CO Gov Candidate Beauprez (R) protecting criminals?

[donco6]

So - for those who haven't been following this story (which puts new meaning to the word "irony"), let me fill you in:

Bob Beauprez is running for governor against Democrat Bill Ritter. Beauprez was serving as congressman from the 7th District here in CO, which is now being fought over by Ed Perlmutter D, and Rick O'Donnell R. Ritter was the Denver DA for several years.

Beauprez is trailing in the polls by 15 to 18%, so obviously his campaign is desperate. They decided to run a "Willie Horton" ad that implies that Ritter is light on crime because of his plea bargaining history as DA. (Interestingly, several other county DAs have come forward - both Dem and Rep - defending Ritter and saying his rate is not at all unusual). The Beauprez campaign ran an ad profiling a particular case in which a man pled guilty to a lesser crime from an original charge of heroin trafficking (I think - something like that anyway). This man allegedly went on to molest a child in California. Therefore "we are all in danger and if you vote for Ritter you're going to die."

Anyway, as it turns out, the information in the ad put together two different crimes commited under two aliases. The only link between the aliases is found in the National Crime Information Center database. Now things get really interesting. You see, using information from the NCIC for anything other than law enforcement activity is STRICTLY prohibited, with penalties punishable by prison terms. Beauprez, however, has been denying any knowledge of the use of the NCIC database. He has been painting the person who provided the information as a "whistleblower" - i.e., he was just "fed up" with Ritter's plea bargains and just wanted someone to know about the "wrongdoing." Unfortunately for him or her, the "whistleblowing" clause only applies when someone is breaking a law - and that's already been determined not to have been the case here.

Further - and here's where it gets really good - Beauprez voted in Congress to STRENGTHEN THE PENALTIES AGAINST THOSE WHO USE THE NCIC FOR PERSONAL GAIN! Can we say "hoisted by his own petard?" The name being floated around as the unconfirmed source is a registered Republican who provided the info directly to Beauprez campaign. Beauprez turned around and used it to gain personal advantage over a political opponent - something clearly in violation of the law.

So, is Beauprez protecting criminals now? Here's hoping his campaign continues it's downward spiral to the dust.

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_4511706

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/elections/article/0,2808,DRMN_24736_5072231,00.html

[The Brethren]

1. Beauprez is a criminal.

Yes, the irony just keeps getting thicker. After they finish their investigation of him, he'll be toast. If he doesn't end up in jail, his career will be over unless the GOP acts like nothing happened. Tsk, tsk, he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. But of course, he's done nothing wrong according to him -- typical repug politician...lie to the very end.

And if by chance he is miraculously found not guilty of any wrongdoing, I'd like to know if any citizen in CO can legally use the NCIC to double-check records on someone that are not public records. I've got some sleazy politicians in mind that I'd love to know a little more about and make that info. public. However, the courts would be a wee bit ticked at me if I did and probably throw my arse in the slammer.

And the person who misused his job to help Beauprez with his smear campaign, should be in jail right along with him. They can have adjoining cells and share notes.

[donco6]

2. I agree.

So far, this thing has legs and Beauprez could be in for a rough ride. Wonder how far it will go, or will it all fall on a "Jeff Skilling" type?

[eleny]

3. I'd like to see an ad with Beauprez as the criminal...

...using this instance as his crime. But darn - he's innocent until proven guilty. How about his being a terrorist? No, I guess that's not a fit either. I guess for now he's a schmuck who isn't suited to be governor. Good enough for me.