Taking issue: Love him or hate him, lobbyist Steve Durham is a pro-business force.

• Author: Diddlebock, Bob

STEVE DURHAM, WHO AS LEGISLATOR, LOBBYIST AND political strategist has logged more time than just about anyone in the Colorado statehouse, has also, at various times, been termed "cranky," "fiery," "fierce," "gritty," and "outspoken."

And that's by his friends.

Adversaries - most often liberals, Democrats, environmentalists, and especially those on the losing end of a Durham issue - describe him in much less flattering terms.

As one long-time statehouse observer says, "Steve Durham really is a fascinating guy. You love him or you hate him."

As for himself, Durham apologizes for nothing, and readies himself for the next round.

And the next round of Colorado's legislature, he said, will no doubt again deal with issues surrounding the state's incredible rate of growth.

Durham has long been fond of saying, "Growth has always been an issue, and nine out of 10 years, the issue is how to stimulate it. I have a feeling that growth may be an issue again."

As Colorado weathers its harshest economic climate in a decade and state legislators head into the 2002 session, Colorado business interests -- usually more focused on their own little patches of commerce -- say they're more concerned today with how economic issues impact the entire state.

But whether anything actually gets done about funding and managing some ambitious transportation initiatives, or tackling the always-rising cost of employee health insurance is another matter.

With 2002 an election year, legislators aren't expected to do anything to rile voters. And with Democrats controlling the state Senate and Republicans the House of Representatives, standoffs are sure to arise.

Then there's the estimated $400 million state-budget shortfall, a problem tied to a sluggish economy afflicted by bankruptcies, widespread layoffs, a downturn in consumer spending and uncertainty over the future.

"I think it will be a real challenge to pass any significant legislation this year that would be beneficial to business, as well as Colorado's residents," says Tim Jackson, the Colorado chapter director for the National Federation of Independent Business.

Business issues, however, won't go on hiatus.

For one, transportation and what to do about it, particularly in the increasingly congested Denver metro area, is at the top of just about everyone's list of short- and long-term concerns.

"You cannot have a healthy, vibrant, growing economy when people are stuck in traffic," says Durham, whose Colorado Winning...