Extra!, January 28

The Rocky

Monday, January 28, 2008

Imrie and donkey friend, Waymore B. Democrat.

OFFICIAL DEM DONKEY

Curtis Imrie is no stranger to political campaigns. After years of "Vote for me's," the 61-year-old Buena Vista Democrat is finally getting his due.

You see, he and his 7-year-old donkey, Mordecai, will bathe in the political spotlight when the Democratic National Convention comes to town.

Mordecai, who was handled by 10-year-old Sophie Herzog, of Fairplay, was selected as the DNC's official mascot during Saturday night's National Western Draft and Horse Mule show.

While it may not be the 3rd Congressional District win Imrie aimed for in 2000, or the 5th Congressional District win he eyed in 2002 or the 60th District House seat he sought in 2006, it's still a win for the longtime donkey breeder.

Temperament, behavior and "cuteness" - not Imrie's but the donkey's - were all considered during the judge's final vote.

PAYING FOR UTILITIES

Despite the spring-like day Sunday along the Front Range, our snowiest month is right around the corner (March). Extra! is so very tempted to write this from a warmer spot in the world, say Arizona. But folks, the grass isn't always greener. A new survey that tracks and compares average utility prices in 21 major metropolitan areas, including Denver, has found that Phoenix has the highest utility costs in the country. Denver ranks next to last in utility costs on the WhiteFence Index list.

$387 a month is the average utility bill in Phoenix.

$257 a month is the average utility bill in Denver.

* For the complete list, go to the WhiteFence Index Web site at whitefence.com/wfi.