Gov. John Hickenlooper had two points he wanted to get across as he questioned New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland on her nomination for interior secretary Tuesday: protect public lands and keep the Bureau of Land Management headquarters in Colorado.
It was never likely to happen. Both senators support the congresswoman from New Mexico, who is a supporter of public lands positions favorable with fellow Democrats, particularly President Joe Biden.
On the other side, Republicans are happy to try to box in Bennet and Hickenlooper to decide between their party in Washington and the West Slope of Colorado.
When Hickenlooper questioned Haaland in a hearing Tuesday before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, he made it clear he wants both: protect public lands with outdoor recreation and the BLM headquarters in Colorado.