DENVER – Today, under close questioning by the Colorado Senate Republicans, Secretary of State Jena Griswold took responsibility for publishing passwords on the State Department’s website last year but rejected suggestions that would restore public confidence in her or her office. 

Sitting before the Joint State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, Senator Byron Pelton demanded an explanation as to why her office failed to effectively communicate with county clerks following the password breach last fall. Griswold accepted responsibility for the breach but still downplayed the concerns raised by the Senator.

During the hearing, Senator Rod Pelton (R – Cheyenne Wells) challenged Griswold to provide examples of her office attempting to restore public confidence. Unable to answer, Secretary Griswold hid behind scripted answers. 

Every year the heads of state departments, or their designees, are asked to sit before a joint legislative committee and provide information concerning the department’s budgets, goals, and performance metrics. Under pressure from the Senate Republicans, Secretary Griswold appeared before the Joint State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee today. 

“Today’s hearing was Secretary Griswold’s opportunity to restore the county clerks’, and more importantly, Colorado voters’ confidence in her office. She missed the mark completely,” Senator Byron Pelton said. “By failing to communicate with county clerks in a timely manner following the password breach, and by dismissing the magnitude of the situation, Secretary Griswold substantially eroded the public trust and confidence in her capabilities as Secretary of State.”

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