 And it's officially summer, and this weekend is expected to be a hot one across the state. Xcel Energy says they're sending out emails alerting customers about a likely increase in energy use. I'm Nathan Butler on the Rocky Mountain News Network. Meet Ron Hanks. He's the conservative candidate for Congress in Colorado who was just endorsed by the Colorado Republican Party. Here's Ron Hanks in his own words. I dare say I'm the most conservative in the race. I have a proven conservative record.