Editor:
Mistaken allegations are the worst. They needlessly tarnish reputations. This campaign has been full of wild accusations.
With regard to a letter on Saturday, the Colorado Constitution allows individuals to make a campaign donation. Candidate committees may not donate. The Colorado Constitution states, in part: No candidates candidate committee shall accept contributions from, or make contributions to, another candidate committee . . . I have not accepted any contribution from a candidate committee. Therefore, the allegation in Saturdays letter was profoundly mistaken.
We are, thankfully, just about at the end of this primary election campaign. I have not taken any sick days or any real vacation since I was sworn in last January. My diligent work habits are well known throughout this community. During the recent attempted murder trial that I handled last month, I frequently worked past midnight during each night of the trial. During that recent trial, the campaign was obviously curtailed. However, I have recently taken some time off, out of the office, mostly in the afternoons, to talk to people about district attorney issues. Also, I deal with campaign issues before going into the office in the morning. This is a practical reality that most people understand, and it is permitted. There are only so many hours in the day during which anyone can go without sleep.
I do try to talk to as many people, one-on-one, as I can. This may be old fashioned, but it is far better than relying only on mass media or meetings or forums with one hundred people at once. I am proud to have spoken to the thousands of people that I have, answering questions one at a time.
Before this campaign is done, there may be a last minute barrage of negative campaigning in letters to the editor. My recommendation to voters is to ignore the blatantly negative letters, and focus on the real issues.
With only one week left to vote, I simply urge every voter to turn in his or her ballot, regardless of whom you vote for.
Russell Wasley
District Attorney
Editors note: Wasley is a candidate for re-election in the Republican primary. Ballots are due on Tuesday, June 26.