I drafted this press release as a first response to the initial mail piece attacking us and supporting our opponent by this "mystery" group. In truth, it wasn't at all a mystery. Large amounts of cash coming from formerly US West now Qwest communications were being funneled into five key Primary races around the State of Colorado in order for Qwest to secure the needed number of votes to pass critical de-regulation legislation the following session. The group was hiding it's financial activities under a little known US Supreme Court ruling that gave such immunities to so-called "educational" groups.

http://www.4martha.com

mhk_co@earthlink.net

Martha Kreutz, candidate for State Senate District 26, called into question recent campaign activities done on behalf of her opponent by a mystery group attempting to circumvent campaign laws. Last week, area voters received a mail piece from a group calling themselves the Citizens Victory Fund.

"The Citizens Victory Fund is not a registered political committee with the Secretary of State’s office as required by law, nor did they disclose the mailing as an Independent Expenditure." Kreutz stated. What the campaign’s research revealed was that the group was registered as a corporation with the State. The group’s registered agent listed with the state is lobbyist Frank "Pancho" Hays, who represents clients such as US West, Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp., and Lorillard Tobacco Co.

Kreutz commented, "This is clearly an attempt to defy the intent of the campaign reform passed by 65% of the people of Colorado. We can not allow this election cycle to be stolen from the people of Colorado." Although exact figures are currently unavailable, it is estimated that the group has committed over $100,000 for election related activities on behalf of numerous campaigns throughout the state. Kreutz is asking, "Who is funding the group, whose interests are being represented, and what do they stand for? I believe the voters have a right to know."

When the Kreutz campaign attempted to contact the group by going directly to their corporate headquarters as listed on the literature, they found it was an older apartment building in the Capitol Hill area. When they spoke with the on-site apartment manager, she knew nothing of the group and would not confirm the existence of the unit listed as part of the address.

The Kreutz campaign is filing a formal written complaint (see attached) with the Secretary of State’s office for what the campaign believes to be clear violations of state statutes regarding independent expenditure campaigns or political committees.

Kreutz concluded by issuing a challenge to her opponent. "I call upon my opponent to pledge that he will contact these people and advise them to cease their intentional misuse of Colorado campaign laws and pledge to campaign not only within the letter of the law but also within the spirit."