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Colorado Politics

All articles tagged with #colorado politics

Polis defends reduced Peters sentence amid bipartisan backlash
politics6 days ago

Polis defends reduced Peters sentence amid bipartisan backlash

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis defended halving Tina Peters’ nine-year sentence and ordering her release on parole June 1, arguing the punishment was too harsh and not proportional to similar cases; the move sparked bipartisan outrage and prompted talk of impeachment or censure as Peters, a Trump ally convicted over an election-system breach, becomes a flashpoint in debates about election conspiracy theories ahead of 2026, with Polis framing it as bold action and reconciliation.

Polis's clemency for Tina Peters: defending free speech amid election misinformation
opinion9 days ago

Polis's clemency for Tina Peters: defending free speech amid election misinformation

Denver Post editors argue Gov. Polis was right to reduce Tina Peters's 9-year election-interference sentence to time served, emphasizing the importance of upholding free speech under the First Amendment even when Peters promoted debunked election conspiracies; while Peters' courtroom behavior and charges are noted, the piece contends clemency balances justice with constitutional rights and avoids letting politics overshadow fundamental freedoms.

Colorado governor’s clemency for Tina Peters triggers Democratic backlash
politics10 days ago

Colorado governor’s clemency for Tina Peters triggers Democratic backlash

Colorado Governor Jared Polis commuted the nine-year prison sentence of Tina Peters, a Republican former Mesa County clerk convicted in 2024 of tampering with election equipment, announcing she would be released on parole in June. Polis said the sentence was disproportionate for a first-time, non-violent offender and stressed he is not pardoning Peters. The move drew sharp criticism from fellow Democrats, including Secretary of State Jena Griswold and Attorney General Phil Weiser, who called it an affront to the rule of law and democracy; some Republicans praised it. Peters apologized for her actions, which related to a breach tied to unfounded claims of 2020 election fraud that sought to undermine the presidential outcome.

Backlash as Polis Commuted Tina Peters' Sentence
politics10 days ago

Backlash as Polis Commuted Tina Peters' Sentence

Colorado officials, led by Democrats and county clerks, criticized Gov. Jared Polis for commuting Tina Peters’s sentence, saying it undermines election integrity and sends a troubling message about accountability; Peters’ eight-year term was thrown out by an appeals court and she is slated for release on June 1 pending resentencing, a move that drew praise from some Republicans and sharp rebukes from others.

Polis commutes Tina Peters’ sentence in Mesa County voting‑machine case
politics-colorado10 days ago

Polis commutes Tina Peters’ sentence in Mesa County voting‑machine case

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis commuted former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters’ prison term for voting‑machine access violations from nine years to four years and about four months, with parole possible June 1; the conviction remains. Polis cited an appellate ruling that gave too much weight to Peters’ beliefs about election fraud and said the sentence was unusually harsh for a first‑time nonviolent offender, while Peters apologized and Trump praised the decision.

Colorado wraps 2026 session with 101 notable bills
colorado-politics11 days ago

Colorado wraps 2026 session with 101 notable bills

Colorado’s 2026 legislative session ended after 120 days with roughly 650 measures considered; a curated list highlights 101 bills that passed or failed, spanning housing, homelessness, gun policy, budget and taxes, elections, AI regulation, and education. Many measures await the governor’s signature, veto, or enactment timing, while others died in committees; the year featured major housing groundwork, budget-balancing moves, and policy shifts across energy, health and technology as part of a Capitol News Alliance project.

Polis weighs clemency for Tina Peters in high-profile election case
politics2 months ago

Polis weighs clemency for Tina Peters in high-profile election case

Colorado Governor Jared Polis is reportedly considering commuting Tina Peters’s nine-year sentence for attempting to influence a public official in the 2020 election, potentially freeing the Mesa County clerk who helped expose security-access issues. Peters’s lawyer says a clemency decision could come soon, a move Trump supporters have urged, while election officials and Democrats argue against special treatment and emphasize accountability.

Colorado Democrats push back on Polis’s plan to cut Tina Peters’ sentence
colorado-politics2 months ago

Colorado Democrats push back on Polis’s plan to cut Tina Peters’ sentence

Democrats in Colorado’s General Assembly say Gov. Polis should not commute Tina Peters’ nine-year prison sentence, pushing back on his comparison to a separate case and urging accountability for Peters’ role in breaching election security; Polis has indicated he’s reviewing clemency and has raised concerns about sentencing disparities, while the Peters case awaits appellate review and potential parole in 2028.

Former Colorado Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell Passes Away at 92
obituaries4 months ago

Former Colorado Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell Passes Away at 92

Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a Native American senator known for his advocacy and unconventional style, passed away at age 92 due to natural causes. He served in both the House and Senate representing Colorado, switched from Democrat to Republican, and was recognized for his work on Native American issues, national parks, and his unique personality. He retired to focus on jewelry and consulting work.

Former Colorado Senator and Native American Leader Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92
obituary4 months ago

Former Colorado Senator and Native American Leader Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92

Former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a prominent Native American figure and Colorado politician who served in both the House and Senate, has died at age 92. Known for his bipartisanship, advocacy for Native American issues, and diverse career including Olympic judo participation, Campbell's life was marked by significant contributions to politics, sports, and Native American heritage.

Lauren Boebert's Ex-Husband Speaks Out Against Restraining Order
politics2 years ago

Lauren Boebert's Ex-Husband Speaks Out Against Restraining Order

Rep. Lauren Boebert's ex-husband, Jayson Boebert, has spoken out against the restraining order she obtained against him, calling it "cruel and unfair" and claiming it keeps him from his family. Lauren Boebert accused Jayson of attacking their son and making threats against her, which he denies. He also suggested that the restraining order was used to justify her decision to switch congressional districts, expressing frustration over her lack of involvement as a mother and family member. The couple had been married for nearly two decades before their divorce was finalized in October.

Lauren Boebert's Ex-Husband Speaks Out on Restraining Order
politics2 years ago

Lauren Boebert's Ex-Husband Speaks Out on Restraining Order

Rep. Lauren Boebert's ex-husband, Jayson Boebert, criticized the restraining order she obtained against him, calling it "cruel and unfair" and claiming it keeps him from his family. The Colorado Republican accused Jayson of attacking their son and making threats, which he denies. He also suggested that the restraining order was used to justify her decision to switch congressional districts. The couple's divorce was finalized in October after nearly two decades of marriage.

"Boebert's Strategic District Swap Raises Eyebrows and Questions in Colorado"
politics2 years ago

"Boebert's Strategic District Swap Raises Eyebrows and Questions in Colorado"

Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert's decision to switch from Colorado's 3rd Congressional district to the more conservative 4th district could have significant political repercussions. While it may help the GOP by potentially allowing a less controversial Republican to win the 3rd district, it also risks a Democratic flip there, especially with Democrat Adam Frisch's strong showing in the previous election. Boebert's move is seen by some as a strategic play to avoid a tough rematch with Frisch, but it also exposes her to a competitive primary in the 4th district, where she has fewer local connections. The outcome of her decision will impact the Republican Party's efforts to maintain their slim House majority.