With a maelstrom of alleged ethics violations besetting the Capitol, Democratic House Speaker Andrew Romanoff said Tuesday that he is exploring the idea of creating an independent commission to investigate future misconduct allegations.
“It’s worth asking, would that job better be put to an independent ethics commission, rather than requiring the legislature to police itself?” he said.
The speaker said 30 other states have independent ethics commissions. He said he has been soliciting advice on whether the state’s current system, in which a committee of lawmakers handles complaints, can be improved.
The news comes on the same day that a government watchdog group called for the resignation of embattled Democratic Sen. Deanna Hanna.
Hanna is being investigated for sending a letter asking for $1,400 in “reparations” to a group that endorsed her opponent.
“What Sen. Hanna did crosses so far over the line that saying sorry isn’t good enough,” said Pete Maysmith of Colorado Common Cause, adding that Hanna’s letter conditioned favorable votes on campaign contributions.
Hanna declined to comment.
Maysmith said his organization has been pushing for several years to create an ethics panel that is independent of the legislature.
“We must have a much better process. We need stronger and clearer ethical standards and a process that works well and is understandable to all the parties involved,” he said.
There has been only one other ethics investigation in recent memory. But the Capitol could soon see its third.
Democratic Rep. Angie Paccione said she is aware of a complaint about an e-mail her congressional campaign sent to about 800 volunteers.
Paccione, who is trying to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave in the 4th Congressional District, said a staffer sent out an unapproved e-mail that offered prizes for top fundraisers. One of those prizes was a personal tour of the Colorado Capitol and an introduction on the House floor.
Paccione said the prize was never approved and the e-mail was recalled within a half hour of being sent.
“No contest was conducted. No awards were given” she said. “Nothing unethical actually happened, so hopefully, it will be dismissed.”
Romanoff said he received the complaint Tuesday, but did not release it.
Staff writer Chris Frates can be reached at 303-820-1633 or cfrates@denverpost.com.
