Colorado Democrats and Jefferson County Democrats Issue Joint Statement on Shooting at Evergreen High School

DENVER – Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib and Jefferson County Democratic Party Chair Kathryn Wallace issued the following statement on the shooting at Evergreen High School:

“We are heartbroken by today’s shooting at Evergreen High School. Our hearts are with the wounded students who remain in critical condition, and we are hoping for their full recovery. We commend the swift response of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and first responders.

No child should ever face this kind of terror in their classroom, and no family should have to endure this fear. Yet our kids are bearing the brunt of America’s gun violence crisis.

Colorado knows this pain far too well. From Columbine to STEM School Highlands Ranch, to Arapahoe High School, to today, our state has faced tragedy after tragedy in our schools. Each one is a painful reminder that we cannot accept a world where students, educators, and families carry this burden.

Our hearts are with the Evergreen community, and we stand ready to support students, families and educators as they begin to heal. Today and every day, we remain committed to building a safer Colorado for all.”

###

Barbara Kirkmeyer’s Billionaire-First Agenda Puts Donors Before Coloradans

State Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer is expected to announce her candidacy for governor today while touting her record, which is littered with decades of corruption, extremism, and putting special interests over working families. Colorado Republicans expect candidates who can bring their Party together, and unfortunately Kirkmeyer is sure to inflame an already divided Party plagued with infighting.

In response to her candidacy announcement, Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib issued the following statement.

“Coloradans are tired of politicians who sell them out to donors, and Senator Kirkmeyer is one of the worst offenders in the state legislature. From defending Trump’s giveaways to giant corporations and the wealthy, to her attempts to plunge the state into a deficit, Kirkmeyer is more of the same that Coloradans have come to expect of an out-of-touch Republican Party eager to please its donors and online trolls before voters,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib

“While pretending to be a self-proclaimed budget hawk, Barbara Kirkmeyer defended Colorado Republicans in Congress when they blew a $1.2 billion hole in our state budget, cutting people’s health care and food assistance for kids while jacking up the cost of things like groceries, gas, and your health insurance.”

Here are some things you didn’t know about Barbara Kirkmeyer

1. She’s running to represent a state she wanted to secede from.

She’s expected to announce her candidacy at the Historic Fort Lupton, the same location where a watch party for Weld County’s secession referendum was hosted, a measure she supported. The measure asked voters if Weld County should leave Colorado and form its own state. Kirkmeyer said she had “no regrets” about trying to break Weld County away from Colorado.

2. She’s against reproductive freedom.

Kirkmeyer signed personhood petitions, compared abortion to prostitution and rape, and even voted to ban Plan B from Weld County health clinics. In her own words: “I don’t agree to any exceptions to abortion.”

3. She tried to hide her abortion record.

During her 2022 congressional campaign, Kirkmeyer scrubbed her website (original here) of references to her opposition to abortion rights after securing the GOP nomination, proving she knows her stance is toxic to Colorado voters.

4. She defended Trump and Colorado Congressional Republicans’ Medicaid and food stamp cuts, and a $1.2 billion budget hole.

Kirkmeyer was the lead Republican voice who spread lies and misinformation about the federal budget that Colorado Republicans in Congress approved and President Trump signed. That bill blew an immediate $1.2 billion hole in Colorado’s state budget, cut funding for Medicaid and food stamps, put at least six rural hospitals (all in Rep. Jeff Hurd’s district) at risk of closing, and more.

5. She’s anti-family and anti-worker.

In her time in the Colorado General Assembly, she opposed family leave, maternal health coverage, child tax credits, lowering property taxes and wage protections for agricultural workers.

6. She personally profited from oil and gas.

In 2013, Kirkmeyer and her siblings sold 110 acres to Anadarko Petroleum for $950,000 while she was a Weld County Commissioner approving sweetheart deals for the same industry. Anadarko’s PAC was also one of her top donors.

7. She sided with polluters over kids.

When high benzene levels were detected near Bella Romero Elementary School, Kirkmeyer accused the health department of “fear mongering” instead of protecting children.

8. She stripped retiree health benefits.

In 2009, she voted to terminate Weld County’s Retirement Health Savings Plan, cutting off benefits for about 300 retired employees during the Great Recession.

