonable limits on government access to library, bookseller, medical, and other records containing sensitive, personal information about law-abiding citizens.
Source: 2004 Senate campaign website, SalazarForColorado.com
Aug 11, 2004
Michael Bennet:
Opposition to homosexuality is an outdated views of society
An issue that illustrates the differences between Buck and Bennet is the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. When asked about repealing don't-ask-don't-tell, Sen. Bennet said he supported lifting the ban, saying opposition to homosexuality was a result
of "outdated views of our society."Buck said, "I do not support the repeal of don't-ask-don't-tell. I think it is a policy that makes a lot of sense." The don't-ask-don't-tell policy itself was instituted during the Clinton years and prohibits
inquiries into the sexual orientation of military members. The current policy states that a person who makes their sexuality known is subject to discharge under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The Colorado Independent, in a story
titled "Coloradans mostly agree with Bennet not Buck on don't-ask-don't-tell," reported that the majority of Coloradans supported lifting the ban. However, Buck's opinion appears to be more in line with the majority of generals and service-members.
Source: Greeley Gazette coverage of 2010 Colorado Senate debate
Sep 29, 2010
Mike Johnston:
Participated in Women's March in Denver
Q: You took part in the Women's March in Denver? Did that symbolize the kind of Colorado that you'd like to lead?A: I found that event to be incredibly inspiring. It had the sense of a Colorado where everybody belongs--where people were inclusive
about differences, where everybody was not only tolerated, but supported. I believe there's a way to both be different and be connected, and I think what you saw was a real strong engagement. I saw a bunch of my neighbors there who
I know for a fact have not been engaged in politics before. They're just not political people, but they are people who feel that the brand their country has been given is not who they are, and they want to take ownership over this state speaking for
them and speaking for their values and their background. This election was a wake-up call that we can't fundamentally leave the public square for other people to solve.
Source: Westword interview on 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial race
Jan 25, 2017
Mike Johnston:
Workplace discrimination law includes LGBTQ
Mike co-sponsored the legislation legalizing same-sex civil unions in advance of the Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage. Mike co-sponsored legislation expanding creating the largest expansion of the
Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act in state history. This bill enabled victims of workplace discrimination to seek compensatory and punitive damages, and for the first time included those discriminated against for sexual orientation.
Source: 2018 Colorado Governor website MikeJohnstonForColorado.com
Sep 1, 2017
Mike Johnston:
100% from Colorado LGBTQ group
He earned a 100% on One Colorado's legislative scorecard in 2016 (its first year).
One Colorado is our state's largest advocacy organization dedicated to advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Coloradans and their families.
Source: 2018 Colorado Governor website MikeJohnstonForColorado.com
Sep 1, 2017
Mike Johnston:
Co-sponsored 2012 SB2: supported same-sex marriage
In 2012, a bill that would legalize civil unions for same-sex couples in Colorado died on the Republican-controlled state legislature floor. Then-Governor Hickenlooper called a special session of the legislature to make sure the bill passed, and it
worked.At the bill signing, the governor recalled a time when he promoted a gay employee to a manager position at his brewing company in the early '90s, despite complaints from customers. "They said they weren't going to come to our business
anymore," the governor said. "One of our waitresses was standing beside me, and she said, 'You know, that's not going to bother any of us at all.'"
After signing the bill, Hickenlooper said, "It is a moment that the whole community has waited for,
for so long." [Senate Bill 2, passed Senate 23-12 April 26, 2012; Sen. Mike Johnston co-sponsored SB2 and voted YES; bill died in Committee on May 15, 2012; then passed in 2013].
Source: Frank Olito, Insider.com, on Colorado voting record SB2
Mar 26, 2019
Owen Hill:
Gay marriage forces gay agenda onto straight society
Republicans failed twice to add a "conscience clause" to protect people with religious objections to homosexuality. One amendment was written broadly enough to protect businesses that embrace religious principles.
Another was tailored specifically to religious adoption agencies who don't want to place children with gay couples.
Without such language, opponents argue the bill expands gay rights at the expense of religious rights: "Slavery was not abolished for blacks by enslaving whites," said Sen. Owen Hill (R-Colorado Springs.)
Supporters of civil unions compare religious exemptions to Jim Crow laws. They say anybody providing a public service should have to treat gay couples equally.
Source: Brandon Rittiman on Colorado 9 News
Feb 8, 2013
Randy Baumgardner:
Rated 35% on voting positions by Women's Lobby of Colorado
The Women's Lobby of Colorado seeks to provide better opportunities for women in our state by ensuring that public policies reflect gender equity and justice. Our all-volunteer organization has kept the needs of women front and center in our state's
public policy debates.Ratings by Positions:- Rating for 2012: Baumgardner was rated 33%
- Rating for 2011: Baumgardner was rated 55%
- Rating for 2010: Baumgardner was rated 39%
- Rating: for 2009: Baumgardner was rated 11%
Source: VoteSmart summary: 2014 Colorado Senate legislative ratings
Jun 20, 2012
Raul Labrador:
Orientation/gender identity shouldn't bar employment
My vision for Colorado is that we are a fully inclusive state allowing everyone to succeed based on merit and ability, including in public safety professions.
