NOTE: This entire blog has been superseded by a more current June Pre-Primary Candidate Positions blog.
The color of the text has been subdued to indicate it is obsolete.
The 2012 Colorado Right to Life survey asked 9 position questions of candidates, ranging from funding for Planned Parenthood to abortion to euthanasia. The survey and the comments here are based on one, simple definition: No candidate is considered "pro-life" unless they have pledged to oppose all abortion (with the understanding that a doctor may take action to save a woman’s life while also trying to save the baby’s life, even if the baby’s survival is doubtful due to other factors). This is the only position consistent with the inalienable Right to Life of every innocent human being at every age or stage of development. Candidates who support "rape or incest exceptions" are NOT pro-life because there is never an excuse to kill an innocent child.
Additionally, we expect that they will support Colorado's Personhood Amendment. The 9th question has to do with opposing regulations which undermine the concept of an inalienable Right to Life. We understand that some sincere pro-life candidates do not agree that the compromise and contradictions inherent in “pro-life regulations” are unacceptable.
The color of the text has been subdued to indicate it is obsolete.
The 2012 Colorado Right to Life survey asked 9 position questions of candidates, ranging from funding for Planned Parenthood to abortion to euthanasia. The survey and the comments here are based on one, simple definition: No candidate is considered "pro-life" unless they have pledged to oppose all abortion (with the understanding that a doctor may take action to save a woman’s life while also trying to save the baby’s life, even if the baby’s survival is doubtful due to other factors). This is the only position consistent with the inalienable Right to Life of every innocent human being at every age or stage of development. Candidates who support "rape or incest exceptions" are NOT pro-life because there is never an excuse to kill an innocent child.
Additionally, we expect that they will support Colorado's Personhood Amendment. The 9th question has to do with opposing regulations which undermine the concept of an inalienable Right to Life. We understand that some sincere pro-life candidates do not agree that the compromise and contradictions inherent in “pro-life regulations” are unacceptable.
This blog covers only state legislative races, not Congressional contenders. Due to the late redrafting of district borders and the possibility that candidates may still petition onto the ballot, many of these races are still not settled. There have been two-dozen new Republican candidates declared in the past month or so, and several American Constitution Party and other candidates have also declared in recent weeks. Many of them have not had time to respond to surveys. If you know any candidate not mentioned here, please ask them to return their survey or contact CRTL for a copy.
(UPDATE 5/1) These records refer to those who responded to our survey answering correctly to 9 of 9 questions as "100% pro-life", because they understand (on paper, at least) the full meaning of Personhood and the Right to Life (which are essentially the same). If there is a Right to Life for innocent people, there can be no exceptions, nor can such a Right be frittered away through compromise legislation.
By contrast, those who respond to 8 of 9 questions correctly are labeled as "pro-life" if their reservation was on question 9, regarding compromised anti-abortion regulations which are intended to "save some babies" but which imply there is no such thing in law as a Right to Life. The "pro-life" label indicates they are sincerely pro-life, and have indicated they oppose all abortions. However, they fundamentally misunderstand the concept of a Right to Life, or else they would not be willing to support legislation that suggests it is the government's role to determine which innocent lives can be taken away, and which cannot.
By contrast, those who respond to 8 of 9 questions correctly are labeled as "pro-life" if their reservation was on question 9, regarding compromised anti-abortion regulations which are intended to "save some babies" but which imply there is no such thing in law as a Right to Life. The "pro-life" label indicates they are sincerely pro-life, and have indicated they oppose all abortions. However, they fundamentally misunderstand the concept of a Right to Life, or else they would not be willing to support legislation that suggests it is the government's role to determine which innocent lives can be taken away, and which cannot.
State House District 1
There is a primary between James Wildt (R) and John Kidd (R). Please ask them to return their candidate surveys.
State House District 2
A candidate who may be pro-life has recently entered the race. If you know TJ Tyrrell (R) please encourage him to contact CRTL.
State House District 3
A candidate who may be pro-life has recently entered the race. If you know Brian Watson (R) please encourage him to contact CRTL.
State House District 4
Two candidates who may be pro-life have recently entered the race. If you know Stuart Siffring or David Dobson please encourage them to contact CRTL.
State House District 5
Two candidates who may be pro-life have recently entered the race. If you know Ronnie Nelson (R) or Matthew Zielinski (R), please encourage them to contact CRTL.
State House District 6
No pro-life candidates we're aware of.
State House District 7
A candidate who may be pro-life has recently entered the race. If you know Travis French (R) please encourage him to contact CRTL.
