May 18, 2026: Wanda James makes her case to the 1st Congressional District; Tina Peters is 2 weeks from freedom

Summary

Colorado Matters – May 18, 2026:

Wanda James Makes Her Case to the 1st Congressional District; Tina Peters Is Two Weeks from Freedom

Hosts: Ryan Warner & Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Date: May 18, 2026
Podcast: Colorado Public Radio (CPR News)

---

Episode Overview

This episode features an in-depth conversation with Democratic congressional candidate Wanda James, who is mounting a primary challenge to long-time incumbent Diana DeGette in Denver's 1st District, followed by an analysis of Governor Jared Polis’s controversial commutation of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters’ sentence. The episode concludes with a showcase of new local music from Colorado.

---

Wanda James: Congressional Primary Candidate (00:04–28:01)

Main Theme

Wanda James, a Navy veteran, business owner, and former CU Regent, discusses her campaign to unseat Diana DeGette in Colorado’s strongly Democratic 1st Congressional District. The segment focuses on her motivation, policy differences, experience, and vision for leadership.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Motivation & Background (00:04–04:37)

• Wanda James highlights how federal policies have directly shaped her life as a Black woman, veteran, small business owner, and cannabis advocate.

• Quote:

  "We are in a new world where different types of leadership is now demanded… How do we ensure that my sister and her wife's marriage are safe? How do we ensure we're not sending people to war for something that nobody can tell us why we're at war?"
  (Wanda James, 00:14)

• She emphasizes “paying it forward” after breaking barriers:

  "If you're going to be the first of doing something, ...you make sure it stays open. And so, yes, it's always paying it forward."
  (Wanda James, 03:44)

---

Overregulation & Policy Differences (04:37–12:29)

• James vehemently opposes what she calls overregulation of women and Black Americans, especially referencing bodily autonomy beyond abortion.

• Calls for codifying the right to abortion federally:

  "Would you seek to codify the right to an abortion?"
  "1,000%. 100%."
  (Wanda James, 05:18–05:25)

• She critiques the state party’s ballot process, opting for signature collection due to concerns about party mismanagement and disenfranchisement.

• On differences with DeGette, Wanda points to her broad-based, hands-on experience versus the incumbent’s legislative record and community engagement:

  "The difference is in action, what I have done and what I will do... The black community has not seen her. The Latino community has not seen her. Young people have not seen her."
  (Wanda James, 08:34)

---

Seniority, Leadership, and Approach (09:55–12:29)

• Argues that experience without results is overrated and points to the successes of recently elected colleagues like Joe Neguse.
• Cites “scrappiness” as a defining trait:

  "I stand up for what's right, you know, and I do that intrinsically. It's just who I am... We find the coalitions to make a difference and we fight for it."
  (Wanda James, 11:31)

---

In-Depth Policy Discussion

Housing & Affordability (13:04–14:54)

• Prioritizes affordability: supporting FHA, low-interest programs for first responders and teachers, and opposing price gouging.
• She stresses community-building, coalition-forming, and practical ties within Congress:

  "Having those coalitions built here from Colorado and then expanding them out, finding the people who agree with you to make them happen."
  (Wanda James, 14:21)

---

Foreign Policy & War in Iran (15:00–18:34)

• Calls the war "horrible" and "disgusting," connects U.S. interventionism to the pursuit of oil, and criticizes the escalation as dangerous and lacking clear rationale.
• Advocates for Congressional authority over war via the War Powers Act and a renewed focus on diplomacy:

  "War is the absolute failure of mankind. It is our very, very, very last option."
  (Wanda James, 16:06)

---

Immigration (18:34–20:27)

• Supports pathways to citizenship, robust worker programming, and attracting international talent to universities.
• Categorical opposition to ICE:

  "I see no reason for ICE. ICE should be abolished... having militarized people in cities... that's not how we do things here in America. It's repulsive."
  (Wanda James, 19:49)

---

Israel/Palestine, Anti-War Stance (20:27–23:47)

• Distinguishes the Israeli government from its people, calls Netanyahu a "war criminal," and labels both the Gaza conflict and October 7th attacks as horrors.
• Advocates for the U.S. halting weapons transfers to countries using them offensively.
• Personal anti-war perspective influenced by her family's WWII experience and military service:

  "I am anti-war because when people go through war, it destroys the very fiber of their humanity."
  (Wanda James, 22:09)

---

Campaign Dynamics & Community Support (25:01–28:01)

• On fundraising disadvantages, James leans on her long-established community presence and frequent endorsements from major Colorado Democratic leaders.
• Addresses vote splitting concerns:

  "We do not walk in the same lines. At all. I am supported strongly and heavily by the black community, ...Latino community, ...business community. That is the core of the primary voter."
  (Wanda James, 27:01)

---

Tina Peters Sentence Commutation — Governor Polis’s Decision (29:10–37:28)

Main Theme

An analysis of Governor Jared Polis’s commutation of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters’ sentence, which cut her prison term in half and triggered bipartisan criticism.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Decision & Backlash (29:10–31:14)

• Polis cites a Court of Appeals finding that the sentencing judge may have improperly considered Peters’ free speech rights.

• "It's a sad day for Colorado. Governor Polis just commuted Tina Peters’ sentence. Let me be clear. I vehemently disagree with Governor Polis decision."
  (Wanda James, 29:10)

---

Responses from Officials (32:21–33:03)

• Polis's move drew criticism from both Democrats (Phil Weiser, Michael Bennett, John Hickenlooper) and Republicans, noting it undermines the criminal justice system.
• Peters shows limited contrition and promises future "legal" election advocacy and prison reform work.

---

Reactions on the Right (34:15–35:44)

• Trump and other key Colorado Republicans publicly support the commutation; State Rep. Scott Bottoms vows full pardon if elected governor.
• Congressional candidate Lauren Boebert suggests a possible political quid pro quo.

