Draft:List of Colorado political scandals

The U.S. state of Colorado has experienced numerous political scandals in various parts of its legislature and executive branches.

Scandals

The list does not include crimes that occur outside the politician's tenure (such as before or after his term in office) unless they specifically stem from acts made while in office, such as bribery, and discovered later. Different scandals on different dates may result in multiple listings.

• Tracey Bernett (D) State Representative from Logmont in District 12 was accused of living at a different address from the one she was registered at . She was charged with perjury, attempting to influence a public servant, forgery and providing false information about a residence. She resigned her position before trial could begin. The court will not enter the felony charge if she successfully completes the deferred judgment and sentence, but the misdemeanor will remain on her record. (2023)
• Randy Baumgardner (R) State Senator from Hot Sulphur Springs in the 8th District, was investigated twice for grabbing a staffers buttocks, making inappropriate comments and creating a hostile work environment for five others. Twice he was recommended for expulsion, but the motions failed. When Baumgardner was denied a committee position he resigned before a third expulsion vote could be held. (2019)
• Daniel Kagan (D) State Senator from District 26, was accused of using an unmarked bathroom that was actually designated for women. He resigned. (2019)
• Steve Lebsock (D/R) State Representative, 34TH District, was accused of sexual harassment by five women including a fellow legislator. Despite calls for his resignation from both parties, Lebsock refused to resign. He was then expelled. The long time Democrat, changed his party affiliation to Republican a few days before the expulsion vote, so his appointed replacement would also be Republican. (2018)
• Jon Forbes (R) Deputy Treasurer of Colorado, was at a meeting of the Public Employee Retirement Association, when he told the committee they could all “go fuck themselves”, among other things. He was then asked by Republican State Treasurer Walker Stapleton to resign, which he did. (2017)
• Timothy Leonard (Colorado politician) (R) State Representative from Evergreen in District 25, was sentenced to 14 days in jail for contempt of court because he had made educational decisions for one of his children, a right given solely to his ex-wife in the divorce. (2016)
• Steve King (Colorado legislator) (R) State Senator of the 7th District, also held a part time job with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office where he was accused of padding his timesheet hours. He was found guilty of felony embezzlement of public property and official misconduct. He was then sentenced to two years probation, 80 hours of public service and forced to pay restitution. (2013)
• Douglas Bruce (R) State Representative from District 15, was accused of felony criminal activity including money laundering, attempted improper influence of a public official, and tax fraud. He was convicted and sentenced to 180 days in jail, ordered to pay a total of $49,000 in fines, and given six years of probation. (2012)
• Deanna Hanna (D) State Senator from Lockwood, requested a $1,400 campaign contribution from the Colorado Association of Realtors’ Political Action Group as “reparations” because they had backed her opponent in the election. Before an investigation could proceed, she resigned. (2006)

Breaches of ethics, unproven crimes or cover-ups may or may not result in inclusion depending on the amount of publicity generated, and the seriousness of the crime, if any. Notoriety and notability are a major determinant of a scandal. Politicians who resign, quit, flee, or commit suicide while being investigated or threatened with investigation may also be included.

Given the political nature of legislatures where the leading party has determining power, politicians who are Rebuked, Denounced, Censured, Admonished, Condemned, Suspended, Reprimanded, Found in Contempt, Found to have Acted Improperly, or of using Poor Judgment are not included unless the scandal is exceptional or leads to further action such as expulsion, conviction or resignation. Executive pardons may or may not be mentioned, but do not erase the scandal. The verdict and legal proceedings are not affected by pardons, but may affect the sentence.

See also

• Lists of political scandals in the United States by state or territory
• List of federal political scandals in the United States
• List of federal political sex scandals in the United States
• List of American state and local politicians convicted of crimes

References

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Categories:

• Political scandals in Colorado
• Lists of political scandals in the United States by state or territory
• Colorado-related lists