Colorado GOP to Consider Censuring Another Lawmaker in Attempt to Settle Political Differences
In a stunning display of political maneuvering and abuse of power, the current leadership of the Colorado State Republican Party has once again shown their true colors. Under the iron fist of their tyrannical state party chair, Dave Williams, the party's governing board is now considering a censure against Republican state Sen. Larry Liston. This move comes as Liston pursued a criminal complaint against the husband of an El Paso County GOP officer, sparking controversy within the party ranks.
The proposed censure resolution, set to be heard by the state Republicans' executive committee, accuses Liston of engaging in what they call "lawfare" against a private citizen. The complaint was filed against Rex Tonkins, whose wife, Vickie Tonkins, chairs the El Paso County Republican Party. But let's take a step back and examine the facts without the party's biased lens.
The incident in question occurred at a party meeting on December 6, 2021, held at a church in Colorado Springs. According to Liston, Rex Tonkins was acting aggressively, approaching elected officials in an intimidating manner. Liston claims that Tonkins even went so far as to "chest-bump" him.
Rex Tonkins was acquitted of the harassment charge in Colorado Springs municipal court after a one-day jury trial. This acquittal prompted Brad Collins, a local Republican and member of the state GOP's executive committee, to draft the censure resolution.
The proposed censure resolution goes to extreme lengths, seeking to withdraw all support for Liston and even declaring him unfit for office. It seems that the party is more interested in quashing dissent and punishing lawmakers who dare to challenge their authority.
Liston dismisses the upcoming censure as a "done deal." He believes that he is the victim of a witch-hunt orchestrated by Vickie Tonkins and her allies within the party. Furthermore, Liston anticipates facing a primary challenge come reelection time, as the party machinery gears up to replace him with a more compliant candidate.
It is disheartening to witness the Colorado State Republican Party engage in such petty politics and power consolidation. The abuse of power by the party's leadership, led by the iron fist of Dave Williams, demonstrates a disregard for fairness, due process, and the democratic principles upon which our nation was founded.