State House District 8
A candidate who may be pro-life has recently entered the race. If you know Alan Johnson (R) please encourage him to contact CRTL.
State House District 9
If you know Robert Lane (R) please encourage him to contact CRTL.
State House District 10
No candidates that appear to be pro-life.
State House District 11
State House District 11
We have not heard from Ellyn Hilliard (R) – if you know her please ask her to contact CRTL.
State House District 12
State House District 12
A candidate who may be pro-life has recently entered the race. If you know Russ Lyman (R) please encourage him to contact CRTL.
State House District 13
A candidate who may be pro-life has recently entered the race. If you know Adam Ochs (R) please encourage him to contact CRTL.
State House District 14
Daniel Nordberg (R) has no opposition. He has been an aide to pro-Personhood Congressman Doug Lamborn, and has also been associated with the pro-life Republican Study Committee, so we assume he is inclined to be pro-life. If you know him please ask him to return his CRTL survey.
State House District 15
American Constitution Party candidate Michael Edstrom is presumably pro-life, but please encourage him to contact us. Rep. Mark Waller (R) claims to be pro-life, but has not supported Personhood, and is generally considered a fence-sitter on pro-life issues.
State House District 16
Rep. Janak Joshi (R) says he is pro-life on his site, but his support of Personhood is unknown. He was very cooperative with CRTL in pushing a non-objectionable, non-compromised, Fetal Homicide measure through the legislature this year – the first time one passed either chamber of the Colorado legislature (it failed in the Senate a couple of weeks ago). We would like to have him on record with regard to his commitments, so please encourage him to return his survey.
State House District 17
Mark Barker (R) responded favorably to CRTL’s survey in 2010, but we have not heard from him this year. Barry Forest Pace (ACP) is also presumably pro-life. Please encourage both to return their 2012 survey – we need to confirm both candidates’ commitments.
State House District 18
Jennifer George (R) may or may not be pro-life. The American Constitution Party has a candidate, Amy Fedde, who is presumably pro-life. Please encourage both to return their surveys.
State House District 19
This is one of the most fascinating races in the legislature this year. Rep. Amy Stephens (R – House Majority Leader) is being challenged by Rep. Marsha Looper (R) who were redistricted into the same district together. Looper is framing this as a conservative vs. moderate fight, and so far as CRTL can tell she’s entirely correct. Stephens used to work for Focus on the Family, but she also used to work in the abortion industry. With rare exceptions, she has remained silent and disinterested in pro-life issues in the past, and even sponsored a bill to silence pro-life protestors. Rep. Marsha Looper (R) is 100% pro-life, returned the CRTL survey with 9 of 9 questions answered correctly, and helped lead a fight to de-fund Planned Parenthood in the State budget. Rep. Amy Stephens has never returned a CRTL survey, and there is no reason to believe she is pro-life. She also enabled Obamacare, and its taxpayer-paid abortion provisions, by sponsoring HB-200. Tim Biolchini (ACP) is also presumably pro-life. Please encourage Stephens and Biolchini to return their CRTL surveys.
State House District 20
Rep. Bob Gardner (R) has never responded to a CRTL survey, and also supported the conscience-violating “emergency contraceptive” legislation which forces pro-life doctors and pharmacists to provide the abortion-causing “morning after pill.” He is not pro-life. Donna Burdick (ACP) is presumably pro-life. Please encourage her to return her CRTL survey.
State House District 21
A rare “can’t lose” situation. Al Sweet (R) is 100% pro-life, responding correctly to 9 of 9 questions. Lois Landgraf (R) is 100% pro-life, responding correctly to 9 of 9 questions.
State House District 22
Justin Everett (R) is 100% pro-life, responding correctly to 9 of 9 questions. Loren Bauman (R) is apparently not pro-life.
State House District 23
Rick Enstrom (R) may be pro-life, but the degree of his commitment has not been established. Please encourage him to return his CRTL survey.
State House District 24
E.V. Leyendecker (R) may or may not be pro-life. Please ask him to return his CRTL survey.
State House District 25
Cheri Gerou (R) is not regarded as pro-life. She has never responded to a CRTL survey and is considered an unreliable vote on even the least of pro-life votes.
State House District 26
Chuck McConnell (R) may or may not be pro-life. Please encourage him to return his CRTL survey.
State House District 27
Libby Szabo (R) has not returned surveys, but we believe she probably supports Personhood. Please encourage her to return her CRTL survey.
State House District 28
State House District 21
A rare “can’t lose” situation. Al Sweet (R) is 100% pro-life, responding correctly to 9 of 9 questions. Lois Landgraf (R) is 100% pro-life, responding correctly to 9 of 9 questions.
