If you’re a high level Democrat facing serious allegations surrounding campaign finance-related conduct, not to worry. To see a complaint dismissed, just admit the mistake and apologize.
RitterFTS Staff Photo
Gov. Bill Ritter demonstrated this technique beautifully Tuesday, when he managed to get an administrative law judge to dismiss the charges filed against him for misusing more than $217,000 of his inaugural money to repay a 2006 campaign debt. Additionally, Judge Michelle Norcross took the bizarre step of ordering the Republican who filed the complaint to pay Ritter’s legal fees.
Plaintiff and state Rep. Kent Lambert, R-Colo. Springs, told The Denver Post, “Just because you say I'm sorry should not satisfy the legal requirements to pay a fine to the state when you violate a law." He alleged political favoritism and plans to appeal the decision.
Ritter blamed his former campaign manager for the offense and took out a mortgage to help repay the debt. While the public always appreciates transparency, Lambert is right. Ritter should not be let off the hook for this just because he said “sorry.” The state's highest elected official, a former District Attorney no less, should know better and must be held accountable.
But what we really want to know: Why isn’t the liberal litigation shop Colorado Ethics Watch demanding justice in this case? The group seeks maximum fines and penalties for any Republican who violates campaign finance laws. When will Director Chantell Taylor start holding her Democrat Governor to the same standard?
When will Chantell hold her Democrat Gov. to the same standard?
On August 6th, 2008 Socrates says:
Don't hold your breath waiting for it to happen.