Denver, Colorado -- Today, Pat Waak, Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, sent an open letter to Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey asking him to vigorously enforce a new law against using false information in a campaign.

It is against the law to knowingly lie in a campaign, and under CRS §1-13-109 as amended in 2005 the standard includes recklessly using information.

“We had hoped that the election cycle would be a civil discourse on issues and candidates,” said Waak. “That is what the people of Colorado want and deserve. However, Trailhead, a Republican 527, is currently airing an ad against the Democratic candidate for governor, Bill Ritter. There is not only a reckless use of information; there is at least one lie.”

Adam Schrager of 9News has analyzed the ad and points out the specific points of misuse and falsehood. At 9News.com, this analysis is open for public scrutiny.

"We have chosen to address our complaint to the Denver District Attorney since the Attorney General of Colorado failed to investigate previous complaints against Trailhead,” said Waak.

Shortcut to 9News.com analysis:

http://tinyurl.com/n9tl9

The text of the letter to District Attorney Morrissey follows.

September 1, 2006

To: Mitch Morrissey, Denver District of Attorney:

As you are aware, CRS §1-13-109 was amended in 2005 to strengthen criminal laws concerning the use of false information in campaigns.

Previously, the law only dealt with those who knowingly employed false statements in campaigns, but it is now a Class One misdemeanor to even recklessly circulate or broadcast false statements designed to affect the vote on an issue or regarding a candidate.

It was our hope that the upcoming election cycle would be a civil discourse on issues and candidates, but we know through experience that is not always the case. The recent television ad produced by Trailhead against Bill Ritter crosses the line with regard to truth and false information.

We are including a link to an analysis done by Channel 9 News. We believe they have done an excellent job of showing the inaccuracies, distortions and falsehoods. Therefore we request an investigation of the actions of Trailhead and legal remedies.

The voters of this great state deserve to form their decisions based on fact not fiction.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter, and for ensuring fair elections.

Sincerely,

Pat Waak

Chair, Democratic Party of Colorado