DENVER—The Colorado Legislature’s ethics committee recommended a reprimand Wednesday for a lobbyist accused of trying to influence a House leadership election.
The Joint House and Senate Ethics Committee made the recommendation in the case of lobbyist Erik Groves, who was accused of promising campaign contributions on behalf of the Colorado Chiropractic Association to a lawmaker for supporting Rep. David Balmer, a Republican candidate for House minority leader last December.
A separate investigation cleared Balmer of any involvement.
Groves, who could have been barred from lobbying at the Capitol for a year, said he cooperated with lawmakers and insisted he wasn’t aware of House and Senate rules that bar lobbyists from being an “active participant” in leadership races.
“I am pleased that by cooperating with the committee, I was able to help them understand an honest mistake,” said Groves, who currently is on leave from the lobbying firm that employed him.
Sen. Bill Cadman, a Republican from Colorado Springs and a member of the three-member ethics panel, said the punishment sends a strong signal to lobbyists that “they need to know the rules.”
The recommendation was given to legislative leaders, who can accept or reject it.
House Minority Leader Mike May, R-Parker, filed the complaint against Balmer and Groves after being contacted by another Republican lawmaker, who asked if it was appropriate for a lobbyist to offer a campaign contribution during a leadership election.
Because of the investigation, May decided to stay in office.
