Though they control both the General Assembly and the governor's office, ruling Democrats are embracing some key Republican reforms as "reality sets in" on some of their own party's earlier proposals, Senate GOP leader Andy McElhany said today.

"We have some compelling ideas, and I think they have had to admit it," McElhany said.

Yet, he also said he was disappointed the Democrat majority has voted down some other policy initiatives championed by Republicans--despite a lack of viable alternatives being offered by the governor and his legislative allies on those issues.

McElhany, assessing his party's legislative record as the 2008 session neared the halfway mark, said he welcomed the degree to which Democrats are showing interest

in the GOP plan of action.

"It looks like they're warming to our ideas--at least, some of them," said the veteran Colorado Springs lawmaker.

"That's probably not so surprising when it comes to an area like K-12 education because the governor and a few legislative Democrats, including the Senate president, long have shared our own priorities in areas like higher standards and performance pay for teachers," McElhany said. "What seems more telling is that some of our proposals for transportation and health care are also moving forward."

Republican Senate Leader Andy McElhany of Colorado Springs was recognized by the Colorado Press Association for his support of open government, access to public records, and freedom of information.

At the 130th Annual CPA Convention last week, McElhany was presented with a commemorative plaque acknowledging his efforts to foster a transparent environment of trust and accessibility between the news media and Colorado government.  He was honored for his efforts including his longtime championing of the Colorado Open Records Act.

"It is of course gratifying to receive this award from an organization representing the same media that cover us elected officials on a day-to-day basis," McElhany said. "Yet, this isn't just about supporting media access to government records. What is really important is that all of the public, including every voter and taxpayer, has access to government and the records it keeps. Government's business is the public's business."