DENVER—The liberal group ProgressNow wants Coloradans to boycott Amazon.com over the retailer’s decision to cut ties with online affiliates in the state.
The boycott call came Tuesday, a day after Amazon broke with Colorado bloggers and Web site operators who help it sell products.
Amazon blamed the state’s new online tax law for its decision. It requires out-of-state, online retailers to collect taxes or tell customers how much they owe the state each year.
Democratic lawmakers say Amazon is using affiliates as pawns to make a point and will still have to comply with the law.
Republican Sen. Greg Brophy wants to try to overturn the tax but would need permission from majority Democrats to try.
“Back off the cliff, let these guys (affiliates) off the hook,” Brophy said.
Senate President Brandon Shaffer says that’s unlikely because he doesn’t want to reward Amazon’s “bad behavior.”
“For the Legislature to cave in to that behavior sends the wrong message,” he said.
Amazon spokeswoman Mary Osako declined to comment on the boycott.
She said if Colorado repeals the law or followed what Amazon believes is a constitutional approach to tax collection, the company would welcome the opportunity to reinstate its Colorado affiliates.