---

Political Risks for Polis (36:42–37:25)

• As a term-limited “lame duck,” there’s little leverage for Colorado Democrats to act against Polis; his decision may be a final major act in office.

---

Colorado Local Music Roundup (37:54–48:11)

Artists Featured & Highlights

• Bonnie Payne (ex-Elephant Revival): Debut solo album featuring ethereal vocals and exploration of transformation.
• Downey Chase: Longmont-based, moodier indie compositions, recently touring in Europe.
• Yugs: Multilingual, multicultural indie artist collaborating with local musicians for covers and original work, including a classic Chilean rock cover.
• Jaguar Stevens: "Dead Miner's Daughter"—a nostalgic, family-centered song influenced by Loretta Lynn but with contemporary themes.
• Pink Ranger: Fronted by Matty Kwan, draws comparisons to Mitski and Japanese Breakfast; performing at a local Colorado 303 event.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Leadership & Representation:

  "Sending firmly written letters to the White House. Really what's that doing for us if we're not out there actually trying to find out how do we protect people's rights?"
  (Wanda James, 00:14)

• On Bodily Autonomy:

  "Control of my body. Complete and thorough and 100% control of my body at every time I turn around."
  (Wanda James, 04:51)

• On the War in Iran:

  "War is the absolute failure of mankind. It is our very, very, very last option."
  (Wanda James, 16:06)

• On ICE:

  "ICE should be abolished. I understand that we need border patrol at our airports and along the borders. I understand that. But... that is just not how we do things here in America. It's repulsive."
  (Wanda James, 19:49)

• On the Risk of Splitting the Anti-Incumbent Vote:

  "We do not walk in the same lines. At all...That does not overlap at all with somebody that decided to run for office a year ago and is making their rounds throughout the district."
  (Wanda James, 27:01)

• On Paying It Forward:

  "If you're going to be the first of doing something, you break down, but then you make sure it stays open."
  (Wanda James, 03:44)

---

Important Timestamps

• Wanda James on Policy & Campaigning: 00:04–28:01
• Tina Peters Commutation Discussion: 29:10–37:28
• Colorado Local Music Segment: 37:54–48:11

---

This episode offers a nuanced look at Colorado Democratic Party dynamics, emerging progressive voices, and tough ethical debates around clemency and criminal justice—interspersed with a celebration of local musical talent.

---

For anyone interested in Colorado politics, progressive leadership, or the evolving local culture, this episode is both substantive and engaging.

Transcript

[Ryan Warner]

In the Democratic primary, three women are running to represent Denver in Congress. Veteran and entrepreneur Wanda James hopes to oust the longtime incumbent.

[Wanda James]

We are in a new world where different types of leadership is now demanded of the people that we put in office. Sending firmly written letters to the White House. Really what's that doing for us if we're not out there actually trying to find out how do we protect people's rights? How do we ensure that my sister and her wife's marriage are safe? How do we ensure we're not sending people to war for something that nobody can tell us why we're at war.

[Ryan Warner]

Then the Tina Peters decision may define Jared Polis legacy as governor. And Indy 1023 serves up new local music for May. This is Colorado Matters from CPR News and KRCC. I'm Ryan Warner. Denver's had the same representation in Congress for about 30 years. Two women hope to change that in next month's Democratic primary. This week, you'll hear from the incumbent, Diana DeGette and those candidates who wish to unseat her. A coin toss determined that Wanda James goes first. Tomorrow. Deguet Wednesday, Milad Quiros. Whoever wins faces Republican Christy Peterson in the Wanda James, hi.

[Wanda James]

Hi.

[Ryan Warner]

It's been a minute.

[Wanda James]

It has been.

[Ryan Warner]

The last time we spoke, I think, was at your dispensary. I remember how passionate you were that black folks disproportionately punished for drug crimes get in on the opportunities of cannabis. You were indeed later elected CU regent for the very district you now want to represent in Congress. There's Navy service in your background.

[Wanda James]

There is.

[Ryan Warner]

Why does the U.S. house feel like the logical next step?

[Wanda James]

Wanda James, so for a number of reasons. One, and I tell people this when they want to run for office. I was like, what is the most interesting issues that you can solve? Where can you be the most helpful to people? You know, that aligns with what's of interest to you? And for me, the federal level issues are just, they're fascinating to me. Right. And I think that that's the core of where America lives. You're discussing where the military goes. You're discussing higher education and how that's being funded. You're discussing gas and oil prices. You're discussing infrastructure, financial services. You're discussing Pell grants, all of the things that ultimately touch every American. Right. And as a black. And that have touched you and have touched me. Absolutely. You know, and so it's exciting to me, you know, not saying that, you know, being a part of the city is not exciting as well too. But con and the federal level stuff is just fantastic.

[Ryan Warner]

I interrupted there when you were saying,

[Wanda James]

as a black woman, I mean, so many things on the federal level mean things to me. Right. You know, like we talked about with my cannabis operation. My own brother did four and a half years picking cotton in a federal penitentiary. When I think about my own military service, the reason why I'm a CU Boulder graduate is because I was able to have a Pell Grant and had access to low interest loans. Every step, being a formal naval officer, every step of my life has been impacted by federal policy. And I'm fascinated with it.

[Ryan Warner]

So is this primarily about paying it forward, changing the things you ran up against? How do you frame it?

