IP-15-86 (December 1986)
Author: Independence Institute

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While few Coloradans liked every outcome in the 1986 elections, and fewer still liked the raucous tone of many campaigns, it could have been worse. There was at least one new voice on the state political scene this year doing its best to help frame the voters’ choice around issues — rather than around personalities, partisanship, and 30-second spots.

The newcomer was the Independence Institute, a Golden-based public policy center governed by a bipartisan board. In November 1985, Independence announced a project called “Election Watch ’86.” Institute publications, events, and broadcasts would seek to make public policy, not political theatrics, more central to the races for Governor, U.S. Senate, the General Assembly, and various ballot questions, the plan stated.

One year later, here is a summary of what Independence was able to do toward raising the level of the ’86 debate: