[3] A third-generation Coloradan[4] born and raised in Fort Collins,[5] Fischer attended Colorado State University, earning a bachelor's degree in natural resource management in 1976.

[5] After having worked on campaigns for Fort Collins city council and the Larimer County Board of Commissioners, Fischer first ran for public office in 2006, seeking the legislative seat being vacated by Congressional candidate Angie Paccione.

[6] He took 59 percent of the vote in a four-way race against Republican Anne Yeldell, Libertarian Mark Brophy, and Constitution Party candidate Darren Morrison.

[10] Following the regular session, Fischer served on the legislature's interim committee on allocation of severance tax and federal mineral lease revenues.

"[32] During the campaign, Fischer cited water, transportation, and higher education as top priorities for a second term in office[33] and emphasized fiscal restraint in the state budget process.

[34] Fischer significantly outraised Gallup, including several large donations from political action committees;[35] in mid-October, his campaign had roughly $38,000 cash on hand,[36] and his re-election bid was endorsed by the Denver Post,[37] the Windsor Beacon, and the Fort Collins Coloradoan.

[41] After winning a second term, Fischer was also elected Deputy Majority Whip by state house Democrats[42] in an unopposed race for the leadership position.

[49] After Rep. Kathleen Curry left the Democratic Party in December 2009, Fischer was tapped to chair of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee the week before the beginning of the 2010 legislative session.