[Wanda James]

You know, really great question. For me, it's always paying it forward. Right. Because, you know, I always start off a lot of the conversations with I have broken down so many doors, you know, and as my father told me, you know, if you're going to be the first of doing something, you break down, but then you make sure it stays open. And so, yes, it's always paying it forward. Yes, it's the things that impacted me. You know, quite frankly, it's hard to be a woman in America and not have federal policy impact you. I mean, our bodies are overly regulated, our pay is overly regulated. Being a black person in America, we are overly regulated. So yeah, this is, you know, important to me, being a small business owner. I mean, all of the things that I do. Yeah, pay it forward, break it down, open doors, make a difference.

[Ryan Warner]

I just want to know, like, we're not 10 minutes into an interview with a Democrat and we're talking about overregulation. Forgive me if I thought this was a Republican interview. Wanda James.

[Wanda James]

Oh my gosh.

[Ryan Warner]

Give me an example of an over regulation you would seek to undo.

[Wanda James]

Control of my body. Complete and thorough and 100% control of my body at every time I turn around.

[Ryan Warner]

And that means more to you than just abortion?

[Wanda James]

I mean, it's not about abortion. Right. Abortion is a part of it, of course, once again, control of your body. But as we have seen, you know, since the Dobbs Supreme Court decision, women are literally bleeding out in hospitals because doctors are afraid to touch them until they're two seconds from death. That's not healthcare.

[Ryan Warner]

Would you seek to codify the right

[Wanda James]

to an abortion 1,000%? 100%?

[Ryan Warner]

Federally.

[Wanda James]

Federally,

[Ryan Warner]

you opted to petition onto the ballot rather than go through the assembly process. Why?

[Wanda James]

So I went through the assembly process, obviously, when I ran for regent this

[Ryan Warner]

year, been There done that.

[Wanda James]

Well, been there, done that. There were so many issues with the assembly process this year, quite frankly. And the one thing that I am never going to do is be a hypocrite. And I didn't like the way that the party went about changing dates, changing rules. Three days before the assembly began, people didn't know how to vote. They weren't sure what was going to be happening. It was a mess, and I think everybody in the party will tell you that it was a mess. So we stayed in and I went through the Arapaho portion of the Assembly. That took an extra five hours. A lot of the delegates left. To me, that means that people's voices weren't counted. And at that point I said, I'm not going to be a part of a process where people's voices aren't counted. So we went out and we spoke to, I don't know, 10,000 people all over the district and turned in over 3,100 signatures. And for me, that was a joy because I got to sit, not sit down. I got to stand up in parking lots and different places and talk to people about what's going on, what's on their mind. So instead of speaking to a thousand party insiders, I got to speak with the voters and the people who are going to decide whether we go to Congress or not.

[Ryan Warner]

What is the starkest difference, policy wise, between you and 30 year incumbent Diana DeGette?

[Wanda James]

So great question. And we're both damn good Democrats. And the one thing I hear all the time is, well, she votes Democratic. Well, of course she does. She sits in a D26 seat. She's been there for 30 years. Of course you vote Democratic. I would be shocked if you did not. But the difference between us is really clear to me. I'm bringing 30 years of lived experience. 30 years of lived experience, served as a naval officer, opened up with my husband and I. I need to actually get the exact count because I know someone's going to call me on the table on it. I don't know, 10, 12, 13 businesses. I don't know how many businesses we've opened. I know it's been six restaurants, three dispensaries, three grow facilities, I don't know how many consulting firms, we have created jobs, we have bought homes. I have worked with students, I've been elected myself. I have fought for human rights, for LGBT rights, we've been a part of issue based campaigns. I have raised money for almost every Democrat in the state and obviously Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, Joe Biden. That's something that I have not seen from the current congresswoman. The difference is in action of what I have done and what I will do. And the fact that nobody in the district has seen the congresswoman unless it's time for her to get elected.

[Ryan Warner]

Is that fundamentally true? No one has seen her.

[Wanda James]

Okay. I shouldn't say no one. Let me say that that's not fair. We don't see her engage a lot in communities outside of elections. And I will say clearly that the black community has not seen her. The Latino community has not seen her. Young people have not seen her. A lot of the women's organ that I belong to have not seen her. She shows up in her key places where she has a lot of support. Every now and then, a lot of my friends, family and business owners complain about the constituent services, CD1, that they'll ask to get things done, and they don't hear anything. And then three weeks later, they get a form letter that says, you know, thank you for contacting our office. So it makes no sense to me that in CD1, our capital city in Colorado, that we don't have representation that is just on fire. And I want to give a shout out to Congressman Joe Negus. Right. I can't turn on my TV or open up my Facebook page or any social media without seeing Joe in action doing things. He brought down Kristi Noem, you know, by having the wherewithal to ask, how did you spend $200 million on a commercial when motion pictures like sinners didn't cost $200 million? So these are the things that are the difference when you have somebody that's engaged, that's standing up, and most importantly, making people proud to be a Democrat.

[Ryan Warner]

Why should Denver lose 30 years of seniority?

[Wanda James]

Oh, come on. I am so tired of that question. Are you? I am. I'm fed up with that question. Okay, so that question implies that you get elected and you're supposed to die in that seat, right?

[Ryan Warner]

Well, I think the question implies, or has baked into it the idea that there's gonna be a learning curve and that, you know, in exchange for something new, you're. You're getting rid of something experienced.

[Wanda James]

Really? So that experience has done what for us? Our gas prices are through the roof. Our home prices are through the roof. Nobody can seem to live in Denver. And while we have protected abortion here in Colorado, we've. We've lost it nationwide. And let me bring another point up in speaking about my friend and congressman, Joe Nagus. See you, buffs. Go, go, Buffs. He's been there for six years and he's number four in the house. He has passed seven bills. Diane DeGette has passed two. Jason Crow has been there for the same amount of time that Joe Nagus has been there. He is on TV all the time talking about what's happening with the war. He made a video that told active duty that they don't have to follow illegal orders. He did amazing things during, you know, January 6th. When is the last time you have seen Diana on the floor doing anything that is of importance? And I don't want to keep talking about the current congresswoman here today.