9. She tried to block gun safety reforms.

When the Colorado General Assembly passed a law to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and those with severe mental illness, Kirkmeyer voted to declare Weld County a “Second Amendment Sanctuary” and opposed background checks, ammo limits, and training requirements. She dismissed Colorado’s post-Aurora reforms as useless.

10. She fearmongered about solar panels.

Kirkmeyer claimed solar facilities could become “superfund sites,” while never raising similar alarms about oil and gas, the industry that funded her campaigns.

11. She tried to silence Weld County’s watchdogs.

Kirkmeyer voted to eliminate the Weld County Council, the independent body that reviewed commissioner conflicts of interest and kept commissioners honest.

The Bottom Line

Barbara Kirkmeyer hasn’t changed. She’s the same extreme, donor-driven politician she’s always been. Now, she’s trying to hide her record from voters. Colorado hasn’t elected a Republican governor in over two decades for a reason: extremist candidates like Barbara Kirkmeyer are out of step with Colorado values.

Colorado Democrats Launch Emergency ‘Big Bill Fallout’ Town Halls To Hold Republicans Accountable for $1.2 Billion Budget Shortfall

DENVER — The Colorado Democratic Party today announced a series of emergency town halls across the state to ensure Coloradans know exactly who is responsible for the state’s $1.2 billion budget shortfall: Colorado’s Republican Congressional Delegation.

“While Colorado Democrats are doing the hard work to balance the budget and protect essential services, Republicans in Congress created this crisis and walked away from their responsibility,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “We’re not going to let them rewrite history after betraying Coloradans across the state. We’re going directly to voters in their communities to make sure they know the truth and to hear how these reckless cuts will impact their lives.”

The Big Bill Fallout Tour will stop in communities across the state to connect the dots between Washington Republicans’ votes and the real-world consequences for Colorado families, from rural hospitals and agricultural programs to food assistance, school funding, and public safety.

"Colorado Democrats are a model for the country–building power, winning elections, and turning those elections into making a real impact on the lives of all Coloradans," said DNC Chair Ken Martin. "Unfortunately, Colorado Republicans, like Reps. Gabe Evans, Lauren Boebert, Jeff Hurd, and Jeff Crank have caused a massive budget shortfall by voting for Trump's Bill that cuts health care and food from Coloradans that need it the most. These reckless cuts will impact lives and the DNC wholeheartedly supports the Colorado Democratic Party holding these Colorado Republicans accountable for them."

The town halls will feature State Party leaders, local Democratic lawmakers, candidates, community leaders, and impacted Coloradans, sharing stories and answering questions about what these cuts mean and how Democrats are working to protect essential services.

Town Hall Dates & Locations:

• August 14 - Gypsum

• August 16 - Durango

• August 18 - Lone Tree

• August 18 - Northglenn

• August 18 - Colorado Springs

• August 20 - Erie

• August 27 - Denver

• August 27 - Jefferson County

• August 27 - Centennial

• September 2 - Boulder County

• September 6 - Pueblo

Background:

Earlier this year, Colorado’s Republican Congressional Delegation voted for extreme budget measures that gutted critical funding for the state, forcing $1.2 billion in cuts to services Coloradans depend on. These cuts hit hardest in rural communities, threatening local hospitals, infrastructure projects, agricultural programs, and support for working families—all while throwing Colorado’s budget, balanced by Democrats, into chaos.

Colorado Democrats are committed to telling the truth, protecting essential services, and holding those responsible accountable, no matter where they try to hide.

Here’s how Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill will affect Colorado, according to both Legislative Council economists and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting:

H.R.1 Devastates Colorado’s State Budget

Legislative Council economists and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) estimate a $1.2 billion revenue reduction in FY26 and $679 million in FY27 and beyond. The state will be $783 million below the TABOR cap in FY26, meaning no TABOR refunds and no surplus to fund the Senior Homestead Exemption in FY27, increasing General Fund pressure.

