Campaign donations allegedly offered in exchange for supporting Balmer for House minority leader

A professional association is rumored to have offered at least one Republican state House member a campaign contribution in exchange for supporting Assistant House Minority Leader David Balmer (R-Centennial) as the new House Minority Leader, according to the Rocky Mountain News.

On Tuesday, current House Minority Leader Mike May temporarily withdrew his resignation from the legislature, saying in a statement that “that outside influences may have attempted to interfere with the leadership election” to succeed him.

Two separate but related ethics investigations are expected: one involving a lobbyist and the other a GOP House member, according to the Rocky’s Ed Sealover.



Erik Groves, a lobbyist for the Colorado Chiropractic Association, told the Denver Post that he heard he had been "implicated" in the matter.

"It seems as if there's been a great misunderstanding here," Groves said to the Post. "Until I'm able to learn more about the situation being investigated, I don't think it's appropriate to say much more."

May told the Post on Tuesday that he wasn't allowed to discuss the matter, which insinuates a formal complaint has been filed.

Balmer, who would face state Rep. Frank McNulty (R-Highlands Ranch) for minority leader if/when May resigns, has strong relationships with several trade associations.