So the Denver Post is suing Gov. Bill Ritter for access to his personal cell phone records? While I'm a strong proponent of transparency in government, it would seem this is slightly over the line. Over at The Colorado Index, a watcher writes "in defense of Bill Ritter." The typically conservative blogger is no big fan of either the Governor or the Post. A watcher especially has problems with the way the latter has responded to his quest for legal ethics reform. So what should be done? I agree with Rocky Mountain Right's assessment:Ritter should disclose any calls he made related to state business in accordance with the law even if they were on a private phone, but he should also not have to disclose every time he called his wife or … [Read more...]
Face The State: Colorado Ethics Watch Still in the Tank for Democrats
Face The State calls out Colorado Ethics Watch for its deafening silence on Bill Ritter's admitted campaign violation. But we already knew Colorado Ethics Watch was a partisan tool. Face The State also notes:Additionally, Judge Michelle Norcross took the bizarre step of ordering the Republican who filed the complaint to pay Ritter’s legal fees. Interestingly, Michelle Norcross is the same judge who initially let the teachers union off the hook in its case of campaign coordination with state senator Bob Bacon. Legal ethics reform, anyone? You won't hear Colorado Ethics Watch crowing about that issue - not with the trial lawyers' association sitting on their side of the partisan fence. … [Read more...]
Voorhis Exonerated: Bad for Ritter, But Legal Ethics Reform Still Needed
Good news today on a story I have not covered nearly enough: ICE agent Cory Voorhis has been found NOT guilty, and it didn't take the jury long to decide. The question is what the fallout means for Gov. Bill Ritter's political future. The verdict is a small step in increasing my faith in the justice system, though it would be naive to ignore the real, long-term solution for Colorado: legal ethics reform. … [Read more...]