Denver, Colorado – Pat Waak, Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, blasted Colorado State Treasurer Mike Coffman (R) today for hiring the Republican candidate for State Treasurer Mark Hillman (R) as a lobbyist. "This is a sweetheart deal for Mark Hillman," said Waak. "Voters are tired of this type of cronyism and political favors."

On Friday, news reports confirmed that a new position, without a job title or description, was created for Hillman. The part-time lobbying position could reportedly pay as much as $1,015 for a 35-hour work week. The Treasurer makes $1,310 a week. The new position in the Treasury has never existed before and was created specifically for Mark Hillman.

"This gives the Republican candidate an opportunity to travel the state and promote his campaign on the taxpayer's dime," said Waak. "We are used to seeing this kind of favoritism in Washington, but it's sad to see it come home to Colorado."

Waak noted that the Democratic candidate for State Treasurer, Cary Kennedy, resigned her state staff position before filing as a candidate. Kennedy, author of Amendment 23, was working as the policy director for House Speaker Andrew Romanoff. Out of respect for the state taxpayers, Kennedy left her post in December 2005 before filing her candidacy in January.

The position, created for Mark Hillman, has not been approved by the General Assembly nor is the position included in the Treasurer's approved budget.