Colorado Supreme Court backs unlimited spending by 527s
Handing political organizations known as 527s a big victory heading into the 2012 election, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled today that the groups should not be limited in how much money they may accept from donors if their political advertisements don't include so-called "magic words" such as "vote for" or "elect."
Ads that simply state a candidate's position on an issue or that include flattering — or not-so flattering — things about a candidate but don't include the "magic words" established in an earlier U.S. Supreme Court ruling are considered free speech, the unanimous court found.
Click here to read the full story in The Denver Post.
In the News
May 17, 2012
Controversial Colorado Open Records bill draws calls for veto
The Colorado Independent (John Tomasic) The bill was never really debated in the Senate where it was introduced, then it was tacked on to a House bill amid the blizzard of activity that marked the last days of the Colorado legislative session. Read More ›
May 16, 2012
Colorado groups urge veto of limits on voted-ballot inspections
The Denver Post (Sara Burnett) A growing coalition is asking Gov. John Hickenlooper to veto a bill that creates rules for public inspection of voted ballots, saying it is "an unprecedented step" to block the public's right to ensure fair elections that was "ramrodded" through the legislature in its final days. Read More ›
Legal Filings
May 17, 2012
Ethics Watch and Other Groups Call on Governor to Veto Bill to Weaken CORA Access to Ballots
Ethics Watch has joined other groups calling on Governor Hickenlooper to veto a bill that would allow some… Read More
May 07, 2012
Ethics Watch Director Addresses IEC On Travel Guidelines
Today, Colorado Ethics Watch Director Luis Toro appeared before the Independent Ethics Commission to comment on pending revisions… Read More

