Two Republican candidates for governor outlined vastly different visions for Colorado, with one touting bipartisanship and the other pledging to be "uncompromising."

State of play: The remarks from state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer and state Rep. Scott Bottoms came during yesterday's first televised debate.

• Much of the attention focused on Bottoms, a far-right pastor who repeated debunked claims about election security, pedophilia, the state budget and Venezuelan gangs.
• Bottoms pledged to "DOGE" the state government and cut up to $10 billion, much in alleged fraud and corruption, a figure he couldn't substantiate.
• He also endorsed the deployment of the Colorado National Guard and federal troops to crack down on illegal immigration.

What he's saying: "I do not shy away from the social issues. I don't shy away from the scary kind of issues. And I believe that's leadership," Bottoms said during the debate, hosted by Denver 7, Colorado Public Radio and the Denver Post.

The other side: Kirkmeyer focused on her legislative record as a state budget writer, a role she said allowed her to prioritize education spending and preserve safety-net programs for Colorado's most vulnerable populations despite making cuts to resolve a $1.5 billion budget shortfall.

• Kirkmeyer pledged to increase spending on roads, reduce regulations that burden businesses and work more closely with law enforcement.

What she's saying: "I'm the better candidate because I have the most experience and I'm qualified," she said.

The third candidate

Before a single vote this legislative session, Gov. Jared Polis used his State of the State speech to draw a red line: Focus on issues where we agree, or face a veto.

Why it matters: Now that lawmakers have gone home, Polis steps into the spotlight as he considers dozens of bills delivered to his desk.

State of play: Despite his lame-duck status, the governor emerged as a force this legislative session, taking a more hands-on approach in shaping legislation than in previous years, some lawmakers say.

Case in point: Polis is expected to veto — for the second consecutive year — a bill to make it easier for Colorado workers to unionize, a move the business community vehemently opposes.

• The governor cast side-eye at a lobbying disclosure for state employees that he considered too onerous.
• He's also skeptical of another Democratic bill — also passed last year — that would prohibit companies from using algorithms to set individualized prices, arguing it interferes with "free functioning of markets."

The intrigue: Even in a Democratic-controlled Capitol, some lawmakers say proposals died early because sponsors knew Polis wouldn't sign them, including tougher regulations on the sale of gun barrels.

• The governor also pledged to veto a pair of measures creating tax breaks for low-income families because they didn't include the income tax cuts he demanded in his opening speech, effectively killing the legislation.

What he's saying: "When we were supportive of bills, legislators appreciated us being active, and when we weren't, they didn't. And that's just how it works," Polis told Axios Denver at a briefing Thursday at the state Capitol.

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The Denver Broncos announced they'll open their season with a marquee Monday Night Football showdown against division rivals the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in September.

State of play: Quarterback Bo Nix looks to lead the reigning AFC West champs on another deep playoff run after an injury sidelined him for last season's AFC title game in Denver.

We picked five must-see games this coming season.

• At Kansas City Chiefs (Sept. 14). Denver faces Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes — assuming he's back from injury — in a pivotal primetime matchup to start the season.
• At Pittsburgh Steelers (Nov. 27). A Black Friday face-off against an AFC powerhouse.
• Seattle Seahawks (Oct. 15). Denver can make a big statement by taking down the defending Super Bowl champions at home.
• Buffalo Bills (Dec. 25). Bills quarterback Josh Allen is back in Denver on Christmas Day for a rematch of last season's AFC divisional-round playoff game.
• At New England Patriots (Jan. 2 or Jan. 3). A chance at redemption for the Broncos after the Patriots sent Denver packing last season.

Send to a fan

🎬 Alamo Drafthouse will name its Littleton location after actress Pam Grier — who graduated from East High School before attending Metropolitan State University — during a dedication ceremony today. (Westword)

🤖 Gov. Polis signed a landmark bill regulating AI in Colorado, a measure that replaces the state's current, more stringent rules, John reports.

🎸 The Underground Music Showcase dropped its lineup yesterday as it prepares for its debut in Denver's RiNo Art District in July. Headliners include 54 Ultra, Slenderbodies and Goldie Boutilier. (CPR)

A wall-sized map of Colorado Boulevard turned into a public venting session Wednesday evening.

Zoom in: Residents dotted the map with comments on colorful sticky notes — including multiple "NO!!" — during an open house hosted by the state transportation department about its proposed bus rapid transit line (BRT).

• Hundreds gathered to fill out surveys and corner transportation officials to weigh in on the controversial project.

Why it matters: That collective opinion will help determine how CDOT remakes the corridor, where advocates say dedicated bus lanes could improve safety.

State of play: CDOT is considering three options for the 7-mile route stretching from 40th Avenue to Hampden Avenue, but only two provide dedicated bus lanes.

• Bus-only lanes down the middle.
• Bus-only lanes along the sides.
• A "mixed-use" option with no dedicated bus lanes.

What they're saying: "We're eliminating two lanes to take people nowhere," resident Donna Sims tells Axios, noting she opposes the project.

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