State House District 22
Justin Everett (R) is 100% pro-life, responding correctly to 9 of 9 questions. Loren Bauman (R) is apparently not pro-life.
State House District 23
Rick Enstrom (R) may be pro-life, but the degree of his commitment has not been established. Please encourage him to return his CRTL survey.
State House District 24
E.V. Leyendecker (R) may or may not be pro-life. Please ask him to return his CRTL survey.
State House District 25
Cheri Gerou (R) is not regarded as pro-life. She has never responded to a CRTL survey and is considered an unreliable vote on even the least of pro-life votes.
State House District 26
Chuck McConnell (R) may or may not be pro-life. Please encourage him to return his CRTL survey.
State House District 27
Libby Szabo (R) has not returned surveys, but we believe she probably supports Personhood. Please encourage her to return her CRTL survey.
State House District 28
Amy Attwood (R) is probably pro-life, but we need to establish this. Please encourage her to return her CRTL survey.
State House District 29
Robert Ramirez (R) has responded favorably to CRTL’s survey in the past. Please encourage him to return his CRTL survey to make sure he’s still with us.
State House District 30
If this is the same person who ran for Congress (CD7) in 2010, Mike Sheely (R) has responded favorably to CRTL’s survey in the past. Please encourage him to return his CRTL survey.
State House District 31
Beth Humenik (R) may or may not be pro-life. Please encourage her to return her CRTL survey.
State House District 32
Paul Reimer (R) may or may not be pro-life. Please encourage him to return his CRTL survey.
State House District 33
David Pigott (R) may or may not be pro-life. Please encourage him to return his CRTL survey.
State House District 34
State House District 29
Robert Ramirez (R) has responded favorably to CRTL’s survey in the past. Please encourage him to return his CRTL survey to make sure he’s still with us.
State House District 30
If this is the same person who ran for Congress (CD7) in 2010, Mike Sheely (R) has responded favorably to CRTL’s survey in the past. Please encourage him to return his CRTL survey.
State House District 31
Beth Humenik (R) may or may not be pro-life. Please encourage her to return her CRTL survey.
State House District 32
Paul Reimer (R) may or may not be pro-life. Please encourage him to return his CRTL survey.
State House District 33
David Pigott (R) may or may not be pro-life. Please encourage him to return his CRTL survey.
State House District 34
Jodina Widhalm (R) may or may not be pro-life. Please encourage her to return her CRTL survey.
State House District 35
Brian Vande Krol (R) is pro-abortion.
State House District 36
Neither Robert Martinez (R) nor Jim Parker (R) have responded to the CRTL survey (and in fact we can’t find either candidate’s contact info). Please encourage them to contact CRTL.
State House District 37
Rep. Spencer Swalm (R) claims to be pro-life, but has never responded to a CRTL survey, is very resistant to CRTL, and supported the conscience-violating "emergency contraception" mandate in the legislature. His commitment is very much in doubt.
State House District 38
Kathleen Conti (R) responded favorably to CRTL’s survey in 2010, however general opinion now seems to be that she lied about her beliefs on our survey and a number of others (she campaigned as a pro-life, fiscal conservative, and she appears to be neither). We do not consider her pro-life. She is regarded as an unreliable vote on pro-life issues.
State House District 35
Brian Vande Krol (R) is pro-abortion.
State House District 36
Neither Robert Martinez (R) nor Jim Parker (R) have responded to the CRTL survey (and in fact we can’t find either candidate’s contact info). Please encourage them to contact CRTL.
State House District 37
Rep. Spencer Swalm (R) claims to be pro-life, but has never responded to a CRTL survey, is very resistant to CRTL, and supported the conscience-violating "emergency contraception" mandate in the legislature. His commitment is very much in doubt.
State House District 38
Kathleen Conti (R) responded favorably to CRTL’s survey in 2010, however general opinion now seems to be that she lied about her beliefs on our survey and a number of others (she campaigned as a pro-life, fiscal conservative, and she appears to be neither). We do not consider her pro-life. She is regarded as an unreliable vote on pro-life issues.
State House District 39
This is a somewhat weird Republican primary. Polly Lawrence did not respond to CRTL’s survey when she ran in 2010, and was at that time regarded as not pro-life (CRTL cannot read candidates’ minds – if they evade answering tough questions, it is easy to assume they don’t agree with you). However, Polly Lawrence (R) has in 2012 responded to the CRTL survey with 9 of 9 questions answered correctly, and is apparently 100% pro-life.
(UPDATE 5/1) Lu Ann Busse (R) is pro-life, answering correctly to 8 of the 9 questions on the CRTL survey.
