Democrats won a majority in the Senate a year ago, but Republicans still hold enough seats to thwart Democratic spending bills - including the $288 billion farm bill that is now mired in the partisan fighting over amendments. The massive legislation authorizes the federal government's programs for farmers and ranchers. Colorado Sens. Ken Salazar and Wayne Allard see the gridlock differently, with Salazar, a Democrat who serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee, blaming Republicans for wanting to derail the farm legislation with a long list of non-agriculture amendments.

To view the full article, visit the Pueblo Chieftain. For a copy of the original article contact the WIP at (970) 247-1302 or stop by the office at 841 East Second Avenue in Durango.