Above you see a picture of Colorado-politico Jared Polis in Iraq last year. The never-ending war has become a cornerstone in Polis' Congressional campaign, perhaps because of his parents' past opposition to the Vietnam War, a vicarious history Polis cites as one the main components of his political activism.

Of course, the war hardly counts as Polis' only political interest. The 32-year old, who made a fortune riding the world wide web, has long been active in his state's educational evolution, both in elected office on the Board of Education and through his own eponymous foundation. The Colorado native also toots his environmentalist horn.

In fact, the issue is number one on his website:

Preserving our natural resources for future generations is a critical priority. As a matter of personal and collective integrity, we need to stand up for the environment by initiating and supporting policies that emphasize sustainability through innovation and collaboration.

That said, it comes as no surprise that a report on Polis' previous oil and mining investments caused a bit of stir yesterday.

Polis addressed that report in this exclusive interview with our editor, Andrew Belonsky. The boys talked more than just investments, of course, like Polis' Barack Obama endorsement, how Colorado reflects the United States and, yes, whether this peace-loving Boulder-resident has ever taken a toke.

Read all about it, after the jump…

CONTINUED »