CCEG Calls on Denver County District Attorney to Investigate Secretary Dennis for Violating Public Trust CCEG Urges Secretary Dennis to Repeal Rule In

18 September 2006

Colorado Citizens for Ethics in Government (CCEG), a non-partisan, non-profit legal watchdog group, called on the Denver County District Attorney to investigate Secretary of State Gigi Dennis for violating the public trust, and has petitioned Secretary Dennis to repeal an emergency rule that allows votes to be transferred from one candidate to another:

In recent months, Secretary Dennis has repeatedly breached her duties to the public. Secretary Dennis has refused to investigate Rep. Bob Beauprez's questionable campaign contributions despite her authority to enforce campaign finance laws, and has promulgated so-called "emergency rules" without a bona fide emergency in contravention of state law.

According to Colorado law, as a public officer Secretary Dennis is required to carry out her duties for the benefit of the people of Colorado. A public officer whose conduct departs from these requirements is liable to the people of the state.

On September 7, 2006, Secretary Dennis adopted a new rule (rule 46) that would allow votes cast for a drop-out candidate to be given to a replacement candidate.

According to CCEG's analysis, the new rule violates state law, usurps legislative authority, and infringes on Coloradoans' constitutional rights. CCEG has petitioned Sec. Dennis to repeal the rule and has filed a Colorado Open Records Act request for documents related to the drafting, consideration and promulgation of the rule.

"Sec. Dennis has demonstrated utter indifference to her duties as a public officer and has acted outside the scope of her authority by single-handedly changing state law," said Chantell Taylor, CCEG's Director. Taylor continued, "She has no authority to transfer votes cast from one candidate to another without a voter's knowledge. By taking this action, Sec. Dennis has betrayed the public trust and must be held accountable. We are asking the District Attorney to investigate these transgressions before any voter is deprived of the right to vote for the candidate of his or her choice."

All legal documents and exhibits are available on CCEG's website http://www.coloradoforethics.org

Colorado Citizens for Ethics in Government (CCEG) is a non- profit, legal watchdog group dedicated to holding public officials in Colorado accountable for their actions. For more information, visit http://www.coloradoforethics.org or contact Chantell Taylor at 303-626-2100 ctaylor@coloradoforethics.org

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