Common Cause Colorado has been busy lately. What with bringing an end to "office accounts" and fighting for election and lobby reforms, it's almost easy to forget that earlier this year they called for State Rep. Deanna Hanna's resignation over an ethics scandal -- and got it. Hanna resigned as a result of public outcry over a letter she wrote to the Colorado Associate of Realtors asking for "reparations."
Well, she's gotten at least a legal reprieve; a Jefferson County grand jury has declined to indict Hanna on bribery or attempted bribery charges:
While not directly explaining its decision, the grand jury noted there was no evidence "Hanna altered her positions or votes on any issues of concern to the Realtor organizations." The grand jurors, however, said Hanna implied "she could exercise her discretion in a manner unfavorable to the Realtors if her demand for a contribution was not met."
There's a larger issue at heart, however:
Colorado Common Cause executive director Pete Maysmith said the case shows problems with the political system. "If someone even feels it might be OK to trade a vote for cash, we have to find out how to improve the system," he said.
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