Gessler unsurprised by challenge to campaign finance rules

Denver, April 6, 2012 - Following today’s announcement of a challenge to the state’s new campaign finance rules, Secretary of State Scott Gessler released the following statement:

“This challenge comes as no surprise. Groups opposing common sense rules have stacked the deck in their favor,” Gessler said. “Yet again, the office has been sued by the same secretive, unaccountable, taxpayer-subsidized groups.”

“Unlike grassroots groups, these well-funded organizations can afford attorneys and accountants to navigate the complex laws and court decisions. The new rules level the playing field by clarifying Colorado’s confusing political finance framework. We rewrote these rules to uphold free speech rights, not stifle political engagement.”

“We should be encouraging civic engagement by clarifying the rules and creating a level playing field for everyone.”