Colorado Democratic Party Votes to Censure Governor Jared Polis

The central committee of the Colorado Democratic Party recently cast a decisive vote, with 89.8% in favor, to censure Governor Jared Polis. This action temporarily bars him from speaking or participating in party-sponsored events.

Governor Polis commented earlier, stating that the petition by numerous Democrats calling for this action is politically motivated. The petition stems from Polis’s decision to commute the sentence of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters.

Peters was convicted for her role in tampering with election equipment, aiming to substantiate unproven claims of fraud. Initially sentenced to almost nine years, Polis halved her sentence, enabling her possible parole as early as June 1.

“My goal is to make the right decision with the information I have,” Polis said. “I think the fact this has become so partisan shows the problem. No case should be viewed from a partisan lens.”

Polis compared Peters’ case to other corruption cases, noting that most resulted in probation or shorter sentences than Peters’ original sentencing. He emphasized that her sentence seemed excessively influenced by her statements rather than her actions, a point raised by the appellate court.

Mesa County District Attorney Dan Rubenstein countered Polis’s decision, arguing that Peters engaged in months-long deceit, violating security protocols entrusted to her. Rubenstein stated Peters could have faced up to 20 years and noted that even Polis’s clemency board opposed the commutation.

Polis acknowledged input from thousands of Coloradans but insisted that his decision was based on an objective review of data. Rubenstein criticized this approach, calling it arrogant.

“That’s not humility, that’s arrogance — to believe that your judgment should substitute those others,” Rubenstein said.

The Democrats urging the censure argue that Polis’s actions contradict the party’s mission to uphold democracy. Polis, however, maintains that he is fighting for justice independent of partisan divides.

“We need to make sure that you’re punished based on the crime regardless of your beliefs,” Polis stated.

Rubenstein expressed that a lighter sentence given by the original judge, familiar with the community impact, could have been acceptable. Polis did not consult Peters directly but acknowledged her apology and accountability in her clemency request.

Rubenstein questioned her sincerity, noting her deadline to appeal her conviction. The statement from the Colorado Democratic Party further elaborated on their stance against Polis’s actions, citing it as a blow to the party’s credibility and democratic efforts.

The statement emphasized that reducing Peters’ sentence under alleged pressure from Donald Trump was not justice and set a dangerous precedent. The party reaffirmed its commitment to election integrity and condemned denialism and disinformation.

Governor Polis remains censured until further notice, barred from participating as a featured guest at party events like the Obama Gala and DemFest.