For several days, Rep. Laura Bradford has been excoriated for seemingly being above the law when she was pulled over — but not arrested — last week on suspicion of drunken driving.
As it turns out, Bradford did not invoke a clause in the state constitution that gives lawmakers immunity. In fact, she asked at least twice to be treated like any other citizen.
But for some inexplicable reason, a Denver police supervisor failed to come forward with that information — and told a subordinate to keep his mouth shut — as the storm swirled around the Mesa County Republican.
Why?
Is the culture of cover-up in the department just so widespread that such actions are standard operating procedure?
A Tuesday news conference where the deception was announced was surreal.
Based on Bradford’s roadside statements, police admitted they should have given her a Breathalyzer and ushered her to detox if warranted. They admitted to hiding the fact that Bradford had a gun in her car — which is a misdemeanor in Colorado if you’re drunk.
Eventually, the junior officer came forward with the truth. New police Chief Robert White then sent his people out in front of the press Tuesday afternoon to own up to their mistakes. White deserves credit for that, but it’s hardly an encouraging state of affairs.
The scandal began with Bradford’s erratic driving a week ago in Capitol Hill. Police pulled her over for an improper lane change about 10 p.m.
The legislative license plates tipped off the officer he was dealing with a VIP, and that’s where things started to go off track.
As Bradford was being pulled over, police said she almost struck another car. They administered roadside sobriety tests. She said she had been drinking, and owned up to having a gun in the car. They put her in a cab.
Let’s be clear: Drinking and driving is irresponsible behavior for anyone, much less an elected official. We suspect voters will have something to say about that.
But let’s also be clear in acknowledging that Bradford did not try to skirt responsibility or pull rank.
For some reason, Denver police felt compelled to do that for her. On Tuesday, they apologized for saying Bradford had invoked legislative immunity.
“We were wrong,” said Lt. Matt Murray.
That the new chief served notice that he may be serious about law enforcement integrity is one of the few bright spots in this tawdry episode.
But the imbroglio makes it clear that a measure to repeal the antiquated state constitutional provision allowing legislators to have some legal immunity must be put on the ballot as soon as possible. We suspect voters will have no qualms supporting the revision.
It dates to a bygone era of unchecked political power and does not comport with the accountability that the public expects of elected officials.
