campaign finance
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Democrats out-raise opponents in Colo. congressional races
Democratic candidates in all seven of Colorado’s congressional districts have reaped more money in the most recent quarter than their Republican opponents. That’s according to the latest campaign finance filings from the Federal Election Commission. In the state’s hottest congressional race – incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Coffman of Aurora versus Democrat Jason Crow for the…
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Colorado campaign spending shifts to the ground game
With three weeks to go before election day and ballots already in the mail, campaign spending by Colorado candidates and the outside groups that back them is shifting to get-out-the-vote efforts. And while Democratic candidates have far outpaced Republican opponents on campaign spending for the top ballot races, outside groups are narrowing that gap in…
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Q&A with Debra Johnson | ‘Public policy is my calling’
Denver Clerk and Recorder Debra Johnson – whose office oversees elections in Colorado’s largest city – will be winding down a lengthy career in public service next spring. She announced last year she will not seek a third term in her post in next spring’s municipal election, but as she looks at retirement, she seems…
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‘Dark Money’: How a Coloradan blew the whistle on campaign corruption
A meth bust. A stolen car with secret documents. A shy young woman who finds herself in political peril. All of the elements you’d want for a good political thriller – yet this isn’t fiction. And this tangled tale has a Colorado connection. The documentary Dark Money is part thriller and part exposé on illegal…
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Complaint accuses backers of independent Colo. candidates of finance violations
A Denver election law attorney who regularly goes to bat for Democrats filed a complaint Monday alleging campaign finance violations by a group of nonprofits that are backing five unaffiliated legislative candidates in Colorado. Mark Grueskin, representing four registered Democrats from Denver and Arapahoe County, says in a 15-page complaint filed with the Secretary of…
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HUDSON | Campaign reform proposal could transform politics in Denver — and beyond
Politics, like most avocations, functions in the shadow of myths. Perhaps the most popular is the notion that real social change grows up out of the grassroots – best captured by, “…if the people lead, then their leaders will follow” trope. There is a modicum of truth to this theory, courage always being in short…
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Measures on property compensation, payday loans make Colorado’s fall ballot
Colorado’s November ballot got a little more crowded Tuesday when two more measures fulfilled the requirements qualifying them for the general election. Initiative 108, which would require governments to compensate property owners when the government takes action that devalues property, and Initiative 126, which would reduce payday loan interest and fees, both turned in enough…
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Independents uneasy about taking cash, even from Denver-based indie group
AUGUSTA, Maine – Hoping to capitalize on voter frustration over growing polarization in politics, a group fueled partly by what critics call “dark money” plans to spend $3 million this year to support and elect independents. But some free-spirited lawmakers are declining their help. Unite America, formerly known as the Centrist Project, is endorsing and…
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Campaign cash: Stapleton raises $255K, Polis drops $1.6M into gov. campaign
The Walker Stapleton campaign for Colorado governor has collected more than a quarter-million dollars in contributions since late June, while opponent Jared Polis has written his campaign a check for $1.6 million. And Democrat Polis has significantly outspent Republican Stapleton over the last few weeks. That’s according to the latest campaign finance reports to the…
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Initiative 108: Opposition ramping up against pro-oil & gas ballot measure
Opposition to Initiative 108, a proposed measure for Colorado’s November ballot, is heating up two days before petitions for the measure are expected to be turned in to the Secretary of State. Initiative 108 would amend the state constitution to say that governments can’t slash the value of private property – such as by restricting…