[Ryan Warner]

Yeah, no, I think what you're talking about though is to some extent to refocus this on you. This is your interview.

[Wanda James]

I think it's about me.

[Ryan Warner]

No, no, no. But it is. Is a certain scrap, a scrappiness I hear you wanting to bring to this office.

[Wanda James]

Yeah, I mean, there is, you know, some folks have called me scrappy. I stand up for what's right, you know, and I do that intrinsically. It's just who I am. When I see something is wrong, I stand up and we talk about it and we change it. We find the coalitions to make a difference and we fight for it. Right. We are in a new world where different types of leadership is now demanded of the people that we put in office. Sending firmly written letters to the White House. Really what's that doing for us if we're not out there actually trying to find out, how do we change things back? How do we protect people's rights? How do we ensure that my sister and her wife's marriage are safe and their children are safe? How do we ensure that we're not sending people to war for something that nobody can tell us why we're at war. A firmly written letter, a new policy decision. No.

[Ryan Warner]

Democratic congressional candidate Wanda James of Denver is our guest. The primary is June 30th. When we come back, housing costs and this Navy veterans take on the war in Iran. This is Colorado Matters from CPR News. This is Colorado Matters from CPR News. I'm Ryan Warner. There's a three way Democratic primary next month to represent Denver in Congress. Today, tomorrow and Wednesday, you'll hear from the candidates. Let's get back to Gonjrepreneur and CU regent Wanda James. Let's dive into policy.

[Wanda James]

Sure.

[Ryan Warner]

Affordability, top concern for voters.

[Wanda James]

Yeah.

[Ryan Warner]

You earlier said that so many people can't afford to live in the district you want to represent or certainly own.

[Wanda James]

Yep.

[Ryan Warner]

You're one of 435 people, if you're elected to this. I am mysterious body in Washington, the U.S. house. How do you begin to make a change in how expensive it is to live?

[Wanda James]

So when we talk about affordability and you know, and that's such a huge thing and you know, people. Affordability, affordability, what does that actually mean? Being able to afford a home, making sure that FHA is fully funded, making sure that we have programs in place where. What I like is first responders can buy their first home with low interest loans and different things.

[Ryan Warner]

Firemen, teachers, presumably in the community where they teach and respond to 1,000%.

[Wanda James]

And we have seen study after study after study that when you have teachers who live in the same district in which they teach police officers who live in the same neighborhood in which they patrol, I mean, there is a better sense of community safety and engagement. Right. You know, figuring out how we keep prices, you know, at grocery stores where they should be, not allowing. Oh, I just lost the words. That crazy thing where they're upping food prices at certain times.

[Ryan Warner]

Flex pricing.

[Wanda James]

Flex. That's not what it's. But yes, based on AI, we need to shoot those types of things down. All of that is going to be happening within that mysterious body, you know, called Congress. How does that happen? You get out there and you got talking to people. You build those coalitions. You start with the people here at home who I already know. I know all of our Congress people, I know them all well. So having those coalitions built here from Colorado and then expanding them out, finding the people who agree with you to make them happen. And, and there is a need and a want for that to happen right now.

[Ryan Warner]

Does Wanda James build a coalition with

[Wanda James]

Lauren Boebert on certain situations? I'm sure that we do.

[Ryan Warner]

Very curious your sense of the war in Iran, especially given your background in the military.

[Wanda James]

Horrible. Disgusting. I don't have any thoughts that in my military mind that says this is okay and this is something we should do. This is a operation led by a madman and nobody can tell us why we're there. Obviously oil, oil, oil, oil. Right? But it wasn't just Iran, what we did to Venezuela. Wrong. Entirely wrong. Not saying Maduro is not a bad guy, but once again, blowing up boats in the ocean without due process. What is that all about? Right? We turn around. We have put, I believe now we have three carriers in the Middle east right now. I don't know if people understand exactly what that means when you move our Navy that in itself is amazingly dangerous. Formal naval officer here, right. Navy ships and movement people can be injured. We've already lost four planes, 14 service members. For what? War is the absolute failure of mankind. It is our very, very, very last option. It's when everything else has failed and we are in imminent danger, we go to war.

[Ryan Warner]

What would you do to stop it in Congress?

[Wanda James]

I would pull back. I would work to pull back immediately the War Powers act to Congress because no president should be able to take us to war without a complete vote of the people who represent us. 2. I would figure out ways of how we reaching the point where we are with diplomacy. I would like to see quite frankly headseth be removed from office because he is not qualified to be Secretary of Defense. And let me say this too. There is no Department of War. And I find that repulsive because Department of War is just exactly that. It means that we go to war, we start wars. That's not who we are as America. It's the Department of Defense we defend.

[Ryan Warner]

You know, it's interesting to hear your perspective on moving I think so casually sometimes as an audience member and sometimes as a member of the press. We hear about, you know, oh, they're moving a fleet into a particular region or something like that that's not as small or an easy or an unvulnerable very vulnerable action.

[Wanda James]

Very, very vulnerable. We also don't see too my time in the military, I spent. I was an anti submarine warfare officer with iuss.

[Ryan Warner]

Okay, hold on. Anti submarine warfare officer with iuss.

[Wanda James]

Integrated underwater sound surveillance. Which means we were sub hunters. So with every one of those battle groups, there's also a bunch of submarines in the water. When we have a bunch of submarines in the water. Russia has a bunch of submarines in the water. China has a bunch of submarines in the. There is an entire service and an entire fleet that you don't see going underneath there. And there are ballistic missiles. There's all different types of things that are happening under the water. An aircraft carrier, one of the most dangerous places that you can be. You literally have jets landing on a boat. I mean these are just dangerous, dangerous operations that we are putting people into harm's way for what? And let me say this too. The straighter her moves and was open what 60 days ago, Iran. We had a nuclear program with them where we were making sure that they weren't developing nukes in place three years ago. What have we accomplished now except for losing 14 servicemen and four jets. Oh, and killing 164 little girls who

[Ryan Warner]

happen to be Iranian immigration. What is the right level of enforcement in this country?

