Republicans say Dem lawmaker violated federal law, postal rules (Colorado)

Rocky Mountain News ^ | August 1, 2003 | John J. Sanko

[garmonbozia]

Sen. Keller had filed lawsuit over state GOP proposal for redistricting

The Democratic lawmaker who filed suit challenging a Republican congressional redistricting map found herself being challenged Thursday by Republicans.

The Colorado Republican Party accused Sen. Moe Keller, D-Wheat Ridge, of violating federal law and postal regulations by using the Democratic Party's nonprofit permit to mail political literature.

GOP State Party Chairman Ted Halaby filed a complaint with the U.S. Postal Service and asked "at a minimum" that full payment be collected.

"I also request that the Postal Service investigate prior mailings made recently with the Colorado Democratic Party's mail permit to determine whether or not there is a pattern of willful behavior in this regard," Halaby wrote.

A spokesperson for U.S. Postal Service Inspector Linden Davis, who received the complaint, said the agency could not comment on whether an investigation was under way.

Only hours after she learned of the action, Keller said she would deliver a check for eight cents per mail piece to the U.S. Postal Service to "clear up any misunderstanding."

Keller said there were 22,083 mailings that went to Republicans, Democrats and unaffiliated constituents in the district. That means Keller will be writing a check for $1,766.64.

Keller said she was convinced the complaint was directed at her because of her involvement in the redistricting dispute.

"I'm clearly very important to the Republican Party that they feel the need to monitor and track my every move instead of focusing on the bigger problems of the state," Keller said.

"I will not be muzzled or intimidated by their tactics. I checked first and was told by state party headquarters that it was all right (to use their stamp for the mailings)," she explained.

Asked whether she thought her lawsuit was the catalyst for the GOP action against her, she quickly responded, "Of course, it is. One certainly might draw that conclusion."

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Ken Gordon, D-Denver, agreed.

"They are trying to deflect attention away from their numerous questionable activities of last three months."

State GOP Political Director Scott Russell insisted the redistricting lawsuit had nothing to do with the complaint.

"We (Republicans) comply with the secretary of state's mandates, statutes and the constitution," Russell said.

"When we point out that a Democrat has broken one of those rules or violated them, they get all upset with us," he added. "We just want them to be held accountable for their actions."

Halaby said using the nonprofit permit allowed Keller to mail the material at about one-third of what it normally would cost.

[garmonbozia]

The lawsuit against the redistricting is going to cost the taxpayers a lot more than $1800. I hope we can be reimbursed by Colorado Democrats for those charges as well.