Tag: Colorado Common Cause
DeGette rallies state civil rights activists to spotlight, counteract new GOP...
DENVER-- Colorado Democratic Congresswoman Diana DeGette and representatives of the state's top civil rights organizations this weekend railed against efforts by Republican lawmakers and officials around the country to recast voter rules. Flooded with pale mountain sun on the west steps of the capitol, the speakers took turns detailing ways new registration and voting requirements and restrictions will make it more difficult for millions of Americans to cast ballots in presidential election year 2012.
Gessler rule slapped down by judge in campaign finance case
Denver District Court Judge Bruce Jones ruled Thursday (pdf) that Secretary of State Scott Gessler overreached last summer when, through rulemaking, he raised constitutionally established donation disclosure limits for issue committees in the state. Judge Jones signaled during arguments that he believed Gessler had taken it onto himself to amend the Colorado Constitution, an absurd stretch for a non-lawmaking official such as the secretary of state. Gessler said he is determined to appeal the decision. He dismissed Jones's arguments as mere grandstanding for the press.
Power to the people, say the people
Despite the demise of a bill to increase the percentage of votes needed to pass a voter initiated constitutional amendment in the Legislature this year, grassroots advocates recently voiced their opposition to the move they see as part of a trend by legislators to limit the power of the people.
Secretary of State Gessler proposes rule requiring less frequent disclosure
At a hearing today, The Colorado Secretary of State's office proposed a rule change that would result in the need for less frequent reporting of campaign contributions and expenditures.
Complaint filed against SOS Scott Gessler
Colorado Common Cause and Colorado Ethics Watch on Thursday filed a complaint in Denver District Court against Secretary of State Scott Gessler that claims Gessler unlawfully weakened Colorado campaign finance laws through the Secretary of State’s rulemaking process.
Sec of State Gessler lands on legislative ‘loser’ lists for voter...
As the architect and main lobbyist for a failed voter ID bill, Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler is landing on "losers" lists for the just-wrapped 2011 state legislative session. He ranked number five loser on the lefty activist ProgressNow list brought out last week and this morning rated a photo and a brief write up in the Denver Post legislative losers column.
Video: Capitol press “April foolsed”
Journalists showed up to an 8:30 a.m. press conference today where the identity of #coleg Twitter jokster(s) YO! JBC RAPS was to be revealed. It was an April Fools' joke.
Gessler/Holbert bill would target ineligible voters: Voter advocates cry foul
A bill designed by Secretary of State Scott Gessler and sponsored by Rep. Chris Holbert, R-Parker, to ensure the integrity of the Colorado voting system is being called a means to reduce voter participation by voters' rights advocates.
Colorado voter registration bill is a solution in search of a...
Colorado Senator Ted Harvey, R-Highlands Ranch, told the Colorado Independent Tuesday that a bill requiring proof of citizenship when registering to vote would protect the integrity of one of Colorado’s most sacred systems. Others disagreed.
Lawmakers Carroll, Court eye tougher campaign finance, ethics laws next session
Democratic state Sens. Morgan Carroll of Aurora and Lois Court of Denver say stricter penalties and tighter legal definitions should be at the heart of upcoming legislation to prevent abuses to laws regulating those looking to sway public opinion in elections. Both legislators are working with watchdog groups to shore up what they see as serious holes in campaign finance and ethics laws after a mid-term election cycle marred by violations and rumors of clandestine deals.