[Wanda James]

Pathway to citizenship for people who want to be here. A worker program. Because we clearly need people from other countries to help us do what it is that we do here in this country, whether it's agriculture or science. As a CU Regent, I am concerned that our immigration policies are now making the world's most brilliant minds not choose some of the world's most brilliant schools here in America. They're choosing schools in different places because they can no longer feel safe in America. It is sad to me that we have a whole subset of people who are afraid of other people who don't look like them, sound like them or talk like them. And I'm just not somebody that feels that way. I'm the daughter of a British immigrant. My father was military. So I grew up in different countries all over the world. And there is nothing that I find more exciting than different people, different accents, different cultures. Teach me something, let me learn something about you, expand my horizons.

[Ryan Warner]

I hear from you then a focus, a desire for reform over enforcement. Do you think that's true?

[Wanda James]

Absolutely, 100%. Let's talk about what's happened with ICE enforcement. I see no reason for ICE. ICE should be abolished. I understand that we need border patrol at our airports and along the borders. I understand that. But the fact that we are sending militarized people into cities wearing masks, pulling pregnant women out of cars and murdering people in the streets, and the two people that happened to get murdered were two perfectly fine white Americans. So make this make sense to me, and it does not. And so I would want ICE abolished. I would want ICE off the streets immediately because that is just not how we do things here in America. It's repulsive.

[Ryan Warner]

One of the bigger topics that's emerged in the CD1 race is the US Israel relationship. What's your stance on and how it should change, if at all?

[Wanda James]

So Israel is currently under the rule of a right wing, probably war criminal. No, Israel is under the rule of a right wing war criminal, just as America is. So the anti Israel feel that I think some folks have is wrong.

[Ryan Warner]

It's amazingly wrong in that it doesn't distinguish between Israel and Netanyahu.

[Wanda James]

Absolutely. Just like we need to distinguish between Trump and America. What happened in Gaza? Horrible. Absolutely horrible. The UN calls it genocide. What happened on October 7th? Absolutely horrible. Israel has the right to protect its people. Hamas, Absolutely horrible. Terrorist organization should be wiped out. And we should be doing everything with the un, with our allies to ensure that terrorist organizations do not terrorize people.

[Ryan Warner]

Is there any change in current US Policy that you'd advocate for in Congress?

[Wanda James]

I would not be sending weapons for countries to be able to use those weapons against other nations that have no ability to protect themselves. Once again, can I come back to the thing where I said that I am anti war?

[Ryan Warner]

Sure.

[Wanda James]

I am anti war. And anti war means anti war. A quick little short story here. Two years ago, as my mother was passing away through hospice, my mom was born in Liverpool, England.

[Ryan Warner]

A Liverpudlian.

[Wanda James]

She's a Liverpudlian. And she. Yes, she's fabulous. Liverpool is the most amazing place on the planet, if you've never been. But anyway, she was one of the children put on trains and sent out of the major cities in England as Hitler was destroying England. I did not know this about my mother because my mother and father were phenomenal readers. There were books all over our house. But when my mother came back to Liverpool at the end of the war, Liverpool was in disaster. And that was the end of her formal education. She never had an education past 11 years old when we were. She was passing away and we were watching and Ukraine was happening and I was watching her cry one day and I was like, mom, I says, what's wrong? And she's like, oh, Juan. She goes, the babies. She goes, the babies. She goes, they're never going to get over this. I am anti war because when people go through war, it destroys the very fiber of their humanity. It affects them for the rest of their lives.

[Ryan Warner]

It's an interesting thing. Twenty years ago, if you'd have sat here with me saying I am against war, I'd say duh. But now we have an administration that seems to celebrate the notion. I mean, again, the Department of War, right? And so I am against war. Becomes not a duh moment.

[Wanda James]

Not a duh moment. And who would ever have thought that the most powerful nation in the world, Just the way that these, our current administration, they flex like 13 year old boys. I mean, it's.

[Ryan Warner]

Do you recognize that energy from your time in the military?

[Wanda James]

No, I do not. Because I'm going to tell you,

[Bonnie Payne]

the

[Wanda James]

Navy personnel, the veterans that I know, and I come from a long line of military folks, my father, my grandfather, everybody around my sister, her wife. We come from a military family and that's not who we are. And that's not who 90% of vets are. You know, and the one thing about vets, almost every vet you speak to will tell you that they're anti war. You know, why they've been there, saw that. And they know that nobody comes back from war. Okay. And you only go to war. Like I said at the very beginning of this conversation, when it is the absolute last aspect that we have to be able to protect ourselves and our allies.

[Ryan Warner]

I think I hear you talking about a reinvestment in diplomacy.

[Wanda James]

100%. 100%.

[Ryan Warner]

Before we go, a question about the race itself.

[Bonnie Payne]

Yay.

[Ryan Warner]

According to reports from March Melat, Kiros is raising more money than you and has more cash on hand. How do you meet that disadvantage?

[Wanda James]

I have over 30% name recognition in the district. I was already elected in this district with 213,000 votes. I have been around for two decades. My husband owns six restaurants. People have had their weddings, their graduations, their whatever at our restaurants. We are amazingly well known. And I sell weed in the district. I mean,

[Ryan Warner]

talk about something I wouldn't have heard 20 years ago. And we sell weed in the district. Bill Clinton didn't even inhale, you know.

