I have read several stories lately that imply that Marilyn Musgrave is moving towards the center because she is scared from the last election. Most of these stories have a headline that Musgrave is joining with Democrats. The underlying issue with these stories is the proposed expansion of the Army’s Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site in South Eastern Colorado. However, a careful look at the facts indicates that Marilyn is sticking to her conservative values and is leading the charge not joining the Democrats. The rights of private property owners and restrictive use of eminent domain have been a concern for conservatives for a long time. Limiting governmental control in the lives of private citizens is the core of conservative values. The Musgrave-Salazar amendment that passed the house on June 15, 2007 prevents the Army from using eminent domain. In my reading of the history of the amendment it was Musgrave’s amendment co-sponsored by John Salazar and subsequently by Democrat Reps. DeGette, Pelmutter and Udall. Maybe a better headline would be liberals join Musgrave in stopping Pinion Canyon expansion. The difference between the two groups is the reason why they oppose the expansion. Musgrave sticks to her conservative values and supports private landowners. The Democrats stick to their values and oppose it because of environmental concerns and because it is the military that wants to expand (no indication if someone wanted to seize the land to make a wildlife refuge if they would still be against it). Marilyn Musgrave’s two Democrat challengers for 2008 have both staked out anti-military positions. Betsy Markey is quoted to say “We need to get out of Iraq. And if we get out of Iraq we don’t need to expand Pinon Canyon. Meanwhile, Angie Paccione says “we need to put a stop to the entire military-industrial complex expansion.” Republicans and Democrats can work together on this issue for different reasons. It does not mean that Marilyn Musgrave is moving to the center because she is scared of losing an election. Which would you rather have, a representative that looks out for the individuals in the state or someone who is against the military no matter what?