State worker in hot water for e-mail accusing Carol Chambers
Brauchler backer says lawyer Azar funds campaign
April M. Washingtonand Lynn Bartels, Rocky Mountain News
Published July 22, 2008 at 7:55 p.m.
Updated July 23, 2008 at 12:23 a.m.
Carol Chambers
George Brauchler
Frank Azar
An employee in the Colorado attorney general's office sent an e-mail from her work computer Tuesday accusing Arapahoe District Attorney Carol Chambers' re-election campaign of being bankrolled by "notorious attorney Frank Azar."
The employee, Dara Rockett Benoit, wrote that she backs Chambers' GOP primary opponent, George Brauchler, a former assistant district attorney in Jefferson County.
The state does not allow employees to send political e-mails on their work accounts.
"The employee's actions are a clear violation of office policy, and the matter will be handled internally," said Nate Strauch, spokesman for Attorney General John Suthers.
Benoit, a Brauchler supporter, conducts civil investigations into collection agencies' compliance with consumer laws. She could not be reached for comment.
Her e-mail was sent to the Rocky Mountain News, but it was unclear who else received it.
Franklin Azar is a personal injury attorney known for his TV ads. His office said he could not be reached for comment, and a receptionist refused to try to contact him for this story.
Chambers said it was "blatantly improper" for Brauchler's campaign to use "state resources and state time to further its goal."
Brauchler said he hasn't encouraged anyone to use state time or resources to back him.
"People make mistakes and they should own up to them and not run from them or blame others like my opponent has in the past," he said. "I expect Dara to do that. That's what distinguishes our campaigns."
Brauchler accused Chambers of being hypocritical, charging she used office resources and staff to campaign. He said that a day after several police and sheriff unions endorsed him, Chambers spent two hours blogging to the Rocky's Web site.
Chambers said the blogger was actually a campaign worker.
Benoit wrote in her e-mail that she received two "huge, full color" campaign brochures on Chambers' behalf from a group called People for Victims Rights. She looked the group up on the secretary of state's Web site.
"Turns out that People for Victims Rights is a political-action committee that has existed for two weeks, is located in Jefferson County and has no 'People,' just one donor who bankrolls the entire organization to the tune of $60,000," Benoit wrote. "That donor is notorious attorney Frank Azar."
Chambers said she has no relationship with Azar.
"The (political committees) can do anything they want and say what they want. I have no influence over it whatsoever," she said.
washingtona@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5086
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July 22, 2008
9:39 p.m.
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DA18th writes:
Mr. Brouchler simply makes things up. I did not spend two hours blogging. I did not spend any time blogging. My campaign did not use office equipment, time, or on-duty staff to blog. I have no connection to or input into any 527. Dara Benoit knew better than to campaign using taxpayer funded time and equipment. Carol Chambers
July 22, 2008
9:59 p.m.
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ConcernedAboutChambers writes:
Having read your article, there is one very disturbing -- seemingly meritess allegation . . .
It seems that Ms. Chambers is feeling the heat radiating from the George Bracuhler momentum machine. She is flailing around in the dark, accusing soon-to-be Republican candidate for District Attorney Mr. Brauchler of encouraging state employees to use state resources to support his election bid.
Shame on you Ms. Chambers.
You are notorious for your knee-jerk reactions -- which is one of the reasons you were censured by the Colorado Supreme Court for threatening another attorney wih a grand jury investigation from your kitchen, eventually costing the taxpayers $100,000 because of your temper.
You are blameworthy for your knee-jerk reactions -- which is the primary reasons more than 30 prosecutors have left your office since you took the reins 3 1/2 year ago!
You are infamous for your knee-jerk reactions -- which is one of the reasons you complained about your pay minutes after taking your oath in January 2005.
You have no facts to support your allegations Ms. Chambers. You owe Mr. Brauchler an apology.
And what's with Frank Azar, the notorious strong arm, providing you with $60,000 for this campaign? And you say you have no relationship? Say what? Isn't that sort of like saying the sun rises in the west. Some of the voters were born at night Ms. Chambers -- but not last night.
