Bente Birkeland
Bente Birkeland has been reporting on state legislative issues for KUNC and Rocky Mountain Community Radio since 2006. Originally, from Minnesota, Bente likes to hike and ski in her spare time. She keeps track of state politics throughout the year but is especially busy during the annual legislative session from January through early May.
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The head of security for a voting equipment vendor speaks out from an undisclosed location where he's living after threats or harassment were directed to him and his family — even ex-girlfriends. -
Delaying session or meeting remotely aren't options that have necessarily appealed to Republican state lawmakers who, for the most part, aren't shy about gathering in large numbers in 2021. -
While former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper is still seen as having an edge in his state's Senate primary, recent and past comments about race have dampened enthusiasm for him among some voters. -
The coronavirus is forcing governors to ask how to balance public safety with the financial welfare of their states. We spent the day with Colorado Gov. Jared Polis as the pandemic tested his mettle. -
Bills to abolish the death penalty are being debated in state legislatures across the country. In Colorado, a couple of lawmakers have a very personal connection to this political lightning rod. -
The 67-year-old former geologist, beer brewer and mayor of Denver points to accomplishments such as Medicaid expansion and increased spending on infrastructure and public education. -
Monday, Nevada's Legislature becomes the first in U.S. history to have a majority of female lawmakers. In Colorado, also a first, women hold the majority in the House of Representatives. -
In Colorado, a group is exploiting voter dissatisfaction with the two major political parties in an effort to elect unaffiliated candidates.
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Nearly 70 percent of voters say Republicans and Democrats fail to adequately represent the American people. One group is trying to help elect more unaffiliated candidates. -
Boeing picked Chicago instead when it was looking for a new headquarters in 2001. This time around, Denver is pitching its quality of life to draw Amazon to build a new headquarters there.
