A $25,000 Luxury Retreat Funded by Dark Money

In Colorado, a group called “One Main Street Colorado” – a pro-business dark money group that spends big in Colorado primary elections – covered a $25,000 tab for hotel rooms for state lawmakers to mingle with lobbyists at a luxury ski resort in Vail.

I’ll be frank: it’s pretty sad that while Coloradans are grappling with an affordability crisis, politicians are getting wined and dined at a swanky retreat.

That’s why they never intended for it to make the news (but it did)…

Why This Matters: Colorado’s Gift Ban and Ethics Rules

Here at Common Cause, we know exactly what this kind of trip is for: corporate “generosity” always comes with strings attached. That’s why we helped write and pass Colorado’s gift ban back in 2006.

So, my team jumped into action and filed an ethics complaint against the 17 lawmakers – and this week, the ethics board agreed our case has merit and should move forward.

Backlash From Corporate−Backed Politicians

Now, these corporate-backed politicians are fighting back. They’re smearing our reputation, attacking our integrity, and even accusing US of siding with the President because we called them out!  For reading the newspaper and acting to uphold the law?

One Main Street Colorado doesn’t disclose their donors, but now they’re calling us a “dark money group” – even though you can read who’s funding us (it’s mostly people like you!) right on our website, and we readily adhere to our transparency policy.

What’s Really at Stake: Transparency for the People

The reason this group is trying to tarnish Common Cause is to distract from the real story here – ordinary people should know who is financially influencing their elected leaders.

What we’re seeing from this group of Colorado legislators is the exact opposite: slinging mud when their lack of transparency is exposed.

Common Cause Will Keep Fighting for Accountability

I’m tired of politicians who avoid accountability. And I’m proud to be part of an organization that will call out anyone – no matter their party – who puts their own interests ahead of the public interest.

Common Cause works for the people – all the people.

And to the Colorado Democratic Party: yes, we do take contributions to enable our work! Thanks to our grassroots donors, Common Cause can continue fighting for accountable government that’s not beholden to special interests.

Thanks for all you do,

Aly Belknap, Executive Director, Colorado Common Cause