Federal Budget Bill Cuts Medicaid, Raises Premiums

With Congressional Republicans refusing to extend enhanced premium tax credits, private insurance premiums will rise an average of 28%-38% in some areas. Colorado’s reinsurance program will be reduced, and over 112,000 Coloradans could lose coverage. Up to 193,000 could lose Medicaid coverage, eventually putting 377,000 at risk. The bill slashes funding for Medicaid, Medicaid Expansion, disability programs, and CHP+, costing the state $2.5 billion by 2032.

EITC and FATC Suspended for Two Years

Reduced revenue will suspend the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) expansion and Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC), increasing taxes for working families. A family of four earning $50,000 would lose about $4,870 in credits.

SNAP Cuts Hit 600,000 Coloradans

Colorado expects $170 million in SNAP cuts, affecting over 600,000 residents. Many will lose assistance or face new work requirements.

Clean Energy Rollbacks Increase Costs and Job Losses

H.R.1 cuts or eliminates clean energy and EV tax credits, costing 1,950 jobs and $190 million in household income. Residential gas prices could rise 3.4% by 2029, electricity up to 10% by 2035, adding $500 annually to household energy bills.

###

RELEASE: Colorado Republicans in Congress Force $1 Billion Budget Hole, Triggering Special Session at State Capitol

The Colorado General Assembly will convene a special session this month to address a devastating $1 billion budget shortfall, a crisis directly triggered by Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” and rubber-stamped by Colorado’s entire Republican Congressional delegation.

This reckless, “vote first, understand dire consequences later” federal budget slashed funding for essential services across Colorado, gutting Medicaid, stripping away food assistance, and yanking resources from rural hospitals. Now, state lawmakers, led by Democrats, have to clean up the mess that Gabe Evans, Lauren Boebert, Jeff Hurd and Jeff Crank made for Colorado families.

"Colorado Republicans in Congress are solely responsible for this budget crisis that Democrats, yet again, have to clean up,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib.

“Republicans broke their promise to their constituents by voting to kick over 200,000 Coloradans off their health care and jack up the cost of everything to pay for billionaire handouts. People like Gabe Evans and Lauren Boebert blew a $1 billion hole in Colorado’s budget and left states to deal with the consequences. Thanks to them, Colorado billionaires won’t go hungry or lose health care, but Colorado families will. This is political sabotage at the expense of working class people.”

According to the Office of State Planning and Budgeting, this $1.2 billion budget hole means:

• No TABOR Refunds

• No tax credits for working families

• Cuts to health care, food assistance and other core services

Democrats passed a balanced budget last session despite tough conditions and against all odds, but Trump’s bill threw a grenade into Colorado’s finances. And every Republican member of Colorado’s Congressional delegation stood and cheered.

The special session will begin August 21. Democratic lawmakers are preparing proposals to protect working families, preserve key services, and limit the harm caused by the MAGA budget cuts.

Meanwhile, Colorado Republicans continue to offer no solutions, only excuses.

RELEASE: Colorado Democrats, Colorado House Speaker Julie McCluskie, Statewide Organizers Unveil “A Stronger Colorado,” Embracing Digital, Relational Organizing and Revitalized Communications

DENVER – The Colorado Democratic Party officially launched its new campaign, A Stronger Colorado, today, a bold effort to rebuild and redesign how the Party engages voters, develops messaging, and organizes statewide year-round ahead of a critical 2026 midterm election. The campaign kicked off with the launch of A Stronger Colorado, a cutting-edge political organizing program built with Reach aimed at empowering Coloradans to lead political conversations in their own networks.

A Stronger Colorado is the first statewide program of its kind in the country, merging digital innovation and traditional organizing with a renewed focus on messaging clarity and Party-building from the ground up.

It will address the Party’s messaging and communications challenges with a fresh approach to building a clear and concise platform and modernize its organizing for the first time since 2008 with a first-of-its-kind digital infrastructure built around relational organizing.

Colorado House Speaker Julie McCluskie joined CDP Chair Shad Murib, party leaders, and volunteers for the virtual launch, praising the initiative as “exactly the kind of forward-thinking organizing we need to meet this moment.”

“Democrats in the Colorado General Assembly have made real progress in our great state by listening to our communities and delivering on what matters most: affordable housing, better schools, and a stronger economy," said Julie McCluskie, Colorado House Speaker.