Source: Summit Daily on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial race
Jul 26, 2017
Ron Hanks:
Full-legal rights for same-sex unions - no discrimination
From the 2010 VoteSmart Political Courage Test California Congressional survey:
"Full-legal rights for same-sex unions - no discriminations based on relationship profiling."
No change, he added Monday.
Source: Colorado Politics on 2022 Colorado Senate race
Apr 19, 2021
Tim Neville:
Marriage is between one man and one woman only
Defend Marriage: I believe marriage is between one man and one woman only, and I oppose the federal government and Supreme Court forcing any other definition of marriage on the states. My faith is the most important thing in my life.
Unfortunately, across the country there is a war on religious liberty, as Christian-based schools, businesses and non-profit groups are being fined or shut down simply for abiding by their Faith and religious values.
Source: 2016 Colorado Senate campaign website, NevilleForSenate.com
Oct 9, 2015
Tim Neville:
2012 SB2: opposed same-sex marriage
In 2012, a bill that would legalize civil unions for same-sex couples in Colorado died on the Republican-controlled state legislature floor. Then-Governor Hickenlooper called a special session of the legislature to make sure the bill passed, and it
worked.At the bill signing, the governor recalled a time when he promoted a gay employee to a manager position at his brewing company in the early '90s, despite complaints from customers. "They said they weren't going to come to our business
anymore," the governor said. "One of our waitresses was standing beside me, and she said, 'You know, that's not going to bother any of us at all.'"
After signing the bill, Hickenlooper said, "It is a moment that the whole community has waited for,
for so long." [Senate Bill 2, passed Senate 23-12 April 26, 2012; Sen. Tim Neville voted NO; bill died in Committee on May 15, 2012; then passed in 2013].
Source: Frank Olito, Insider.com, on Colorado voting record SB2
Mar 26, 2019
Victor Mitchell:
Voted against Trump due to misogyny concerns
His pitch may draw comparisons to President Donald Trump, but Mitchell didn't vote for the Republican nominee. Instead, he voted for third-party candidate Evan McMullin."I've been a lifelong Republican, but I couldn't get there," he said. "My son's a
West Point cadet. And the way (Trump) spoke about women was very concerning."
Still, Mitchell said Trump has his respect and he applauded him for putting together "a terrific Cabinet."
Source: Denver Post on 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial race
Feb 13, 2017
Victor Mitchell:
No special anti-discrimination laws for LGBTQ
SENATE BILL 08-200: Gov. Bill Ritter today quietly signed a controversial bill expanding the prohibition of sexual-orientation-based discrimination. The bill bans discrimination based on a person's religious belief or sexual orientation--including
transgender people--in places of public accommodation, housing practices, and family planning services. Such prohibitions are already in place with regard to race.Opponents, including Focus on the Family, said the bill would have serious consequences,
such as opening up Colorado public restrooms and locker rooms to all genders & transgender people, exposing children and women to sexual predators.
The governor's spokesperson said opponents were running a campaign of misinformation: "All this does,
is it brings across-the-board consistency to existing anti-discrimination laws."
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 20-15-0 on 4/21/08; Passed House 38-26-1 on 5/2; Rep. Victor Mitchell voted No; signed by Gov. Ritter on 5/29.
Source: Denver Post on Colorado legislature voting record SB 08-200
May 2, 2008
Walker Stapleton:
My grandfather was in the KKK but I denounce racism
For the first time, Walker Stapleton is talking candidly about his great grandfather's role in the KKK, and his views on racism.Stapleton's ancestral family has a history of public service dating back more than a century, something Stapleton touted
in campaign ads. He noted his great grandfather served 5 terms as Denver's mayor and helped build the first civic center in Colorado, and the first municipal airport in the Mile High City.
But Benjamin Stapleton's legacy also includes a dark chapter.
He was a high ranking member of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920's, which had infiltrated both parties and virtually all levels of government.
Stapleton says he's not his great grandfather--he was born 25 years after the elder Stapleton died--but he
hasn't expressly denounced Benjamin Stapleton's involvement in the KKK, until now. "I categorically condemn racism of all forms and I categorically condemn hate organizations and they will have no place in my administration as governor," he said.
Source: CBS Denver on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial race
Aug 28, 2018
Greg Lopez:
I think it's time we had a real first lady, don't you?
As part of his 2022 gubernatorial bid, Lopez suggested Colorado should adopt an electoral college system that would give more power to rural parts of the state, in turn making it more likely that a Republican could win statewide office. "I think
it's time we had a real first lady, don't you?" Lopez said at an event as part of his campaign that year, which many took as a homophobic dig at Polis, who is gay and married to a man.
