Governor's power in question as GOP-led committee advances measure from top statehouse Republican

A bill pitting certain powers of Colorado’s Democratic governor against those of the GOP-controlled state Senate passed a Republican-led committee Wednesday on a party-line vote.

Senate President Kevin Grantham’s legislation, stemming from a partisan tussle last year over an appointee of Gov. John Hickenlooper’s, would prevent any gubernatorial board or commission from continuing to serve if they are rejected by the Senate. It would also bar them from being nominated again for the same post.

“There should be no fuzzy lines on this,” testified Grantham, a Cañon City Republican. “… I’ll be happy to be very clear. This is done in spite of what the governor wants done. Is that clear? Because the governor wants to keep the ability to ignore this chamber and their decisions.”

The vote was 3-2. There was no testimony, only discussion among the committee’s lawmakers — including pushback from its two Democratic members — and Grantham.

Read more: https://www.denverpost.com/2018/02/07/kevin-grantham-bill-questions-colorado-governor-power/