The Colorado Secretary of State’s Office is investigating an alleged campaign finance violation for advertising and a website opposing the Democratic candidate for Highlands Ranch’s House District 43.
A complaint filed by Angela Thomas, the chair of the Douglas County Democrats, on Oct. 31 alleges Highlands Ranch resident Aaron Wood and an organization, DougCo Protective, bought advertising and a website to oppose representative elect Bob Marshall’s campaign for Colorado House District 43 without including the legally required disclaimer of who paid for the campaign materials.
Thomas’ complaint cites the website BobsNot4Colorado.com, social media in the same name, signs in Highlands Ranch directing people to the website and an electronic billboard on a truck that said Marshall brought a confederate flag to a rally for former president Donald Trump.
None of the campaign materials have a paid-for-by disclaimer.
On Nov. 15, the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office determined potential violations of campaign finance law for not including the disclaimer on the website and advertising.
However, in a response to the complaint, Aaron Wood provided receipts for the website BobsNot4Colorado.com and stickers with the same website that show he paid less than $200 for the campaign materials.
Under Colorado law, an individual is allowed to spend up to $200 without including a paid-for-by-disclaimer.
Wood said he was not affiliated with DougCo Protective or the electronic billboard on a truck seen in Highlands Ranch.
Wood told Colorado Community Media he felt the complaint was an effort to silence his voice and others who oppose Democratic candidates.
Thomas did not respond to a request for comment from Colorado Community Media by publication.
The complaint is still listed as open on the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office website.
Keywords
campaign finance violations Colorado,
Highlands Ranch campaign finance complaint,
Rep. Bob Marshall,
Colorado House District 43
