Concerns Arise Over Polis’ Pardon of Tina Peters

On Wednesday, the Colorado Democratic Party expressed its discontent with Democratic Gov. Jared Polis for granting a pardon to Tina Peters, a former Mesa County employee who has ties to the Trump camp and is also a Gold Star mother.

Peters received the pardon for tampering with voting machines, a charge related to her challenges of the 2020 election results. She had been sentenced to nine years in prison, as previously reported. But now, Polis has altered that sentence.

Polis’ decision appears to have been influenced by supporters of former President Donald Trump, including Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert. Boebert remarked, “Tina will be released next month and will return to her family and community. God bless Tina and everyone who fought tirelessly for her release.”

The Colorado Democratic Party issued a statement reiterating its stance that Peters had been justly tried and convicted. Shad Murib, the party’s committee chairman, noted that the judge would impose the same sentence again without hesitation. Additionally, he expressed that the district attorney involved had mentioned any commutation would represent a “grave injustice.”

They further criticized the timing of the commutation, suggesting it was made under pressure from Trump, labeling the act as setting a harmful precedent. They warned that it sends a message to potential wrongdoers regarding election integrity—that consequences only apply if one isn’t connected to the president.

This situation has raised concerns about Polis’ credibility and the party’s commitment to upholding election integrity. The committee acknowledged dissenting voices within the party but maintained its resolve to combat election denialism.

A court ruling has also stated that Gov. Polis is barred from acting as a representative or speaker for the Colorado Democratic Party until further notice.