The Colorado Independent Ethics Commission voted unanimously to hold John Hickenlooper in contempt for failing to comply with a lawful subpoena to appear at an ethics hearing into accepting improper gifts and travel while serving as Governor.
While finding Hickenlooper in contempt, the Commission said: “By failing to honor the subpoena of the Commission, [Hickenlooper] has indicated a disrespect for the rule of law.”
Hickenlooper hid out all day while the Ethics Commission heard testimony. A local reporter even went to Hickenlooper’s house, and Hickenlooper’s wife told them he wasn’t home.
It’s hard to imagine how today could have gone any worse for Hickenlooper – a full day in hiding, enraging the Commission, being found in contempt, and later capitulating to appear as ordered by the subpoena, anyway. If Hickenlooper and his team weren’t so consumed by arrogance, maybe they would have seen this coming.
The hearing will resume tomorrow. We will see if Hickenlooper shows up!