The New Democrat Caucus (NDC) is a group of Colorado state legislators developing a new public policy agenda that moves beyond traditional conservatism and liberalism. NDC’s mission is to solve problems and help Coloradans improve their own lives. The aim of the Caucus is to forge a coalition of the center that advocates creative and pragmatic ideas. The Caucus embraces a new “Third Way” in politics that emphasizes opportunity, responsibility and community, rooted in mainstream values.
Formed in the summer of 1998, the NDC first conducted a statewide poll on the public policy views of rank-and-file Democrats and other voters. The major conclusion of the survey was that Colorado Democrats can clearly build a majority coalition around a new “Third Way” while maintaining their traditional progressive principles - if they demonstrate credibility on “tough governing” issues like sound economics, fiscal accountability, being tough on crime, personal responsibility and other mainstream values.
The NDC has also participated in a two-day message sessions, as part of a series being conducted around the country by the national DLC. The workshop helps New Democrats identify and articulate the key values that underlie our political philosophy, apply that philosophy to state and local public policy problems and effectively develop and deliver messages about those policies.
Legislative Agenda
The NDC develops and promotes an aggressive agenda each legislative session based on the principles and values expressed in the New Democrat Declaration. The NDC's Public Policy Agenda includes initiatives rooted in expanding opportunity, demanding personal responsibility and promoting community.