"A Stronger Colorado builds on our work by giving people the tools to organize year-round, speak with clarity about our values, and lead from every corner of the state. This is how we grow our movement and keep delivering for working families."

Chair Murib lauded it as a movement that meets the moment that Americans are demanding of Democrats, a Party at a crossroads.

 “The Colorado Democratic Party is again taking a leadership role in innovating both our message and our ground game – we take our recent success as a challenge and are ready to meet the moment and invest in the next generation of leaders,” said Shad Murib, Colorado Democratic Party Chair.

“This program flips traditional organizing on its head. Now, instead of asking people to come to us, we’re showing up in their group chats, dive bars, yoga studios, and pickup basketball games to shrink the distance between our Party and our voters in ways only technology allows. This campaign empowers everyone who wants to get involved to do so right away, and helps them meet their neighbors where they are and, more importantly, where they scroll with messaging that works.”

The program equips volunteers with tools, training, and a digital content library to reach their own friends, families, coworkers, and communities — creating a year-round relational organizing structure across the state.

The program will rebuild the Party’s organizing base by recruiting and training thousands of new Precinct Organizers throughout Colorado. We will equip our organizers with cutting edge technology new tactics that makes the world their personal field office.

This builds on the success of the Party’s Colorado County Comeback initiative, which proved that county parties and local organizers best know how to win elections in their own backyards if they have the resources to compete.

Speaker McCluskie and Chair Murib were joined by:

• Justin Wills, AFSCME Legislative and Political Advocate

• Teal Lehto, La Plata County Democratic Party Chair

• Alex Sellers, Eagle County Democrats First Vice Chair and Eagle County Young Dems Co-Chair

• Nina Waters, Summit County Commissioner 

All of them spoke to the need and urgency of the Colorado Democratic Party’s efforts to modernize the way it reaches its most dedicated volunteers and recruits new people across the state from all walks of life, building a party that continues to listen, evolve and out-organize Republicans.

“We organize workers every day, and the key to every successful campaign, whether in a union hall or on the ballot, is trust,”  said Justin Wills, AFSCME Legislative and Political Advocate. 

“A Stronger Colorado puts time-tested organizing tools in the hands of everyday people and raises working folks into the decision-making process. This isn’t just about winning elections, it’s about giving communities the power to shape the solutions they’ve always known we need, and the platform to act on them year-round.”

“In rural counties like mine, we don’t have full-time staff or big budgets, but we have strong community ties. A Stronger Colorado gives us the tools to turn those connections into real political power, and it finally puts rural voices at the center of the organizing strategy," said Teal Lehto, La Plata County Democratic Party Chair.

"It’s also giving us the digital skills and confidence to lead, connect, and organize better than ever before.”

“Here in the mountains of the Western Slope, we’re always looking to turn over new stones and find better ways to organize,” said Alex Sellers, Eagle County Young Democrats Co-Chair.

“The Eagle County Young Democrats have a strong, committed core, and we’re beyond excited to start using Reach to help bridge the gap between passion and action. We’re confident this tool will make it easier than ever for young people to plug in, volunteer, and move our work forward.

“In local government, trust is everything. You earn it by showing up, listening to residents, solving problems, and being accessible," said Nina Waters, Summit County Commissioner.

"A Stronger Colorado brings that same approach to reinvigorating our Party: no gatekeepers, just real people leading with values, organizing with new tools, and uniting communities across every part of the state—rural or urban. This is how we build a party that can reflect and serve its people.”

Watch and download a recording of the press conference, both video and audio, here.

RELEASE: While Donald Trump Visits Aurora to Spew Hateful Rhetoric and Conspiracy Theories, Coloradans Prepare to Vote

Colorado is ready to reject Donald Trump’s Project 2025 agenda

DENVER - Today, October 11th, Colorado election officials will begin to mail ballots to all registered voters. Also today is Donald Trump’s visit to Aurora, where he is sure to spread election conspiracy theories and racist rhetoric. 

When Donald Trump spreads conspiracy theories about immigrants or our election system, it makes life harder and less safe for everyone, and for election officials to conduct safe, accessible elections. 