July 22, 2008
10:11 p.m.
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FauxCottrell writes:
Ms. Chambers has accused Mr. Brauchler's campaign of encouraging state employees to misuse resources. Where's the proof? Your article contains none.
While stewing on that question, who exactly is Kathleen Walsh? Ms. Walsh is quoted in every article your paper has published on this race (which Bracuhler seems to be winning by all accounts). She is apparently the spokesperson for the Chambers campaign. One of your investigative reporters should be able to figure out that Ms. Walsh is ALSO the public information officer for none other than the District Attorney's office in which Ms. Chambers works!!
Talk about a conflict of interest. How can Ms. Chambers allow a county employee to respond to questions about campaign matters for Ms. Chambers during working hours? Isn't that a PROVEN, fact-based problem with the Chambers camp? Ms. Chambers sure is quick to point the finger . . .
As the old saying goes, when you point at someone, you ususally have three finger pointing right back at you!!
July 22, 2008
10:12 p.m.
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samsmargolis writes:
Carol - you're a nut case. Seek help immediately - and indefinitely.
July 22, 2008
10:17 p.m.
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ConcernedAboutChambers writes:
RMN -- thanks for posting the actual e-mail that has landed the state worker in trouble. It was enlightening.
Anyone reading it has to reach the same conclusion as Ms. Benoit --
George Brauchler should get the votes for District Attorney.
July 22, 2008
10:25 p.m.
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FauxCottrell writes:
Hey ConcernedAboutChambers -- did you notice that the attorney who sent the e-mail did so at 12:31 p.m.? Don't those folks get a lunch hour down there?
July 22, 2008
11:24 p.m.
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SilpacTalk writes:
The name is Brauchler, not Brouchler or Bracuhler but does it matter? He employs the same tactics he accused the DA of doing. Just call him King George, he thinks he is one. This is not a monarchy but the United States of America.
Check out some of the other Brauchler blogs on the RMN, there are blogs about an ACLU violation. Bye-bye momentum machine when that hits the news. The inside talk at the Republican breakfast last week was pro-Chambers.
So, is Raidermom Dara Rockett Benoit? Were all the posts done during her working hours on my taxpayer money on behalf of Brauchler?
Voters - it’s time to call John Suthers, the State Attorney General. And Brauchler, time for you to follow the rules just like everyone else. Ossifer, if you are reading, IHN told you so. Benoit is on her own!
July 23, 2008
7:37 a.m.
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sheepherder writes:
Nice Sam, very intelligent.
July 23, 2008
10:07 a.m.
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jbowen43 writes:
Perhaps it's about time the media lays out for the reader the entire Carol Chambers story and the history of her ethical lapses.
July 23, 2008
10:30 a.m.
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ConcernedAboutChambers writes:
You are right jbowen43 -- it is time our fair newspaper the RMN puts it all on the table for voters. The picture will not be pretty which is why George Brauchler will win on August 12.
Here's a start for those of you with interest:
http://www.coloradosupremecourt.com/P...
Keep in mind that Ms. Chambers is the first elected District Attorney to receive a censure from the Colorado Supreme Court in a generation! And she spent $100,000 of taxpayer funds to defend herself in the Supreme Court action.
Please send e-mails to Ms. Bartels and Ms. Washington asking each to follow-up on Ms. Chambers' missteps and the issue raised above regarding her government-paid campaign spokesperson Ms. Walsh.
July 23, 2008
7:15 p.m.
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Truth_Seeker writes:
Has anyone thought to ask the single most important question in this race? Which candidate will best protect the community and evenhandedly enforce the laws of this state?
I can tell you this, Carol Chambers has done more to put repeat offenders in prison than any other elected official in this state. Before she took office, habitual criminals would routinely get plea bargains that resulted in them serving a fraction of the sentence they originally faced. Similarly, people who escaped from halfway houses, generally having multiple felony convictions, used to get nothing more than a year tacked onto their sentences. Carol changed that by imposing stiff new policies on habitual criminals and escape cases that have resulted in VASTLY higher penalties for repeat offenders, often three or four times higher than what they would have received in other jurisdictions or in Arapahoe before she took office.
