Today, the Colorado Supreme Court responded to interrogatories submitted by Governor Ritter regarding the effect of the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United decision on Colorado campaign finance law.  As expected, the Court ruled that Colorado's prohibition on the use of corporate or labor union funds to pay for independent expenditures or electioneering communications is unconstitutional under the interpretation of the First Amendment set forth in Citizens United.

In response, Colorado Ethics Watch called on the legislature to strengthen disclosure requirements in Colorado campaign finance law. 

"Today's ruling creates a vacuum in Colorado campaign finance law," said Luis Toro, Director of Colorado Ethics Watch.  "Now that the Colorado Supreme Court has confirmed that the ban on this type of election-related spending is no longer valid, it is critical for the legislature to act quickly to mandate stronger disclosure requirements.  Only through disclosure will voters have the necessary information to evaluate who is behind the campaign messages that will bombard them during election season."

Today's ruling came in response to interrogatories submitted to the Supreme Court by Governor Bill Ritter, working with the support of Secretary of State Bernie Buescher.  The Court acted under Article VI, Section 3 of the Colorado Constitution, which provides that "The supreme court shall give its opinion upon important questions upon solemn occasions when required by the governor, the senate, or the house of representatives; and all such opinions shall be published in connection with the reported decision of said court."  

The ruling leaves in effect the remainder of Amendment 27, including contribution limits.

The ruling is posted under Related Documents on the right hand side of the page.