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GOP's May says Polis 'threatening' in Amendment 41 talk

Lynn Bartels, Rocky Mountain News

Published February 9, 2007 at midnight

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Jared Polis, the chief backer of Amendment 41, had the Capitol abuzz Thursday when he warned Republicans that they'll lose elections if they don't help fix his ethics measure.

Polis met with House Minority Leader Mike May, R-Parker, who said he was stunned when the Internet entrepreneur reminded him that his wealth helped Democrats win the majority in 2004.

May said Polis then said Republicans could end up with even fewer members if they refuse to fix problems with Amendment 41.

May called Polis' behavior "inappropriate," "atrocious" and "threatening."

May told Polis he didn't think lawmakers could undo problems with the measure because it is now in the state constitution.

May believes Gov. Bill Ritter needs to step in.

"I think a legislator could have interpreted Jared's remarks as a threat, but it was not so intended," said Polis' lobbyist, Steve Durham, who was present at their meeting at the Capitol.

Polis also said Democrats could be a target of voters, Durham said.

In the meeting, Polis referred to a recent poll that shows more than 85 percent of Coloradans are upset about the unintended consequences of Amendment 41, including denying scholarships to the children of government workers. Polis warned May that political groups that finance attack ads could go after lawmakers in both parties if they don't address Amendment 41's flaws, Durham said.

But, Durham said, Polis promised he would not be involved in any of those attacks.

Durham said he was sorry that Polis' message didn't come across clearer. "I think you have to treat lawmakers with a certain amount of deference and respect, and Jared is new to the process," Durham said.

But Capitol observers noted that Polis is no political novice - he just ended a term on the state Board of Education.

"It appears Polis has had another poorly worded moment with unintended consequences," quipped Sen. Ted Harvey, R-Highlands Ranch.

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