By that measure, Carol has been a terrific success. How do I know this? I worked for her and was here to see those changes put into place. If you don't believe me, ask the defense attorneys who call Arapahoe county "Arapahell" because of the stiff plea bargain policies, or the thousands of victims who have seen offenders properly punished, or ask a crook, if you can find one, and ask them which district in this state they would LEAST like to be prosecuted in. I guarantee the answer will be Arapahoe County. Heck, you could even ask all the former DA's office employees (like Ms. Benoit by the way), who are behind Brauchler's candidacy, and they will be hard pressed to deny this too.
I haven't heard anything about what George Brauchler plans to do to make this community safer. All I have heard is a lot of juvenile nattering from his supporters.
So if you care about the most important job of any district attorney, protecting the community, you might want to consider voting for the candidate who has proven she can do that. That's what I care about.
July 23, 2008
11:12 p.m.
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UnitSeven writes:
I am an employee of the 18th Judicial District Atttorney’s Office and I am here, on my own time using my own computer, to show my support for Carol Chambers because she has done an exceptional job as our DA. Carol has been a strong advocate for victim’s rights, has set up classes to help victim’s understand the judicial system, has been adamant in the development of our juvenile diversion program to help juvenile offenders get back on the right track, has been tough on crime, has been able to prevent crime, and has been able to ultimately lower the crime rate in the 18th Judicial District. Her 18 years of experience prosecuting cases in this district have allowed her the knowledge and insight to lay a strong foundation for effective prosecution and crime prevention. As the District Attorney, it has taken her time to implement these policies and we must ensure that she has the opportunity to build on the foundation that she has created.
Please check out the following link to learn more...
www.carolchambersforda.com
July 27, 2008
12:19 a.m.
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CONCERNEDABOUTBRAUCHLER writes:
In review of all the blogging and interchange posted on the RMN, DP, and community weekly newspapers, I have attempted to understand the issues of all the local and national races. I find it somewhat interesting that George Brauchler appears to be the only candidate that has aligned himself to this degree with disgruntled former employees and a disgruntled cop. Obviously, these folks will have negative things to blog (Mathew, Dara, Brian, etc.).
Brauchler’s blogs are tantamount to those of a loosing cheerleading section. Clearly Brauchler continues to manipulate the facts. Say and write what you will, but Brauchler’s myth’s can all be dispelled. Brauchler et al have not been able to execute one single convincing argument on any board. In fact, most of the Brauchler board slamming appears to be the work of maybe 5 inexperienced campaign workers. Republicans just aren’t buying into the spin by a challenger they can’t get excited about. His former peers, associates and allies advised him to hold off, on air and via personal communication.
Brauchler, take note. Republicans just aren’t that into you.
July 27, 2008
8:49 a.m.
Suggest removal
ConcernedAboutChambers writes:
CAB: Wow -- you really do work for Carol, do you not? You have mastered hyperbole.
Here are four questions for you to answer:
1. Yes or no. Was Carol Chambers publicly censured by the Colorado Supreme Court in the last three years?
2. Yes or no. Did Ms. Chambers use taxpayer dollars to pay for her legal defense in the matter that led to her public censure?
3. Yes or no. Have more than 30 prosecutors left the 18th JD office in the last three and a half years?
4. Is there a single law enforcement official -- other than those that work in the Chambers office -- that will publicly stand up for Carol Chambers?
Simple questions, really.
If you won't answer them, we know you are nothing more than a mouthpiece for Ms. Chambers. Put your honesty on the line CAB -- people are reading!!
July 27, 2008
7:44 p.m.
Suggest removal
InHisName writes:
The Brauchler blogs have become somewhat redundant and full of condescending droll. It’s a shame too, because I have heard Brauchler speak publically and he can be expressive.
