Guest Commentary: Both parties need to shape up or make way for Americans’ independent streak

We served our state as representatives in the Colorado legislature; one as a Democrat and the other as a Republican. We did our best to represent, not just the parties that nominated us, but our districts as a whole. Now, as moderates, we likely wouldn’t pass the partisan litmus tests necessary to win a nomination for statewide office in our respective parties.

Colorado has a long history of moderate and pragmatic political leadership. Consider such names as John Love, Bill Owens, Roy Romer, and Bill Ritter — leaders who were effective because they found ways to work across the aisle to get things done. Now, with parties pushing for more extreme agendas, the center-right and center-left coalition is at risk. If our system is to meet the voters where they are, a serious course correction is needed.

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