This race effectively illustrates the danger of not responding to the CRTL survey – if you are pro-life, don’t keep it a secret from us!
State House District 40
Cynthia Acree (R) is believed to be pro-life, but she has not responded to the CRTL survey. Please encourage her to do so.
State House District 41
A candidate who may be pro-life has recently entered the race. If you know Adrienne Webb-Markopolous (R) please encourage her to contact CRTL. There is also Independent Maria Fay, who we know nothing about.
State House District 40
Cynthia Acree (R) is believed to be pro-life, but she has not responded to the CRTL survey. Please encourage her to do so.
State House District 41
A candidate who may be pro-life has recently entered the race. If you know Adrienne Webb-Markopolous (R) please encourage her to contact CRTL. There is also Independent Maria Fay, who we know nothing about.
State House District 42
A candidate who may be pro-life has recently entered the race. If you know Michael Donald (R) please encourage him to contact CRTL. Democrat Rep. Rhonda Fields (D) has become very shrill in opposing pro-life efforts.
State House District 43
Speaker Frank McNulty (R) has said in the past he supports Personhood, but he has taken action as leader of the House Republicans which cast doubt upon his commitment to taking pro-life action.
State House District 44
Rep. Chris Holbert (R) is 100% pro-life, and responded to the CRTL survey with 9 of 9 questions answered correctly. He has also become a stand-out leader of the pro-life legislators in the House.
State House District 45
Rep. Carole Murray (R) is believed to be pro-life, but has not responded to the CRTL survey. Please encourage her to return her survey.
State House District 46
A candidate who may be pro-life has recently entered the race. If you know Jerry Denney (R) please encourage him to contact CRTL.
State House District 47
Ray Watts (R) is 100% pro-life, and responded to the CRTL survey with 9 of 9 questions answered correctly. However, it is unclear whether he will make it on the primary ballot after a loss at the district assembly. Clarice Navarro-Ratzlaff has not responded to the CRTL survey. Please encourage her to contact us.
State House District 48
Jeffrey Hare (R) is 100% pro-life, and responded to the CRTL survey with 9 of 9 questions answered correctly.
(UPDATE 5/1): Stephen Humphrey (R) is pro-life, and responded to the CRTL survey with 8 of 9 questions answered correctly, and having a reservation on question 9, regarding compromise regulations which may "save some lives" but which also undermine the concept of a Right to Life in law. If he is the nominee, we will continue to work with him on this issue.
State House District 49
(UPDATE 5/1): Stephen Humphrey (R) is pro-life, and responded to the CRTL survey with 8 of 9 questions answered correctly, and having a reservation on question 9, regarding compromise regulations which may "save some lives" but which also undermine the concept of a Right to Life in law. If he is the nominee, we will continue to work with him on this issue.
State House District 49
Perry Buck (R) has not responded to the CRTL survey. Please encourage her to do so.
State House District 50
Arthur “Skip” Carlson (R) may be pro-life, but has not returned his CRTL survey. Please encourage him to do so.
State House District 51
Rep. Brian DelGrosso (R) is believed to support Personhood, but we have not heard from him. Please encourage him to return his CRTL survey.
State House District 52
A candidate who may be pro-life has recently entered the race. If you know Bob Morain (R) please encourage him to contact CRTL.
State House District 53
A candidate who may be pro-life has recently entered the race. If you know Jonathan Fye (R) please encourage him to contact CRTL.
State House District 54
State House District 50
Arthur “Skip” Carlson (R) may be pro-life, but has not returned his CRTL survey. Please encourage him to do so.
State House District 51
Rep. Brian DelGrosso (R) is believed to support Personhood, but we have not heard from him. Please encourage him to return his CRTL survey.
State House District 52
A candidate who may be pro-life has recently entered the race. If you know Bob Morain (R) please encourage him to contact CRTL.
State House District 53
A candidate who may be pro-life has recently entered the race. If you know Jonathan Fye (R) please encourage him to contact CRTL.
State House District 54
Two candidates who may be pro-life have recently entered the race. If you know John Price (R) or Jared Wright (R) please encourage them to contact CRTL.
State House District 55
Rep. Ray Scott (R) responded favorably to CRTL’s survey in 2010, but we have not yet heard from him this year. There is also Virgil Fenn (Libertarian) who may or may not be pro-life (most Libertarians are not). Please encourage both to respond to the CRTL survey.
State House District 55
Rep. Ray Scott (R) responded favorably to CRTL’s survey in 2010, but we have not yet heard from him this year. There is also Virgil Fenn (Libertarian) who may or may not be pro-life (most Libertarians are not). Please encourage both to respond to the CRTL survey.