Unfortunately, his team of bloggers undermine his message and sabotage (unbeknownst to them, I’m sure) his points. I skip most of those, and for good reason. The blogger is always “concerned” about something, (“ConcernedAboutChambers”, “ConcernedRepublican”) and they manipulate the information to such a degree, Brauchler comes off as stumping superfluous old points with no new thoughts on how to better run a department he has indicated is void of leadership.
In response to a previous post by a Brauchler supporter, understand that the “backing” of a department does not equate to the backing of each individual employee of the dept. That is what equates to votes.
The indication (on the boards and one the street) of an ACLU violation makes me feel uneasy. I don’t want to vote for a future District Attorney that may be in the news on issues related to violations of the First Amendment of any citizen.
As a Republican voter in District 18, I’m not convinced yet.
July 28, 2008
9:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
FauxCottrell writes:
So in 2004, the RMN endorsed Eva Wilson for the job. This year, the RMN has stated that it will not endorse a candidate for this job. Is that not a vote of "no confidence" in Chambers? How can it be viewed any other way?
And InHisName -- are smoking that stuff you're peddling? You won't vote for a future DA that may be in the news? That's laughable. You've already cast your lot with a woman that makes monthly news appearances -- really none of them good other than when her office (not her) wins a slam dunk death penalty conviction. Read later this week and you'll see yet another Chambers grievance situation. Wonder if she'll use your taxes to defend herself this time.
The race is over . . . Brauchler has the cops and the citizens. Time to jump on the bandwagon . . . we have room for you!
Hey -- and don't think the strong arm thing is dead. People inside the office are buzzing . . .word is bound to get out . . .
July 28, 2008
10:01 p.m.
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WeNeedALeader writes:
Hey Folks -- interesting reading. Lots of emotion it seems. One thing that is troubling is that I've heard Chambers accuse Brauchler of having no leadership experience. Well, we need a leader. And I am not sure Chambers has earned the right to lead that office. Besides, isn't Brauchler an officer in the Army Reserve. Someone said he went on active duty after September 11 and he led men and women. Sounds like he was probably a leader even before Chambers was elected.
We need a leader in our DA's office. Brauchler hasn't been subject to the scrutiny Chambers has since he has not been elected before, but she sure has been a lightning rod -- I'm just not sure we need that kind of leader.
Any thoughts out there? As it stands, I think Brauchler is the better choice, but I suppose I could be persuaded -- if someone can give me some real examples of the leadership Chambers has displayed. I also heard that half her office has left her in the last few years . . . is that true?
Thanks in advance for your responses . . .
July 29, 2008
8:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
BushCountryAnzFamily writes:
To WNAL- According to the C.V. Brauchler has posted online, he was only mobilized after Sept. 11, not actually activated. The mobilization consisted of a drive to Fort Carson, about 85 miles south from his home in Douglas County for a couple of months. He is with the Judge Advocate General and basically wrote wills (while serving as a reservist) for the true American soldiers and heroes who were deployed to Iraq, etc.
Brauchler himself has never been deployed to combat. Just google "George Brauchler vitae" and see for yourself. Teaching and doing are two different things. Brauchler has never led a soldier in combat, so don't post or boast to that spin.
The big word at the Justice center is that Brauchler can’t even carry his own street. Some of his neighbors have posted signs and they aren’t even members of our Republican Party. Brauchler is window dressing at best, but that will not add up to the votes he needs to beat Carol Chambers. Back home, when George Bush was running for the presidency of this great country, there was a “George Bush for President” sign in every yard. That’s how you win an election.
July 30, 2008
7:20 a.m.
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WeNeedALeader writes:
Geez BushCountry -- you showed up here? Does the fact Brauchler has never been deployed to combat mean he's unworthy in your eyes? Seems childish. Looking at your post, you've ansered nothing about the job that he and that gal are battling for.
Has he ever been in trouble with our Supreme Court?
