If there’s one thing we can agree on, it’s that the 2016 election was particularly bruising. In an attempt to bring a sense of togetherness to the Colorado state Legislature’s first session of 2017, which starts on January 11, we asked the three incumbents who lost their seats to offer some advice to their successors. Despite having every right to pray for schadenfreude, they magnanimously agreed. JoAnn Windholz (R), who lost her House seat to Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D): “Make sure your aide knows how to research topics and can write well.” Catherine “Kit” Roupe (R), who will be succeeded in the House by Tony Exum (D): “Rise above partisan politics and work for the people in your district and for Colorado.” Laura Woods (R), whose Senate spot will be taken over by Rachel Zenzinger (D): “Every new legislator comes in with great ideas they can’t wait to turn into a bill. But don’t marry that bill. Just date it.” Because, Woods explains, when your betrothed dies in committee, “you grieve it like you’ve lost a spouse.”