Colorado Secretary of State Mike Coffman on Thursday disavowed his predecessor and fellow Republican’s handling of controversial campaign- finance rules last summer.
Coffman said former Secretary of State Gigi Dennis should not have issued the rules, specifically one that tied up union contributions.
“I think the timing was bad so late in the election cycle,” Coffman said. “I was troubled by it.”
In August, Dennis tried to require unions and other membership groups to get annual written permission from their members to transfer dues to political committees.
In September, a state appeals court upheld a ruling that Dennis’ rule violated the free-speech rights of some union members.
Coffman said he personally supports such a rule, but he told the legislature’s Joint Budget Committee that Dennis overstepped her authority. Rule-making is to implement state laws, not create them, Coffman said.
Rep. Bernie Buescher, D-Grand Junction, said he was pleased.
“I do think it’s important that the secretary of state not be in a position of an activist judge, as we hear of sometimes,” Buescher said.
At another budget committee hearing Thursday, state Treasurer Cary Kennedy said she supports efforts to raise of the state’s reserve account.
Kennedy said she would support raising the reserve, currently 4 percent, to at least 6 percent, noting that many other states keep a reserve of 7 percent.
Staff writer Mark P. Couch can be reached at 303-954-1794 or mcouch@denverpost.com.
