DENVER, CO — Colorado gubernatorial candidate Michael Bennet released the following statement in response to Tina Peters’ early release from prison today:
“Tina Peters is a stone-cold election denier who was convicted by a jury of her peers for tampering with our election systems. She deserves to be in jail. Today, as she walks free, she will no doubt continue to prop up the Big Lie and sow distrust about Colorado’s gold-standard elections as President Trump and Vice President Vance celebrate her as a shining example of their dangerous conspiracy theories. And now, she could be eligible for Donald Trump’s blatantly corrupt slush fund. That’s exactly why I have committed to a 100% tax on any slush fund payouts.
“As I’ve said, I vehemently disagree with Governor Polis’ decision to commute Peters’ sentence. Lawlessness only breeds more lawlessness. As President Trump continues to attempt to nationalize our elections and take away Coloradans’ right to mail-in voting, now is the time to stand strong for our institutions and the rule of law. As Governor, that is what I will fight for every day.”
Today’s release comes on the heels of Vice President J.D. Vance’s suggestion that Peters could potentially qualify for compensation from the Department of Justice’s illegal slush fund despite her felony convictions tied to Colorado election security breaches.
Last week, Michael committed to levy a 100% Colorado tax on any payouts distributed to convicted election denier Tina Peters or other recipients in Colorado to combat Donald Trump’s blatantly corrupt and illegal $1.8 billion taxpayer-funded “Anti-Weaponization Fund.”
Michael has already taken steps to put an end to the illegal fund, calling for an investigation into the legality of the fund and preparing legislation to eliminate the fund entirely and prohibit any similar funds from being created in the future.
Michael will also co-lead Colorado U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper’s amendment to block any federal funds from going to Tina Peters after Vice President J.D. Vance suggested that Peters could potentially qualify for compensation from the fund despite her felony convictions tied to Colorado election security breaches.
