Prop 19 Coming to Colorado?

Kevin Drum and Matt Yglesias are discussing the prospects of a legalization ballot measure in the future after Prop 19's strong showing in California this year. Yglesias says,

Long story short, pre-election I thought of this as a totally quixotic undertaking but it now looks to me like it could realistically happen in the short-term if people organize for a presidential election year. Running the play again in 2012 might just disgust people so maybe 2016 would be the better target year. Or else maybe 2012 in a different state. Either way, I promise to be more engaged next time.

My understanding is that legalization will be* on the ballot in Colorado in 2012.

*Obviously with all of the caveats regarding the ballot access process

"Letter to a Whiny Young Democrat"

Allow me to simply give over my space here today to Mark Morford of the San Franciso Chronicle. His column today on the 2010 midterm elections is funny, snarky, clear headed, poignant, and also absolutely correct in every word. His conclusion,

So  here's what you need to know, right now: Barack Obama is, and will  continue to be, a bit of goddamn miracle. He's simply as good as we're  going get for an articulate, thoughtful, integrity-rich Democratic prez  in your lifetime. Period. To hamstring his administration out of spite  and laziness is childish and sad. Check the accomplishments. Understand the process. Deal with the messiness.

It will never be perfect. It will never be giddy liberal nirvana,  because it doesn't work that way. Politics is corrosive and  infuriating, de facto and by definition, even with someone as thoughtful  as Obama in the Big Chair. Understand it. Deal with it. Get back in the  game. If you don't, we all lose.

Your choice, kiddo.

Click the link, read the whole thing, send it to your friends and relatives - it's that good and his message is that important.

CO: It Could Have Been Worse

Speaking strictly about the Colorado legislature and governor's race, it could have been much worse. In a wave election year for the GOP the state Republican's didn't take the Senate, lost the gubernatorial race, and will (at best) hold a 1 seat majority in the state House. Oh and the right-wing ballot measures all lost by huge margins.

Kennedy and Buescher both losing is disappointing but if that's as bad a damage as the state GOP can inflict in a wave year then I'll take it.