Jonathan K. Finer

We are so saddened by the passing of @lynn_bartels. She was the Grand Dame of Colorado politics and political reporting. I know she is already taking on the powers that be, finally at peace. I remember the first time I met Lynn. It was during an arrest in Boulder on the Pearl Street Mall. Well that may be an exaggeration; it might not have been the first time we met, but I do know my first interview with her was a result of that arrest (and to be clear, it wasn’t me getting arrested). I’ll never forget my “coaching” from Dick Wadhams going into that interview!  Our bus tour together on the Allard campaign will forever be ingrained in my memory. Almost as good as the Wheat Tour we did with Sen. Bennet. And Lynn’s favorite picture of him in a field of sunflowers!  Lynn’s Rocky Mountain News Roll Call during my years at the state legislature was a must read. And Lynn was there every bit of the way - knowing where the ball was bouncing before any of us had even figured out there was a ball at all.  Our oldest daughter, Alyson, grew up with her in politics. Lynn was a timeless part of her life and her time sharing her Dad in public service would not have been the same without Lynn.  Her work defined Colorado politics, its leadership, and the intrigue of power. She did so with integrity and truth, without regard to “sides.”   She taught me how to work with the press, to help understand its role and she did so with gruff humor, discernment and wisdom.  She will always own the masthead of Colorado politics. And our state will forever be indebted to her for the work she did….and the work to come holding the pen in a better place. I will always subscribe to the Lynn Bartels fan club!