Colorado Democratic Party Chair Comments on Today’s Independent Ethics Commission Meeting

DENVER – Following recent reporting surrounding the Colorado Opportunity Caucus’ October legislative retreat, lawmakers have taken good-faith steps to address the matter. This includes donating funds that supported the retreat to the Food Bank of the Rockies.

Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib issued the following statement regarding the hearing and the Caucus’ response:

 “Colorado Democrats hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, and that includes allowing the Independent Ethics Commission to do its work without political games. Lawmakers have already taken good-faith steps to address the situation before the IEC by making a sizable contribution to the Food Bank of the Rockies, regardless of whether they believe a violation occurred. If the filer were acting in good faith, these complaints would be withdrawn. I applaud Senator Lindsey Daugherty for taking swift action and appreciate her initiative.

Meanwhile, the dark money group driving these complaints and their supporters are hammering voters with fundraising spam and trying to extract political concessions from lawmakers. They even filed a complaint against a lawmaker who did not attend the event in question but just so happens to be in a high-profile Democratic primary. These are ethically questionable and gross tactics that disrespect the ethics commission and the voters.

Coloradans deserve better than to be manipulated by a Washington, D.C. dark money outfit that hides its biggest donors.”