Extra!, August 14

Monday, August 14, 2006

THE KISS OF DEATH

U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman's defeat in the Connecticut Democratic primary by anti-war candidate Ned Lamont sent off shock waves in the political world. Lamont made sure every voter in Connecticut saw video footage of Lieberman being kissed by President Bush after his 2005 State of the Union speech - presumably to thank Lieberman for his support of the war in Iraq. "The Kiss," as it became known in Connecticut, proved politically lethal to Lieberman.

So what would Colorado Democrats do if Bush tried to kiss them?

• "I would turn the other cheek," said Bill Ritter, Democratic candidate for governor.

• "I think I'd immediately wake up from that nightmare," said Colorado Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff. "I can honestly say it's not a danger, and anyway I don't kiss and tell."

• State Sen. Ken Gordon, who is running for secretary of state, said he would whisper something in Bush's ear: "Mr. President, I try to be bipartisan, but this is too much."

• Colorado Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald said, "I'm not sure I could back away fast enough."

ROCKY FLASHBACK

10 years ago this week

• Mall to add 30 stores

Thirty new specialty stores will open in Cherry Creek mall in two years as part of a $70 million expansion. The stores will open by August 1998, and will replace Lord & Taylor, which will be moved to a larger structure west of its current site. Other changes include building retail space for a 6,500-square-foot Tiffany & Co. jewelry and gift shop on the first floor, and adding a sixth level to the parking garage.