August 23, 2006 10:33 PM UTC

Is Gigi Crossing the Line?

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• by: Colorado Pols

Secretary of State Gigi Dennis is under fire for a series of new campaign rules that critics say hurt Democrats far more than they hurt Republicans. From The Denver Post:

A group of individual citizens, unions and a state representative filed suit Tuesday accusing Republican Secretary of State Gigi Dennis of abusing her power in issuing new campaign finance rules.

The rules, which affect unions, small-donor committees and grassroots volunteers, appear to make it more difficult for Democratic campaigns. They were issued just two and a half months before the November election.

“The secretary has had a year to consider campaign finance changes. Unfortunately, she chose to do it now,” said plaintiffs’ attorney Mark Grueskin, who filed the suit in Denver district court. “This is a case of overreaching by the secretary that went beyond the constitution.”

The suit asks the court to hold a hearing and issue an injunction so that the campaign finance rules are not enforced. Dennis said she stands by the rules she put in place on Aug. 2…

…Currently, the state constitution allows people to volunteer their time for political candidates or groups without it being considered a campaign contribution. Dennis’ new rules, however, define those volunteer activities as “services provided solely on the basis of time” such as bookkeeping and legal advice or a volunteer representing a firm or corporation.

The new rules, Grueskin contends, prohibit precinct walkers, door knockers and other volunteers associated with get-out-the-vote efforts. “It’s limiting activities people have associated with politics for years,” he said.