A judge decided Tuesday morning that Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey acted properly when he declined to prosecute allegations that a top-ranking Republican had violated campaign finance rules.

District Judge Norman Haglund concluded that Morrissey adequately investigated the complaint and that his "charging decisions are well-grounded."

The nonprofit Colorado Ethics Watch, a group commonly critical of Republican officials, asked the DA to look into claims that Senate Minority Leader Andy McElhaney improperly used political action committee money to start a public website.

Ethics Watch director Chantell Taylor, unsatisfied with Morrissey's response, petitioned the court to compel a prosecution. The judge ruled that further hearings were not necessary.