Treasurer violated law/ Judge fines Coffman for using state cash to

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Aug 3, 2001 by Kyle Henley

DENVER - State Treasurer Mike Coffman violated election laws when he used state money and letterhead to speak against Amendment 23, an administrative law judge ruled Thursday.

The ruling stemmed from a February complaint by Colorado Common Cause, a nonprofit watchdog group, that Coffman violated the Fair Campaign Practices Act when he issued three news releases against Amendment 23, the school funding initiative approved by voters in November.

In the widely distributed news releases, Coffman called the amendment a "fiscal train wreck" and urged voters to defeat it.

Administrative Law Judge Matthew Norwood ruled Coffman's action violated a section of the campaign law that prohibits elected officials from spending more than $50 to oppose a statewide ballot initiative.

Norwood estimates Coffman spent the equivalent of $217.46 in materials and staff time to put out the news releases, $167.46 more than the $50 limit. He ordered Coffman to pay a civil penalty of $334.92.

"It sets a very important precedent," said Pete Maysmith, executive director of Colorado Common Cause. "It says that elected officials cannot use the machinery of the state to attempt to defeat a citizens initiative. Mike Coffman crossed the line."

Coffman, who is considering a run for Congress in 2002, says he did nothing wrong. He said he got approval from Attorney General Ken Salazar's office before issuing the news releases.

"I really thought I was covered, and I still do," Coffman said.

"We are going to appeal the case. I feel that I have a right to speak out on issues that impact my department and impact the state of Colorado financially."

- Kyle Henley covers state government and politics and may be reached at (303)837-0613 or khenley@gazette.com