Denver’s elections fueled by big money, despite new campaign finance rules

DENVER — As Denver’s elections for mayor and city council end, the results of a new campaign finance system are clear: Big money still ruled the race.

The Fair Elections Fund was designed to even the playing field by helping more diverse candidates enter the race without major financial support. Denver taxpayers spent more than $7.5 million to bolster the campaigns of candidates who agreed only to accept small donations.

But big money flowed into the elections anyway.

Outside of the official campaigns, groups known as Independent Expenditure Committees spent almost $9 million on the elections.

Most of that – nearly $5 million – supported Mike Johnston’s successful run for mayor. Johnston’s outside support came almost entirely from millionaires and billionaires in states like California and New York.

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