His strategy is to use others to score political points, not support our democracy or make us safer. 

“It’s ironic that Trump’s visit to Colorado, where he is sure to spread ridiculous conspiracy theories about immigrants and our elections, happens to be on the same day that ballots are being mailed to voters,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “Colorado enjoys safe elections that result in Republican and Democratic victories – these are elections voters of all parties and beliefs can trust. And, you can trust that Coloradans will, for the third time, reject Donald Trump and help elect Kamala Harris as president of the United States”

While we wish he wasn’t coming, his visit is an opportunity to remind voters how to participate in Colorado’s safe gold-standard election system. Here are some resources regarding Colorado elections to consider including in stories about Trump’s visit:

HOW TO REGISTER TO VOTE:

To register to vote or check your registration, visit www.govotecolorado.gov. You may register and cast a ballot in person up to 7pm on Election Day Nov. 5th at a Voter Service and Polling Center (VSPC) in your neighborhood. 

HOW TO CAST YOUR BALLOT:

In Colorado there are three ways to cast your ballot:

(1) Bring your mailed ballot to a drop box in your neighborhood, which will open by Oct. 21st. To find your nearest drop box or VSPC visit govotecolorado.gov or Iwillvote.com. 

(2) Vote by mailing your ballot into the clerk's office with appropriate postage. The last day to mail in your ballot is Oct. 28th. After Oct. 28th, please bring your ballot to a drop box or vote in person. 

(3) Vote in person at a Voter Service and Polling Center (VSPC), which are open from Oct. 21st through Nov. 5th at 7pm (note: they are not open on the first Saturday or either Sunday before Election Day Nov. 5). Don’t forget to bring ID: www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/vote/acceptableFormsOfID.html.

HOW TO TRACK YOUR BALLOT:

Track your ballot to see when it is counted using BallotTrax (https://ballottrax.coloradosos.gov/voter/). 

Please note that you cannot vote by text, some Colorado residents are receiving texts with misinformation about being able to vote by text, do not believe information from unreliable sources.  

QUESTIONS?

For questions about registering to vote and how to vote, or to report voter intimidation, electioneering, long lines at polling centers, and other issues, please contact the Voter Protection Hotline (720-600-7761) or Email (VotingIssues@ColoradoDems.org)!

Colorado Democrats Take Positions on 2024 Ballot Measures

DENVER - Today the Colorado Democratic Party took the following positions on 2024 ballot initiatives:

Amendment 79 – Constitutional Right to Abortion : SUPPORT (Endorsed on February 13, 2024) 

Proposition 127 – Prohibit Trophy Hunting of Mountain Lions, Lynx, and Bobcats : NO POSITION

Proposition 128 – Parole Eligibility for Crimes of Violence : OPPOSE

Proposition 129 – Establishing Veterinary Professional Associates : NO POSITION

Proposition 130 – Funding for Law Enforcement : NO POSITION

Proposition 131 – Establishing All-Candidate Primary and Ranked Choice Voting General Elections : OPPOSE

Amendment 80 – School Choice in K-12 Education : OPPOSE

Amendment G – Modify Property Tax Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities : SUPPORT

Amendment H – Judicial Discipline Procedures and Confidentiality : SUPPORT

Amendment I – Constitutional Bail Exception for First Degree Murder : SUPPORT

Amendment J –  Repealing the Definition of Marriage in the Constitution: SUPPORT

Amendment K – Modify Constitutional Election Deadlines : SUPPORT

Proposition JJ – Retain Additional Sports Betting Tax Revenue : SUPPORT

Proposition KK – Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax : SUPPORT

 “These positions reflect our values, from ensuring that the ultra-wealthy don’t undermine our democracy, to protecting the right to an abortion, to finally enshrining the right to marriage for all Coloradans,” said Shad Murib, Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party. “Colorado Democrats are charting a path forward in our pursuit of freedom for all, and we invite folks of all backgrounds and zip codes to join us as we work to build an even better state to call home.”

