Tracking what's destroying Colorado
A curated collection of bills, news, and resources about Colorado politics and policy
A curated collection of bills, news, and resources about Colorado politics and policy
Seventeen moderate Colorado Democratic lawmakers, part of the "Colorado Opportunity Caucus," are under investigation by the state's Independent Ethics Commission after attending a lavish closed-door retreat at the upscale Sonnenalp resort in Vail (rooms $316–$500/night). The event, which included mingling with lobbyists, was partially funded by a $25,000 contribution from the dark-money group One Main Street Colorado—a 501(c)(4) that doesn't fully disclose donors and has spent heavily backing these same Democrats in primaries. Complaints allege violations of Colorado's strict gift ban (capping gifts at ~$75/year) and potential illegal coordination with an independent expenditure committee. The commission deemed the complaints non-frivolous and is moving forward; fines could reach double the event's cost if violations are proven. Democrats call it a politically motivated attack by progressives and note a charitable donation was made in response.
This Vail retreat scandal is the perfect snapshot of Democrat hypocrisy in action: the same party that lectures everyday Americans about "corporate greed," "dark money," and "influence peddling" got caught red-handed schmoozing with lobbyists at a luxury mountain resort, all on the dime of a shadowy nonprofit that bankrolled their campaigns. While Colorado families struggle with skyrocketing costs under one-party Democratic rule—housing, groceries, energy bills—these 17 lawmakers thought nothing of accepting what amounts to tens of thousands in prohibited "gifts" for a weekend of wining, dining, and deal-making behind closed doors.
Let's call it what it is: legalized corruption disguised as a "policy summit." One Main Street Colorado funnels undisclosed cash to prop up moderate Dems against progressives, then foots the bill for their plush getaway—complete with high-end accommodations that most Coloradans could never afford. And when caught? Blame "dark money" attackers and make a token charity donation, as if that erases the stench of entitlement.
This isn't about left-vs-right infighting; it's about accountability. Democrats have supermajorities in Colorado, yet they skirt the very ethics rules voters demanded after past scandals. If Republicans pulled this, the media would be screaming "swamp" from the rooftops. Time for real transparency: Full donor disclosure, stiff penalties, and a reminder that public service isn't a ticket to the high life. Coloradans deserve leaders who fight for them—not ones vacationing with the special interests they claim to regulate.