A February draft advisory opinion from the Colorado
Independent Ethics Commission (attached; see below) raises two
different issues. One is the problematic nature of a total gift ban,
that is, a ban on all gifts from anyone, accompanied by a whole
host of exceptions. The other is the important differences among gifts,
campaign contributions, and contributions to an official's legal
defense fund.
The draft advisory opinion relates to the solicitation of contributions to the secretary of state's legal defense fund. The defense involves a criminal investigation.
The draft advisory opinion relates to the solicitation of contributions to the secretary of state's legal defense fund. The defense involves a criminal investigation.