Amendment 54 proponents declared victory Thursday with the measure holding a narrow lead, 51 percent to 49 percent, with 96 percent of precincts reporting.
Opponents, which include labor unions and business, have said they will challenge the measure’s constitutionality in court because its broad scope infringes on free-speech rights.
Amendment 54 would prohibit campaign contributions from any entity that wins no-bid government contracts totaling $100,000 or more, including unions that represent government workers. The measure would also prohibit “immediate family members” of holders of a no-bid contract from contributing to any political campaign or candidate who may have influence over the contract.
Opponents say the ban goes too far because it would extend to the family members of all union members and utilities that win no-bid contracts in communities where they are often the only viable provider.
Holders of state contracts also would not be able to contribute to many political campaigns, such as statehouse and gubernatorial races.
Proponents, including the Independence Institute’s Dennis Polhill and Jon Caldara, say it will encourage competitive bidding in government contracts.
“Taxpayers are the real winners: Through competitive bidding, taxpayers will save millions,” said Tom Lucero, Amendment 54 chairman.
Andy Vuong: 303-954-1209 or avuong@denverpost.com
