Clear Peak Colorado – a political committee organized to strike back at Republican efforts to take control of the state Capitol – disclosed Tuesday that its donors are wealthy Democrats Tim Gill and Pat Stryker.
The pair, who have been significant backers of Democratic candidates and liberal causes in recent years, have contributed $178,680 to Clear Peak, according to a filing with the Internal Revenue Service.
Gill and Stryker are also major donors to another political committee fighting Republican political efforts. They have donated $83,334 each to Citizens for Colorado.
Gill is a gay-rights activist who made a fortune in the computer software business. Stryker, the granddaughter of the founder of a medical-supply manufacturer, lives in Fort Collins.
They have been targets of Republican criticism ever since their 2004 support for political campaign committees helped the Democrats take control of the legislature for the first time in more than 40 years.
Al Yates, spokesman for Stryker, said she supports Clear Peak’s mission of spreading opportunity and human dignity and leveling the political playing field. A spokesman for Gill could not be reached.
Clear Peak spokesman John Willard said the donors wanted to defend Democratic candidates from attacks by a similar Republican political committee – Trailhead Group LLC.
Trailhead was founded in May 2005 by Gov. Bill Owens, beer magnate Pete Coors and Republican Party fundraiser Bruce Benson.
Trailhead officials have criticized Clear Peak for refusing to disclose its donors until now. Clear Peak waited until the IRS filing deadline.
“We commend the Democrats, who until now have been hiding under rocks to prevent disclosing their identities, for finally deciding to come clean about who they are,” said Alan Philp, executive director of Trailhead. “At least now we know that two of the same individuals who financed a Democrat takeover of the legislature in 2004 are back for more.”
Since May 2005, Trailhead has collected $1.6 million in contributions. The group has received $150,000 from Pete Coors, and $50,000 donations from Holly Coors, Denver businessman Charlie Gallagher and Village Homes chief executive John Osborn.
In its quarterly filing for the period ending June 30, Trailhead disclosed that it received $500,000 from the Republican Governors Association of Washington, D.C.
Staff Writer Mark P. Couch can be reached at 303-820-1794 or mcouch@denverpost.com.
