Democrat Lawmakers Face Scrutiny Over Vail Retreat Funded by Undisclosed Donors

By Taylor Dolven and Jesse Paul | The Colorado Sun

The Colorado Opportunity Caucus, considered among the more moderate Democrats in the legislature, organized the event. The caucus was formed as a nonprofit that doesn’t disclose its donors.

At least 17 Democratic state lawmakers gathered with lobbyists during a weekend retreat at a Vail hotel organized by the nonprofit Colorado Opportunity Caucus.

The two-day gathering included “educational panels” and discussions, according to state Sen. Lindsey Daugherty, an Arvada Democrat who is chair of the caucus formed in January as a nonprofit. She said the purpose of the event was to “get a group of pragmatic, diverse legislators together to really talk about our goals for our caucus based on what we think the Colorado people really want and need.”

Members of the Opportunity Caucus are considered among the more moderate Democrats in the legislature. The retreat the weekend of Oct. 4 has stoked ire among Capitol progressives, who are quietly asking questions about who funded the gathering and its intent.

The Democratic lawmakers who attended the retreat included Daugherty and Sens. Marc Snyder of Manitou Springs, Kyle Mullica of Thornton, Judy Amabile of Boulder, Dylan Roberts of Frisco and Dafna Michaelson Jenet of Commerce City. Also there were Reps. Tisha Mauro of Pueblo, William Lindstedt of Broomfield, Michael Carter of Aurora, Jacque Phillips of Thornton, Meghan Lukens of Steamboat Springs, Matthew Martinez of Monte Vista, Katie Stewart of Durango, Sean Camacho of Denver, Rebekah Stewart of Lakewood, Karen McCormick of Longmont, and Cecelia Espenoza of Denver.

Lobbyist Jason Hopfer — whose clients include the Colorado Association of Realtors, Xcel Energy, the private prison contractor GEO Group, and the Denver-based tech company Ibotta — attended the retreat. Other lobbyists present included Patrick Boyle, whose clients include the cities of Cherry Hills Village and Greenwood Village and the Colorado Restaurant Association; Katie March, who represents GoWest Credit Union Association; and Brian Tanner, vice president of public policy for the Colorado Association of Realtors.

The Colorado Sun confirmed who was there using photos taken by someone who spotted the group in Vail.

Daugherty said lodging, food and drink for the lawmakers who participated in the retreat — at least part of which was held at the ritzy Sonnenalp Hotel — were paid for by the Opportunity Caucus.

As a nonprofit, the Opportunity Caucus doesn’t have to report its donors. Nonprofits file annual financial forms, called 990s, that generally only include their total revenue, expenses, assets and liabilities.

Daugherty declined to name the group’s donors after being asked by The Sun, but she said they include business and environmental groups, as well as nonprofits. She also said members of the caucus pay dues.

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