Jody Hope Strogoff

The clock is ticking as lawmakers grapple with budget issues that could cause the nation to default on its loans. The Republican-controlled House is expected to pass a balanced budget amendment this week as a part of any deal. KUNC’s Brian Larson spoke with Colorado Statesman Publisher Jody Hope Strogoff about Colorado’s role in the negotiations.

We’re still 16 months way from the 2012 election. But this is the prime time for challengers to begin their campaigns - which is exactly what three Democrats have done recently for state congressional seats.

According to the latest projection from the legislature’s Joint Budget Committee Colorado will finish up the 2010-2011 budget year with a surplus of more than $300 million. KUNC's Brian Larson spoke to Colorado Statesman Publisher Jody Hope Strogoff about the extra money and what it means for the state.

Colorado representatives Democrat Ed Perlmutter and Republican Scott Tipton are under fire for possible conflicts of interest between their personal finances – namely the stock that they own in certain companies – and the assignments they hold in congress.

The 2012 Presidential race unofficially arrived in Colorado last week when Vice President Joe Biden held a fundraising breakfast on behalf of President Obama. Colorado Statesman Publisher Jody Hope Strogoff talks to KUNC’s Brian Larson about how state Democrats and Republicans are gearing up for next year's race.