Colorado lawmakers this year are poised to drastically expand the state’s long-troubled driver’s license program for people living in the U.S. illegally, solving a fundamental problem with the initiative that has plagued its efficacy from day one. Senate Bill 139, introduced on Tuesday, would require that at least 10 state Division of Motor Vehicles offices […]
Jesse Paul
The Colorado Sun — jesse@coloradosun.com
Desk: 720-432-2229
Jesse Paul is a Denver-based political reporter and editor at The Colorado Sun, covering the state legislature, Congress and local politics. He is the author of The Unaffiliated newsletter and also occasionally fills in on breaking news coverage.
A Colorado College graduate, Jesse worked at The Denver Post from June 2014 until July 2018, when he joined The Sun. He was also an intern at The Gazette in Colorado Springs and The News Journal in Wilmington, Delaware, his hometown.
Jesse has won awards for long form feature writing, public service reporting, sustained coverage and deadline news reporting.
Email: jesse@coloradosun.com Twitter: @jesseapaul
Posted inCrime and Courts, News, Politics and Government
Colorado lawmakers aim to close loophole that led appeals court to overturn foster parent’s child sex assault conviction
The following story contains graphic details from a child sexual assault case that could be objectionable to some readers. When Senon Louis Ramirez’s conviction for sexually assaulting one of his foster children was overturned last year because of a loophole in Colorado law, there was outrage over how such a gap could exist. But the […]
Posted inNews, Politics and Government, Transportation
Hazmat tankers want off “sketchy” Loveland Pass and into tunnels. Years of debate could be decided once and for all.
In a snowstorm, it can be an unsettling site: a tractor-trailer pulling a massive tanker filled with hazardous materials up the switchbacks on Loveland Pass. Impatient ski traffic weaves around the vehicle while, on both sides of slick, two-lane U.S. 6, there are steep drop-offs that mostly lack guardrails. That’s not to mention the crowded […]
Posted inNews, Politics and Government
Democrat Andrew Romanoff announces run for Cory Gardner’s seat, marking his third bid for Congress
Democrat Andrew Romanoff is making his third bid for Congress, announcing Thursday morning that he will join the slate of candidates trying to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner in 2020. “My campaign, like my career, is grounded in the people of Colorado,” the former speaker of the Colorado House said in a written statement […]
Posted inEducation, News, Politics and Government
Gov. Polis won’t stop Denver teachers’ strike Monday. But here is why he’s worried about fallout.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Wednesday said he will not intervene to prevent a teacher strike Monday in Denver, saying an eleventh-hour deal is possible to prevent picket lines in Colorado’s largest school district. “What I’ve told both sides is: This will end with an agreement. We should try to deliver that same agreement now, […]
Posted inNews, Politics and Government
Colorado native David Bernhardt tapped by Trump to be Interior secretary
Colorado native David Bernhardt was tapped Monday by President Donald Trump to be secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, prompting praise from Republicans and quick condemnation from Democrats and environmentalists. Bernhardt has been serving as the agency’s acting head since the resignation of former Secretary Ryan Zinke, who was facing ethics investigations. Bernhardt […]
Posted inNews, Politics and Government
Democrat Mike Johnston jumps into U.S. Senate race against Cory Gardner
Democrat Mike Johnston, the former Colorado gubernatorial candidate and state senator, announced Thursday that he will be challenging Republican U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner in 2020, becoming the most well-known candidate yet to jump into the race. “Donald Trump and Cory Gardner have done more than just fail to protect us from the real threats, like […]
Posted inBusiness, Education, News, Politics and Government
Colorado employers, colleges could soon be prevented from asking about criminal histories on their applications
Just weeks ago, Majid Mohammad was released from incarceration after six years behind bars for a robbery he committed at age 17. The 24-year-old left prison with big plans to pursue a doctorate in astrophysics. But first he wanted a job, so Mohammad went to a department store seeking work while he pursued his studies. […]
Posted inNews, Politics and Government
Colorado lawmakers are sparring over a plan to bypass the Electoral College. Here’s what’s at stake.
Colorado’s Republican lawmakers launched stiff opposition Monday to a Democratic effort to join a nationwide compact aiming to ensure a presidential candidate who seizes the national popular vote also wins the presidential election. Senate Bill 42 would essentially nullify the Electoral College system in such situations, including the 2016 presidential election. Democrat Hillary Clinton won […]
Posted inNews, Politics and Government
How do Republicans stay relevant in the Colorado legislature? It depends who you ask.
It’s been four years since Republicans have been at such a political disadvantage at the Colorado Capitol, struggling for relevance against a majority so deep there are more Democrats in the House than GOP lawmakers in the entire legislature. And the party is split on how to regain traction. “Republicans are in an unbelievable pickle,” […]