[Wanda James]

Yes, he did. But anyway, I mean, you know, so once again, we get that question, and you'd asked me about, you know, the difference between Diana and I. I am the most unique candidate in this race right now because one, I walk my talk. Two, I have a resume. Three, I have created jobs. Four, I'm a part of this community. People know me, right? I don't have to build my name recognition. They know who I am. When I walk into a room, people know who I am. So, yeah, fundraising has been a bear. I'm not gonna lie. It's been amazingly difficult. People are tired of giving money to campaigns. God knows there's 5,000 campaigns raising millions of dollars right now. Finances in politics, that's a whole other conversation that we can have at another time. But, you know, we need to get money out of politics. But. But it's hard. But once again, I have done the work for this district for 20 years. I didn't show up six months ago and decided I was gonna run for office. And asking people to figure out who I am. Y' all know me.

[Ryan Warner]

I ask this of Kiros as well. Is there a risk that you and she.

[Wanda James]

Not at all.

[Ryan Warner]

Hold on. I know you know what I'm gonna ask, but for the listener.

[Wanda James]

Go ahead.

[Ryan Warner]

Wanda James, who isn't six steps ahead of me.

[Wanda James]

Go ahead. Go ahead.

[Ryan Warner]

You know, there's this thought that if you're talking about the anti deget vote, I mean, very naturally, wouldn't you split that with Kiros? No, no.

[Wanda James]

We do not walk in the same lines. At all. I am supported strongly and heavily by the black community, strongly and heavily by the Latino community, strongly and heavily by the business community. And quite frankly, that is the core of the primary voter. I had been endorsed by Ken Salazar, US Senator, Secretary of the Interior, Ambassador to Mexico. I've been endorsed by Wilma and Wellington Webb. I've been endorsed by Joe Salazar, James Mejia. I had been endorsed by Greg Moore, former editor of the Denver Post. I had been endorsed by Terrence Carroll, the former speaker of the House. I had been endorsed by Nita Gonzalez. I had been endorsed by Juanita Chacon. I have been endorsed by the corps of the Democratic Party because they know who I am. And that does not overlap at all with somebody that decided to run for office a year ago and is making their rounds throughout the district.

[Ryan Warner]

At all.

[Wanda James]

At all.

[Ryan Warner]

At all. Hey, thanks for being with us.

[Wanda James]

I am so excited to be here. This is always so much fun.

[Ryan Warner]

Democrat Wanda James wants to represent Denver and Glendale in Congress tomorrow. Incumbent Diana DeGette and then Attorney turned grad student and barista Mehlad Kiras. Wednesday, the winner of the June 30 primary will face Republican Christy Peterson in November, a long shot for the GOP in Colorado's most Democratic district. You can read and hear all three interviews now at cpr.org and Colorado Matters continues in this next half hour with the commutation of Tina Peters sentence. I'm Ryan Warner. You're with CPR News and krcc. This is Colorado Matters from CPR News and krcc. I'm Ryan Moerner. Former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters will be free two weeks from today. After months of dropping hints and political pressure from the President, Governor Jared Polis cut Peter's sentence in half. Reaction was swift.

[Wanda James]

It's a sad day for Colorado. Governor Polis just commuted Tina Peters sentence. Let me be clear. I vehemently disagree with Governor Polis decision

[Ryan Warner]

to commute Tina Peters sentence.

[Alicia Sweeney]

You may hear suggestions that this clemency is simply bringing Tina Peters punishment in line with the scope of her crimes. What it actually is is special treatment.

[Downey Chase]

Well really what it is is an undermining of the criminal justice system. I mean she's a upper middle class white woman who has powerful friends and has the governor stepping in and changing her sentence.

[Wanda James]

This is now Governor Polis legacy. He will not be able to run from it nor redefine it later.

[Ryan Warner]

Phil Weiser, Michael Bennett, Jenna Griswold, Dan Rubenstein and Matt Crane. They are a mix of Democrats and Republicans. CPR's Benta Berkland has covered Tina Peters for years and spoke with the governor ahead of his announcement. Hi, Benta.

[Benta Berkeland]

Hi, Ryan.

[Ryan Warner]

This may indeed go down as the most controversial act of Polis administration. How does he explain it?

[Benta Berkeland]

I mean, yeah, as we heard from those comments, this was not a popular decision in a lot of circles. My inbox was just flooded with all these harsh words for the governor's decision. But, you know, it didn't come as a surprise. Polis has said publicly months ago that he thought Peter's sentence was too harsh and that he would treat Peters like any other clemency request. Remember, she got nearly nine years, although she was never going to serve that much time. She's now 70 years old. And in my conversation with the governor, he really focused on the Colorado Court of Appeals, the finding that said the Grand Junction judge who sentenced her, Judge Matthew Barrett, may have improperly considered Tina Peters free speech rights when he sentenced her. Basically, her beliefs of a stolen 2020 presidential election, an election ringing, may have influenced the length of the sentence and Judge Barrett's opinion on how long she should spend in prison.

[Downey Chase]

I understand where he was coming from. As a person like him, I, you know, completely disagree and think it's outrageous that anybody, you know, spreads lies about elections. But free speech is a cornerstone of our. Of our constitutional rights and our democracy, and that should not have been a factor in sentencing. And I think that's one of the reasons this is invoked such passion in people who think that she was punished for free speech and it went above and beyond a normal punishment for this kind of thing. And it did. And I would add, there's others that see her as a symbol that should just be punished without fully understanding what. What her crime was. And that's not right either.

[Benta Berkeland]

And the Colorado Court of Appeals requested that Judge Barrett issue a new sentence for Peters. This was before Polis reduced her sentence. The governor's decision obviously negates all that. Interestingly, though, Polis was the one who appointed Judge Barrett to the bench, whose

[Ryan Warner]

decision on resentencing he preempted. Obviously, this was controversial even before Polis made the decision, but how is it sitting now with officials around the state?

