Democratic governor under fire over clemency for 2020 election denier

Colorado Governor Jared Polis has commuted the sentence of Tina Peters, a Republican former county clerk convicted of tampering with election equipment. Peters, who admitted to making mistakes and apologized, was serving a nine-year sentence. Governor Polis stated that Peters' sentence was disproportionate for a first-time, non-violent offender, emphasizing that he was not issuing a pardon. He acknowledged her actions were illegal and costly to Mesa County and Colorado, but argued for fair application of laws. However, the decision has drawn strong criticism from fellow Democrats, including Senator John Hickenlooper and Attorney General Phil Weiser, who believe it undermines election trust and the rule of law.

Congresswoman Lauren Boebert suggested that former President Donald Trump withheld federal funding for a Colorado clean drinking water project due to the prosecution of election denier Tina Peters. Colorado Governor Jared Polis commuted Peters' nearly nine-year prison sentence, ordering her release on June 1st. Peters, a former county clerk, had allowed unauthorized access to voting records. Boebert welcomed Peters' commutation, crediting both her own efforts and Trump's advocacy. Boebert stated she was told Peters' situation was the reason for the blocked water funding and expressed hope that her release would lead to the release of federal funds for the project. Trump had previously vetoed a bill supporting the water project, citing financial concerns, though Boebert noted his prior support for it.