Source: Colorado Sun on 2026 Colorado Gubernatorial race
Apr 2, 2024
Phil Weiser:
Joined multi-state suit against Trump over DEI
[On DEI programs]: "The Trump administration's efforts to unwind the progress we have made toward advancing equal opportunity for all Americans is a government-sanctioned intimidation campaign designed to undermine our civil rights laws," said
Weiser. "Attempts to sow division and stoke fear to create a less inclusive society are wrong, and supporting the plaintiffs in this case is just one way I am continuing to defend programs that aim to remove barriers to equal opportunity."
Source: The Center Square on 2026 Colorado Gubernatorial race
May 16, 2025
Phil Weiser:
Any attack on a member of the LGBTQ community is disgusting
[On setting LGBTQ Pride flags ablaze]: "Colorado is at our best when we honor our nation's credo of e pluribus unum, out of many, we are one," Weiser said in an emailed statement. "Any attack on a member of the LGBTQ community is disgusting.
If such actions, including burning Pride flags, take the form of vandalizing property, harassing individuals, or causing physical harm to others, they can even be a crime."
Source: Colorado Politics on 2026 Colorado Gubernatorial race
Jun 5, 2025
Janak Joshi:
Voted NO on authorizing same-sex civil unions
SB 11: Authorizes Civil Unions, effective May 1, 2013. (Janak Joshi voted NO):- Defines "civil union" as a legal relationship between 2 individuals, who are at least 18 years of age, that provides rights,
benefits, and responsibilities comparable to spouses including, but not limited to, the laws regarding private property inheritance; adoption; medical care decisions; life insurance coverage; and public assistance benefits.
- Prohibits religious
officials from being required to certify civil unions.
- Authorizes legal relationships that are substantially similar to civil unions, which were validly entered into in another state, to be considered as a civil union in Colorado.
-
Authorizes a partner in a civil union to be considered a dependent, including designation as a dependent for insurance purposes, effective January 1, 2014.
Source: VoteSmart summary: 2014 Colorado Senate voting record SB11
Feb 11, 2013
Barbara Kirkmeyer:
Gay marriage is really not my business
Kirkmeyer said her position on same-sex marriage has evolved over time. She used to believe marriage should be limited to only a man and a woman, but she now thinks "it's really not my business." "I have friends
who are gay," she said in explaining why her views have shifted. "And also some of my relatives are."
Source: Colorado Sun on 2026 Colorado Gubernatorial race
Oct 19, 2022
Scott Bottoms:
Scrutinize spending on DEI initiatives
During the interview, Bottoms also discussed his plans for Medicaid and the future of Colorado education. He suggested that cutting corruption and scrutinizing spending on
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives could help refocus state funds toward essential educational needs.
Source: Western Slope Now on 2026 Colorado Gubernatorial race
Mar 3, 2026
Scott Bottoms:
Repeal all laws protecting LGBTQ+ people
GOP gov. candidate says LGBTQ+ people are "against nature" at "dark" & hate-filled forum: Another candidate called trans people a "demonic epidemic":State Rep. Scott Bottoms said he wanted to repeal all laws protecting LGBTQ+ people.
He called inclusive policies in schools a "demonic epidemic" and bizarrely claimed that if he became governor, "We will no longer use pronouns in the state of Colorado for any state employee," seemingly forgetting that cisgender people also use pronouns.
Source: LGBTQNation on 2026 Colorado Gubernatorial race
Sep 17, 2025
Janak Joshi:
Men don't belong in women's sports or women's bathrooms
Americans resoundingly rejected the radical woke agenda peddled by the Democratic Party in the 2024 election. John Hickenlooper and his out-of-touch friends are ignoring the American people and pushing the dangerous woke agenda on Colorado families.
Dr. Joshi and the American people know--men don't belong in women's sports or women's bathrooms. He will fight every day to protect our common sense values.
Source: 2026 Colorado Senate campaign web: JanakJoshiForColorado.com
Mar 9, 2026
Mark Baisley:
LGBTQ+ people in rebellion against the nature of God
He compared fighting for LGBTQ+ equality to forcing a religion on someone. "They push that almost as if they're using the state as their kind of church to force their religious beliefs on the rest of us,"
Baisley said. "Once you understand that they are in rebellion against the nature of God, then a lot of things come into play, a lot of things start making sense of what they are doing."
Source: LGBTQNation on 2026 Colorado Senate race
Sep 17, 2025
Barbara Kirkmeyer:
Don't add gender identity to non-discrimination laws
Q: Do you support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws?
A: Strongly Disagree.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2026 Colorado Gubernatorial race
Nov 3, 2020
Barbara Kirkmeyer:
Racism exists, but it is rare
Q: Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
A: Racism exists, but thankfully it is rare in this day and age
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2026 Colorado Gubernatorial race
Nov 3, 2020
Page last updated: Oct 18, 2026