Trump critic to headline Democratic dinner

U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, the congressman leading a bevy of investigations into President Donald Trump’s administration, will headline the Colorado Democratic Party’s annual fundraising dinner, the party announced Monday.

Schiff, who represents California’s 28th Congressional District, including a portion of Los Angeles County, is chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. His position gives him subpoena power, which he has pledged to use to investigate the Trump administration. Among the issues Schiff is expected to investigate: Russian interference in the presidential election and Trump’s foreign financial interests.

“Democrats had a great night last November by taking back the House and winning state legislatures and governorships, and that wouldn’t have been possible without Colorado Democrats winning historic electoral victories across their state,” Schiff said in a statement. “Colorado will be absolutely critical in the Democratic Party’s mission to win back the White House and U.S. Senate, and I can’t wait to get out there and meet folks who are going to make sure Colorado goes blue again in 2020.”

Also speaking at the March 9 dinner is New Mexico Congresswoman Deb Haaland, one of the first Native American women elected to Congress.

Meanwhile, the state’s Republican Party is turning to anti-tax crusader Grover Norquist to rally its base this spring. Norquist is the founder of Americans for Tax Reform and famous for his no-tax pledge. The GOP’s fundraising dinner is March 29.

The fundraising dinners for both political parties will mark the end of their reorganization process and the selection of their party leaders. Former state Sen. Morgan Carroll is expected to stay on as the state Democratic chairwoman. Meanwhile, the state GOP will select a new leader after Jeff Hays announced he would not seek another term.