And what is a public censure? There's a former prosecutor with a letter to the editor that says your gal spent $100K of your and my money defending herself and she lost and received a public censure. Is that all true? Can we find the public censure on line? I've tried. Can you find if if you Google the name Carol Chambers and add "public censure." You must know.
Yard signs? What are you talking about? That's really not helpful.
Looks like Brauchler is still the choice of this voter. And all the folks I can talk to -- and have talked to.
July 31, 2008
10:38 a.m.
Suggest removal
ANV2008 writes:
The ground swells when water is poured on it. As I have experienced it,
Carol Chambers has abused the office she holds by choosing to favor lawyers and cases. Look into her relationship to the cases with her former boss and Arapahoe DA, Robert R. Gallagher Jr. I'm sure many others out there know what I'm talking about, particularly law enforcement. People are afraid to come forward because they fear retribution by her office. Give her 4 more years and there will be more abuses of office and quite victims suffering.
August 11, 2008
8:46 p.m.
Suggest removal
MyVoteIsIn writes:
A very intriguing race . . .
Lots of emotion on the blogs -- I suppose that is typical. Reminds me of Ritter and Silverman years ago (not the blogging, but the bitterness). I have researchd these two individuals a bunch, talked to co-workers and former co-workers.
The research reveals the following: Ms. Chambers has certainly been willing to take a stand on several, controversial issues. From her own salary to habitualizing criminals every time out, she has come under fire for taking self-righteous, unorthodox approaches to a number of self-perceived dilemmas. She has certainly made a stink with the judges out there (in Arapahoe County she threatened to clog dockets and a judge in some rural county called her office "unethical" within the last few months). No matter the light cast upon these episodes, one mistake is forgiveable, two bring scrutiny, three raise eyebrows and four is absolutely enough.
And then there is this ethics issue with the Colorado Supreme Court that is really a big deal since she is the first publicly censured DA in a century. That cannot be a positive.
Then you have Mr. Brauchler -- clearly the less-experienced prosecutor in terms of years, but it appears he has done an awful lot in those years. He stuck his foot in his mouth with the Navy comments and apparent homophobic remarks on the radio, but I am not so sure that disqualifies him from serving in public office. His service in the Army reserves is admirable.
Grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, but in this case, it appears Ms. Chambers has planted some really ugly weeds on her side.
My vote is in: Mr. Brauchler.
I cannot imagine he would beat any other incumbent coming form inside the incumbent's party, but Ms. Chambers had the chance to do great things and spoiled it with multiple errors in judgment and a seeming unwillingness to admit fault. Those errors have cost us taxpayers more than $100,000 by her own admission. That's simply unacceptable.
September 24, 2008
11:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
NotOnMyBlock writes:
Honestly, in my opinion, the biggest factor in George Brauchler losing the race was the conduct Marcia Brauchler utilized during the election. As per my previous posts, Marcia Brauchler sabotaged George’s campaign efforts because of her spiteful and pitiful behavior. Big point - our block hosts “neighborhood dinners”, and Brauchler’s wife manipulated so many of our neighbors against “lawn man” and his spouse, the dinner coordinator sent a “false cancellation” to all attendees, to “uninvite” lawn man, etc. Then of course we were all re-invited to the neighborhood dinner on a different date. I even feel stupid, and somewhat guilty, acknowledging that we even attended. I did have the decency to call “lawn man” about the neighborhood antics, and I wish I had the same level of dignity he demonstrated. He really didn’t care if a handful of neighbors couldn’t stand up to Marcia Brauchler’s campaign of hate; all she has done is corrupt our neighborhood. The broad has been pretty indifferent to me since I refused to put a “GeorgeforDA” sign in my yard. Quoting John Hickenlooper, the fine mayor of Denver, “there is no benefit in having enemies”, but Marcia Brauchler doesn’t get it. “Lawn man was Dis-invited to a neighborhood get-together, but George Brauchler was Dissed by 8400 plus voters. This is a story that will not go away. I guess what comes around, goes around. Karma $ux$.