Polis Defends Tina Peters Clemency, Calling 9-Year Term Excessive for First-Time Offender
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jun 1
Polis Defends Tina Peters Clemency, Calling 9-Year Term Excessive for First-Time Offender
5 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jun 1
Polis said in a Sunday Substack post that Tina Peters’ sentence was "simply too long," arguing the former clerk was a first-time, non-violent offender even though he rejects her stolen-election claims.
The governor said clemency was a straightforward decision after reviewing the facts and an appeals court ruling, adding that prison should not punish political views and warning Peters should face accountability if she breaks the law again.
Jena Griswold called the clemency an affront to democracy that could embolden election deniers, saying Peters has kept spreading falsehoods since her release.
Democratic senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet also condemned the move, with Bennet—running to succeed Polis—saying he vehemently disagrees with the commutation.
What distinguishes a criminal act from political expression in cases of election interference?
How can election integrity be protected if consequences for security breaches are reduced?