State House District 56
Rep. Kevin Priola (R) says he is pro-life, but has not responded to the CRTL survey. Please encourage him to do so.
State House District 57
Bob Rankin (R) did not reply to the CRTL survey in 2010, and has not in 2012. It is believed he is not pro-life (his defeated opponent in the primary was not either). Please encourage him to respond to the CRTL survey.
State House District 58
Don Coram (R) may or may not be pro-life. He has never responded to the CRTL survey. Please encourage him to contact us.
State House District 59
J. Paul Brown (R) spoke out in favor of Personhood in 2010, and he has indicated he will respond to the CRTL survey this year.
State House District 60
Steve Collins (R) is pro-life, responding correctly to 8 of the 9 questions, and answering favorably to the 9th (opposing anti-abortion regulations) with a minor reservation. It sounds like he will work with CRTL to avoid compromised legislation. James Wilson (R) has not responded to the CRTL survey. Please encourage him to contact us.
State House District 61
A candidate who may be pro-life has recently entered the race. If you know David Justice (R) please encourage him to contact CRTL. Robert Petrowsky (ACP) is presumably pro-life but we need to hear from him.
State House District 62
A candidate who may be pro-life has recently entered the race. If you know Tim Walters (R) please encourage him to contact CRTL.
State House District 63
Lori Saine (R) claims to be pro-life, but responded to CRTL merely that she believes “life begins at conception,” which is entirely inadequate (John McCain claimed the same, but believed in taxpayer-funded murder of unborn embryos for research purposes). If you know Lori, please encourage her to establish her bona fides in detail to set herself apart from other Republicans who try to be vague, with evasive responses that commit to nothing. It is unclear whether Gene Stille (R) or Bruce Sparrow (R) are still in the race. There is also a write-in candidate, Michael Mazzocco. If these people are still running, please encourage them to contact CRTL.
State House District 64
Tim Dore (R) is pro-life, having responded to the CRTL survey with 8 out of 9 correct answers, providing a contradictory answer to #9. We will continue to work with him on his support for compromised anti-abortion regulations (which some pro-life legal scholars believe legitimizes abortion and doesn’t treat the unborn child as a Person).
State House District 58
Don Coram (R) may or may not be pro-life. He has never responded to the CRTL survey. Please encourage him to contact us.
State House District 59
J. Paul Brown (R) spoke out in favor of Personhood in 2010, and he has indicated he will respond to the CRTL survey this year.
State House District 60
Steve Collins (R) is pro-life, responding correctly to 8 of the 9 questions, and answering favorably to the 9th (opposing anti-abortion regulations) with a minor reservation. It sounds like he will work with CRTL to avoid compromised legislation. James Wilson (R) has not responded to the CRTL survey. Please encourage him to contact us.
State House District 61
A candidate who may be pro-life has recently entered the race. If you know David Justice (R) please encourage him to contact CRTL. Robert Petrowsky (ACP) is presumably pro-life but we need to hear from him.
State House District 62
A candidate who may be pro-life has recently entered the race. If you know Tim Walters (R) please encourage him to contact CRTL.
State House District 63
Lori Saine (R) claims to be pro-life, but responded to CRTL merely that she believes “life begins at conception,” which is entirely inadequate (John McCain claimed the same, but believed in taxpayer-funded murder of unborn embryos for research purposes). If you know Lori, please encourage her to establish her bona fides in detail to set herself apart from other Republicans who try to be vague, with evasive responses that commit to nothing. It is unclear whether Gene Stille (R) or Bruce Sparrow (R) are still in the race. There is also a write-in candidate, Michael Mazzocco. If these people are still running, please encourage them to contact CRTL.
State House District 64
Tim Dore (R) is pro-life, having responded to the CRTL survey with 8 out of 9 correct answers, providing a contradictory answer to #9. We will continue to work with him on his support for compromised anti-abortion regulations (which some pro-life legal scholars believe legitimizes abortion and doesn’t treat the unborn child as a Person).
State House District 65
Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg (R) has responded favorably to previous CRTL surveys. Please ask him to contact us so we can establish for sure that he’s still with us.
**Please note: Republicans predominate this list because they are considered the most likely to be pro-life. Members of other parties, especially the American Constitution Party, may be pro-life. However, we have yet to hear from a single candidate from the Democrat or Libertarian parties who is pro-life. Most Democrats who entered early in the race were sent a copy of the survey in February. Though more recent entrants have not, they are welcome to contact CRTL to answer the survey.