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CDP Chair seeks legal recourse against Trailhead for blatantly false campaign
ads
DENVER – Today, Colorado Party Chairwoman Pat Waak filed an affidavit
with Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey asking for an investigation and
prosecution of the Trailhead Group for false campaign ads targeting Bill Ritter.
Chairwoman Waak cites C.R.S. 1-13-109 in the case of the dishonest attack ads
targeting Ritter's public record as Denver District Attorney.
The statutes targets tactics that " knowingly…caus[ed} to be made…[a}
false statement designed to affect the vote on any issue submitted to the electors…relating
to any candidate for election to public office (section 1-13-109 (1) (a))".
In the 30-second Trailhead ad, an announcer falsely portrays Ritter's record
of prosecuting criminals. KUSA featured the ad during a recent Truth Test news
segment and concluded the ad misrepresented and distorted several facts in the
attack ad. In addition, the report pointed out that Trailhead falsely stated
Ritter had "avoided the death penalty for capital crimes."
In seven separate cases, Ritter pursued the death penalty against convicted
murderers.
In light of Attorney General John Suthers' reluctance to take action against
the shadowy Republican group whose backers include millionaire Pete Coors, the
affidavit was filed in the County of Denver. Trailhead is working in support
of Suthers' re-election bid.
"Once again, Trailhead is out to deceive Colorado voters with their trademark
dirty tricks in order to help a floundering Republican gubernatorial campaign,"
said Chairwoman Waak. "But in this case, their scheme has crossed the line
legally. Colorado law is very clear on this matter, by lying about Bill Ritter's
record they are subject to prosecution. It's a shame they support a candidate
who can't run on his own record. Time and time again, Bob Beauprez has stumbled
on the campaign trail and been an embarrassment for his party. That makes Trailhead
desperate and willing to go to any lengths, including lying, to help their chances
in November. But the truth is, Colorado voters will see through these cheap
tricks and vote for Bill Ritter. Colorado families deserve leadership, not cheap
attack ads."
Text copy of affadavit:
http://www.coloradodems.org/docs/Trailhead_Affadavit.pdf
Image of affadavit showing signatures and notarization:
http://www.coloradodems.org/docs/Trailhead_Affadavit2.jpg
Exhibits to affadavit:
http://www.coloradodems.org/docs/Trailhead_Exhibits.pdf
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