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Top five people in 2008
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Hick with a picture of ... Hizzoner. (Courtesy of Rich Grant)
This year saw plenty of people-powered oomph in Colorado. And the person who rocked the Rocky Mountains most was Barack Obama, especially when word leaked that he would accept his nomination outdoors at the Democratic National Convention. But the president-elect is already a global superstar, and while Denver will always be linked with his triumph, he’s too obvious.
1. Mayor John Hickenlooper. No wonder he’s an odds-on fave to replace Sen. Ken Salazar as senator. Simply put, the DNC was a major triumph for the city, and showcased Denver at its best. Maybe that’s why – when Obama came back for the 100,000 person Civic Center rally, there’s footage of Salazar laying a wet one on Hick. Not bad for a self-described skinny geek with a funny last name.
2. Chauncey Billups. The hometown hero came home, and revitalized a rudderless Nuggets team. His steady play is exactly what the talented but leaderless team needed. Further, when he appeared at the Hiawatha Davis Rec Center, celebrating Christmas for the needy, it was clear this was no act. Chauncey loves Denver. Guess what? Denver loves the George Washington High-CU star too. Bald is beautiful.
3. Betsy Markey. The antidote to incumbent Marilyn Musgrave. After the barrage of mud slung in the Fourth Congressional District, the Fort Collins Democrat stood tall-ish. And she even thanked people, saying "It’s been a long campaign, and I deeply appreciate all your support. I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve you, the people of the Fourth Congressional District in Congress." This was another difference between her and her defeated incumbent: graciousness.
4. Rene Marie. Sure she flummoxed Hick (see above) with her unannounced change of lyrics to the National Anthem at Hick's State of the City last July. But the local jazz singer had her reasons, as she explained to the Examiner. Hey, if you can’t shake up the establishment once in awhile, what good is art?
5. Pumpkin Launchers of all kinds. The few, the proud, the orange-orb flinging. In a year when there was plenty to grumble about, what better use of a few gourds is there than making instant pumpkin pie at the annual Aurora Jack-O-Launch? Congrats to all who were out to launch in 2008.
Feel free to nominate your own Tops in High Town.
More About:
Mayor Hick ·
Invesco Field at Mile High ·
Sen. Barack Obama ·
Mayor John Hickenlooper ·
pumpkins ·
Jack-O-Launch
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