Another Try at the State Parties

Earlier, I contacted the Democratic state party to enquire as to whom was responsible for certifying their Presidential candidate as eligible for the office. To this point, I have not received a reply. Today, I wrote to both party's chairpeople - perhaps writing an individual will be more effective. Following is the text of these letters (they are nearly identical, so you need not read both unless you are so inclined):

NOTE: After sending my letter to Chairwoman Waak, I realized I had not edited it appropriately. The version shown here is the correct, edited version.


Chairman Wadhams,

I am seeking information regarding what individual or group of individuals was responsible for certifying that Senator John McCain was eligible to hold the Office of President. The reason I am approaching you is that the Colorado Secretary of the State's office has released the following statement in regards to this issue:

"Dear Concerned Voter: The Colorado Secretary of State's office, has received numerous calls and emails inquiring into the procedures undertaken to ensure that presidential candidates are qualified to be placed on the ballot. This email is intended to answer your questions regarding the qualifications of candidates for the office of President of the United States.

First, please understand that, pursuant to Colorado statute, the process of nominating and certifying presidential candidates to the ballot is party-oriented; candidates are certified to the state and, therefore, the legal responsibility for confirming citizenship (or any other qualification) lies with the certifying entity. Any questions regarding the qualifications of a presidential candidate should be directed to the parties, who are the certifying entities in this case.

Second, if you wish to challenge the qualifications of a Presidential candidate, the proper forum is the district court, not the Secretary of State's office. Because the nomination and certification of candidates is purely a party function, this office lacks the authority to investigate complaints levied against a particular candidate's eligibility or qualifications for office. Please see section 1-4-909, C.R.S., for more information regarding challenges to a candidate's qualifications.

In sum, please direct any inquiries regarding the qualifications of candidates to the respective parties. If you wish to challenge these qualifications, you must do so in district court. Thank you for contacting the Secretary of State's office."

As you are the chairman of the Colorado Republican Party, I thought it best to approach you first.

If it is not the state party that bears this legal responsibility, I would be much obliged if you might recommend whom I should contact in the national party to ascertain who the individual or group of indivuals are that certified that the Democratic Presidential candidate for President was eligible this election cycle.

I thank you in advance for your time, and request that a written reply be made as soon as reasonably possible - preferably within 3 business days.

Your Fellow Citizen,

Justin W. Riggs

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Chairwoman Waak,

If you read my earlier message, you will note that I am making the same request of Republican Chairman Dick Wadhams as I am of you. I apologize for my oversight when editing the letter to send to you. Here is the same request, with the appropriate titles.

I am seeking information regarding what individual or group was responsible for certifying that Senator Barack Obama was eligible to hold the Office of President. The reason I am approaching you is that the Colorado Secretary of the State's office has released the following statement in regards to this issue:

"Dear Concerned Voter: The Colorado Secretary of State's office, has received numerous calls and emails inquiring into the procedures undertaken to ensure that presidential candidates are qualified to be placed on the ballot. This email is intended to answer your questions regarding the qualifications of candidates for the office of President of the United States.

First, please understand that, pursuant to Colorado statute, the process of nominating and certifying presidential candidates to the ballot is party-oriented; candidates are certified to the state and, therefore, the legal responsibility for confirming citizenship (or any other qualification) lies with the certifying entity. Any questions regarding the qualifications of a presidential candidate should be directed to the parties, who are the certifying entities in this case.

Second, if you wish to challenge the qualifications of a Presidential candidate, the proper forum is the district court, not the Secretary of State's office. Because the nomination and certification of candidates is purely a party function, this office lacks the authority to investigate complaints levied against a particular candidate's eligibility or qualifications for office. Please see section 1-4-909, C.R.S., for more information regarding challenges to a candidate's qualifications.

In sum, please direct any inquiries regarding the qualifications of candidates to the respective parties. If you wish to challenge these qualifications, you must do so in district court. Thank you for contacting the Secretary of State's office."

As you are the chairwoman of the Colorado Democratic Party, I thought it best to approach you first. If it is not the state party that bears this legal responsibility, I would be much obliged if you might recommend whom I should contact in the national party to ascertain who the individual or group of indivuals are that certified that the Democratic Presidential candidate for President was eligible this election cycle.

I thank you in advance for your time, and request that a written reply be made as soon as reasonably possible - preferably within 3 business days.

Your Fellow Citizen,

Justin W. Riggs