[Benta Berkeland]

It's been pretty roundly panned by Democrats across Colorado. Attorney General Phil Weiser, US Senator Michael Bennett blasted the decision. And they're the two Democrats running to replace Polis, who was term limit then. Senator John Hickenlooper, who was governor before Polis, also criticized it. And not just Democrats. Dan Rubenstein is the Republican district Attorney who prosecuted Peters. He said Polis overstated the appeals court comments about the First Amendment and understated Peters contrition. Also, Colorado clerks from across the political spectrum have said this would make their jobs running elections harder.

[Ryan Warner]

Was is Peters remorseful? What do we know?

[Benta Berkeland]

Well, publicly, Peters has always said she had the authority and the right to do what she did. But Peters team did send me a written statement after Polis decision thanking the governor. In this statement, she acknowledges that she misled the Colorado Secretary of State by allowing a person to gain access to Mesa County's voting equipment. Peters says that was wrong. And going forward, she will make sure that her actions always follow the law and she will avoid the mistakes of the past. But Peters also says her views and concerns about elections have not changed. And this is from her statement. This is a direct quote. Upon release, I plan to do my best through legal means to support election integrity and based on my own personal experiences, to elevate the cause of prison reform to help ensure the detention system is more fair and equitable for people of all ages.

[Ryan Warner]

So state Democrats are upset. Some Republicans are upset. What about other folks on the right, though?

[Benta Berkeland]

Well, for one very powerful person, President Donald Trump, this seems to have gone over well. He was pushing hard for Peters to be released on social media. He posted Free Tina not long after this announcement. And then you had the Republicans vying for governor. Republican State Representative Scott Bottoms. He also applauded the move. He's been pushing for Peters to be released for a long time. And he said if he's elected governor, you know, this would have been one of his top priorities.

[Scott Bottoms]

Finally, Polis is releasing Tina Peters. Now, he's not pardoner. He's not giving her clemency. He's just commuting her sentence. That's okay, because when I'm governor, full pardon. She's gonna have clemency. Full clemency. She did nothing wrong. She did not break the law. And I will back that up with the full power of the governor's office.

[Benta Berkeland]

I do wanna note that Peters did do something wrong. She broke state law. She was prosecuted by the Republican district attorney and convicted by a jury of her peers in a county that is heavily conservative. For the other GOP candidates for governor, you have Victor Marks. He posted comments welcoming the news. But the third candidate, Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, she's a state senator. She was not supportive. She said the court process was still ongoing and it should have been handled through the judicial system rather than through executive action. And then we also heard from another high profile Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert.

[Ryan Warner]

We all what'd she have to say?

[Benta Berkeland]

He said Trump applied continued pressure and advocacy because he knew Tina Peters deserved fairness on the law. And Boebert also said she hopes it might mean clean water for southeast Colorado. If you remember, Ryan, Trump vetoed that bipartisan bill and it would have finished a pipeline, the Arkansas Valley conduit, to bring clean drinking water to 39 rural communities.

[Ryan Warner]

Okay, so Boebert plainly sees this as quid pro quo. What does this mean for Peters? Now?

[Benta Berkeland]

Polis effectively cut her sentence from almost nine years to closer to four and a half. But what's important to focus on here is the parole date when she actually gets out of prison. Before this, Peters would have been parole eligible October 2028. Now, per the governor's order, she'll be paroled and she will be released in two weeks, June 1st.

[Ryan Warner]

Democrats have been more open about playing hardball in politics. Do you suspect Polis is at risk from his own party?

[Benta Berkeland]

The governor is a lame duck, so there's not much the party can do to him. Coincidentally or not, Polis announced this decision just two days after the legislative session ended. So it's not like Democratic lawmakers could hold up any of his priority bills or the state budget or admonish him from the chamber floors. And we will have to see if there's anything nationally Democrats can do. It does seem like this might have been the last big expenditure of Polis political capital for the rest of his time as governor.

[Ryan Warner]

Benta, thank you so much for being with us.

[Benta Berkeland]

Thanks, Ryan.

[Ryan Warner]

Benta Berkeland covers politics and public affairs for CPR News. Our Western Slope reporter, Tom Hess also contributed to this coverage. We'll be back in a moment with a seasonal bouquet of local music. This is Colorado Matters from CPR News. It's Colorado Matters from CPR News and krcc. I'm Ryan Warner.

[Bonnie Payne]

Under the clover I felt it over this red and white eyes the skin that covers into the wild our living slower a fitful giving when turning over.

[Ryan Warner]

Colorado's music scene is blooming with an eclectic bouquet of talented artists. Here to give them their flowers is Indy 1023's Alicia Sweeney. You'll forgive all these spring metaphors. Alicia joins us monthly with new music from around the state. Howdy, Alicia.

[Alicia Sweeney]

Hi, Ryan.

[Ryan Warner]

This sound, Lord have mercy. It's like Natalie Merchant meets Kate Bush. I know this voice, don't I?

[Alicia Sweeney]

You so know this voice because I know that her band that she used to be in, they're on Hiatus. They sometimes get back together. They've been on Colorado matters in the past. Bonnie Payne, formerly Elephant revival. Exactly. So. 20 years after helping form this transcendental folk group, this singer, songwriter, multi instrument, she's releasing her debut record. And she says this is the first time she's really let herself experiment without any preconceived notions of what it should sound like. And this album is so textured, and her voice is really the best part of it. She's known for that luminous, otherworldly voice, as you said. Natalie Merchant meets Kate Bush. This new record explores themes of. Of uncertainty, transformation, and it really marks a new chapter in her career.