RELEASE: CDP Statement on the Racist Street Signs Placed in Denver

DENVER-- Today, Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib released the following statement regarding the racist street signs placed in Denver:

“Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans have long emboldened white supremacists across the country, and now we’re seeing them bring their hate and division to Colorado. We condemn these far-right actors trying to drive our communities apart and we are proud to stand behind Vice President Harris and Governor Walz – two leaders focused on bringing us together, not further dividing us. Coloradans will reject the violent and hateful MAGA rhetoric this fall."

National and Statewide Leaders to Energize Colorado Delegation at Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago During DNC

Monday, August 19th through Thursday, August 22nd at 8:00 AM CT

Colorado’s 87-member delegation and guests will gather for daily breakfasts at the Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago to hear from Democratic leaders ahead of daytime events throughout the Democratic National Convention. 

Each morning will feature a distinctive lineup of Colorado elected officials and national leaders, including representatives from the Democratic National Committee, the Harris-Walz campaign, and coalition leaders who will speak to the priorities of the Democratic Party and mobilize the delegation as it prepares to ceremonially nominate Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz.

WHAT: Democratic Party leaders speaking at Colorado Presidential Delegation breakfasts

WHEN: Monday, August 19th through Thursday, August 22nd at 8:00 AM CT

WHO: National and statewide leaders, elected officials, special guests

WHERE: RSVP HERE

Vacancy Committee selected Jillaire McMillan as new House District 19 Candidate

Congratulations to Jillaire McMillan on being selected by the members of the House District 19 Vacancy committee to fill the vacancy in nomination created by Representative Jennifer Parenti’s decision to end her campaign for reelection.

The results were 16 votes for Jillaire McMillan and 14 votes for Richard Garcia on the second round of balloting.

“I’m a first-time candidate who’s been considering public office for a long time. While I believe my combination of public service, community relationships, and nonpartisan advocacy have uniquely prepared me to be the candidate and legislator HD19 needs, I don’t think anything can really prepare you for the experience of being a candidate. This condensed process packed so much work and emotion into a short time. I want to thank my kids for telling me to “Go for it!” and my husband for being supportive every time I’ve come home and told him what I just volunteered to do,” Said Jillaire McMillan, House District 19 Candidate. 

“I want to thank the party for this opportunity and the committee members for their dedication to choosing the best candidate for HD19. Special thanks to HD19 chair Jeff Barton for coordinating this unexpected vacancy-in-nomination committee–something he did not expect to be doing during his summer vacation.

Thank you for your votes and for your trust that I will be the hard-working candidate to keep HD19 blue. I promise to be a thoughtful, innovative, and solutions-based legislator for EVERYONE in HD19.

“I want to congratulate Jillaire McMillan and I also want to thank Richard Garcia, Anil Pesaramelli, and Jim Reed for running to fill this vacancy. I look forward to supporting Jillaire’s race to win HD19,” said Shad Murib, Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party. “While we have a strong belief that our nominees are best chosen by the voters at the ballot box, we are committed to transparency and access to the public and media in selecting a new Democratic nominee for this important race.

Colorado Democrats Congratulate Vice President Kamala Harris for Becoming the Presumptive Democratic Nominee for President of the United States of America

DENVER – Today, Vice President Kamala Harris received the support of the majority of Democratic delegates, making her the presumptive Democratic nominee for President of the United States.

“We are especially proud to be Democrats today. Colorado delegates are thrilled to join their colleagues across the country in nominating Vice President Kamala Harris as our nominee for president, a candidate perfectly suited to prosecute the case against Donald Trump and his dangerous Project 2025 agenda,” said Shad Murib, Colorado Democratic Party Chair. 

“Under the Biden-Harris administration, Colorado has seen hundreds of thousands of jobs created, billions of dollars in funding for infrastructure and renewable energy projects, lower health care costs for nearly one million seniors and Medicare recipients, Space Command kept in Colorado Springs, and Camp Hale designated as a National Monument. This is a record of accomplishment, and we know that Colorado has a friend in Kamala Harris — we’re going to do everything we can to elect her this fall.

A second Donald Trump presidency promises the Project 2025 agenda of more giveaways to the wealthy, a nationwide abortion ban, diminished public lands, and the shuttering of the Department of Education. As the Vice President has said, these are the dangers of another Trump presidency and we are not going back.”