A Democratic Governor Just Failed Our Democracy in the Worst Possible Way

The news out of Colorado has left many in the political world aghast: Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, has commuted the prison sentence of Tina Peters, the former county clerk and recorder who was convicted of multiple felonies related to her attempts to influence the 2020 election. The decision, which came despite years of pressure from President Donald Trump and local officials, raises questions about the governor’s priorities and his willingness to defy conventional wisdom within his own party.

Polis’s decision is striking because it disregards the principles of accountability in government. He has consistently emphasized that Peters will remain a convicted felon, yet the commutation essentially nullifies her punishment, allowing her to walk free after serving less than two years behind bars. This move is egregious given the severity of Peters’ crimes: she was found guilty of attempting to influence a public servant, conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, official misconduct, and failure to comply with the secretary of state.

The implications of Polis’s decision are far-reaching. It sets a precedent for election officials who abuse their power to support Trump’s election denialism. With just six months until the midterm elections, this development sends a chilling signal that there will be few consequences for those who seek to undermine the integrity of our democratic process. Peters’ conviction was related to her attempts to influence the 2020 election; by commuting her sentence, Polis has effectively given a pass to one of Trump’s most ardent supporters.

Polis claims his decision had nothing to do with Trump’s pressure campaign, but evidence suggests otherwise. His office acknowledged in January that the Trump administration threatened over $1 billion in funding for Colorado, and it is clear that Polis was under pressure to commute Peters’ sentence to regain federal funding. This raises questions about the governor’s priorities: is he more concerned with maintaining relationships with the Trump administration than upholding the principles of accountability and justice?

Polis’s decision also contradicts his own stated policies on criminal justice reform. As a self-proclaimed liberal, he has often touted his commitment to reducing mass incarceration and promoting rehabilitation over punishment. By commuting Peters’ sentence, however, he has effectively undermined these efforts and sent a message that some individuals are above the law.

The consequences of Polis’s decision extend beyond Colorado’s borders. If governors and other elected officials feel emboldened to commute sentences or pardon those convicted of crimes related to election interference, it will create a culture of impunity that threatens the very foundations of our democracy. As Frank Bowman, a former federal prosecutor and pardon expert, noted, “I think it was a very bad judgment on the part of Gov. Polis to commute her sentence.”

In the end, Polis’s decision is a betrayal not just of the principles of accountability but also of his own party’s values. It remains to be seen whether he will face backlash from within his own ranks or if this decision will have far-reaching consequences for the Democratic Party as a whole. By commuting Tina Peters’ sentence, Gov. Polis has put at risk the integrity of our democratic process and undermined the trust of the American people in their elected officials.