[Bonnie Payne]

Caring though nothing it seems, it pulses through our being.

[Ryan Warner]

And behind that voice, such percussion. It's like someone's on the. The war path, right? Bonnie Payne, formerly of Elephant Revival. The track is unseen. So why don't we head from Nederland, where she's based, onto the plains into Longmont.

[Downey Chase]

Yeah.

[Alicia Sweeney]

Not too far of a drive, eh?

[Ryan Warner]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Alicia Sweeney]

This is Downey Chase, a solo artist who is further stepping into this solo project after just performing in bands for years. And since he's adopted this Downey Chase Moniker back in 20, he's been building momentum. Caught him at Foco MX last month, and he really takes his latest release on a tour, including a lot of stops in Colorado later this month. But he's currently in Europe. Oh, yeah. And his new release has three versions of the song I want to share with you. Now. It's called where will I Go? And I'm going to feature the dusk version, which he says shows a moodier side of the original.

[Wanda James]

So this is.

[Ryan Warner]

Is one of three versions of the same song on an album.

[Alicia Sweeney]

Yeah.

[Bonnie Payne]

Soulless. I found you on the sidewalk late night when mimes talk your eyes lit up you knew me My heart poured out like mo walked me to the river I felt it all. So where will that go now?

[Ryan Warner]

Downey Chase of Longmonts. What else is on your. Your list this month?

[Alicia Sweeney]

All right, I got Yugs.

[Ryan Warner]

That sounds painful. Okay.

[Alicia Sweeney]

He is a Chilean indie alternative Jewish artist and producer.

[Ryan Warner]

Whoa.

[Alicia Sweeney]

We contain multitudes here in Colorado.

[Wanda James]

Indeed we do.

[Ryan Warner]

Indeed we do. Yugs. All right.

[Alicia Sweeney]

And on his new release, he has asked some of his favorite musical friends to join him on collaborations. And the one I'm going to share with you is a cover, and it's a really timeless cover of a classic by Chilean rock band Los Tres. And so this song features fruto brutal. It's un amor violento.

[Ryan Warner]

Oh, it's so dreamy and that guitar work. Oh, my goodness.

[Benta Berkeland]

Right?

[Alicia Sweeney]

And it also makes me want to go check out the original version of that song to compare it because I love Fruit of Brutal and everything that Yuggs does. So excited to have him in the local 303 this month.

[Ryan Warner]

This next artist has an album title that caught my attention. Dead Miner's Daughter. Yeah, Tell us about the creator here, Jaguar Stevens.

[Benta Berkeland]

Yeah.

[Alicia Sweeney]

Jaguar Stevens is a local band that we first featured a couple years back during Pride Month. And this song on the new record, Persephone, has a lyric in it which also has that album title that caught your eye. It's a nod to Loretta Lynn's Coal Miner's Daughter. So Dead Miner's Daughter.

[Ryan Warner]

Oh, you just gave me goosebumps. Okay, okay, okay.

[Alicia Sweeney]

So the band says, regarding the nod to Coal Miner's Daughter, it's nothing like that song sonically or lyrically. Instead, it's just a nostalgic song about familial love amid poverty. It's about a force pulling you under while treading water. And again, a great name.

[Ryan Warner]

Climb the tower and come closer Silver flower. Feed your mind's eye Eat the moonlight Set the dance. The band is Jaguar Stevens and Alicia Sweeney of Indy 1023. Let's wrap up, as we always do, with the band that folks can catch in the flesh at your local 303 meetup tonight.

[Alicia Sweeney]

The band is called Pink Ranger. Ryan.

[Ryan Warner]

Pink Ranger.

[Alicia Sweeney]

What does that make you think of?

[Ryan Warner]

If Barbie were in Rocky Mountain National Park.

[Alicia Sweeney]

I love that you go there with it. Pink Ranger got their name from the old television show for kids, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

[Ryan Warner]

Okay.

[Alicia Sweeney]

Right. Pink Ranger is the coolest of the Rangers, and their debut album is gonna be out next month. It's fronted by Matty Kwan. And we are gonna hear them in just a moment. But I wanna say if you're a fan of Mitsuki or like Japanese breakfast, I think you're gonna really like this group. They are definitely recommended for lovers of those artists because of really, the emotional depth of Kwan's singing, her songwriting, and yes, they'll be playing our local 303 meetup tonight at Bar 404, 6:30-9, all ages. No ticket, no cover. Would love to see you there.

[Matty Kwan]

Can't I let you change my mind? Do I tell you I lied? Do I say you were right or can I be your favorite girl? Can't help if I'm lonely say your name too loud and I still bleed don't tell me I'm crazy be because I see your face in strangers I pass on the street. I just want to be your favorite. I just want to be your favorite. I just want to be your favorite

[Ryan Warner]

Militia. I just want to be your favorite.

[Alicia Sweeney]

That's what I was going to say to you. Right.

[Ryan Warner]

Well, maybe we're each other's favorite already.

[Alicia Sweeney]

100%.

[Ryan Warner]

All right, that's Pink Ranger, whom you can catch live this evening. Thanks so much, Alicia.

[Alicia Sweeney]

Thank you, Ryan.

[Ryan Warner]

Local music director, director for indy 1023, alicia sweeney joins us monthly to share new colorado music. Thanks for spending time with us today. And thanks to the colorado matters team, sandy betulga, tyler bender, carl bielek, anthony

[Wanda James]

cotton, pete kramer, andrea dukakis, zan huckpechone,

[Ryan Warner]

matt herz, tom hess, michael hughes, pedro

[Wanda James]

lumbragno, shane rumsey, haley sanchez, chandra thomas whitfield.

[Ryan Warner]

And I'm ryan warner at cpr news and krcc.