A Republican state representative may have violated the legislature’s workplace conduct policy when he personally attacked a Democratic colleague in a public Facebook post endorsing the Democrat’s GOP challenger. On June 15th, in a poststate Rep. Scott Slaugh (R-Johnstown) called fellow legislator Sen. Tom Sullivan (D-Aurora) an “idiot, mentally incompetent and unstable.” The insults were part of Slaugh’s endorsement of Sullivan’s likely opponent, Danielle Lammon, who is leading her primary bid to become the GOP nominee for SD27.
On June 15 Rep. Slaugh posted the following:
“Danielle is the NUMBER ONE most important race in Colorado this year IMO. Time to get rid of that idiot, mentally incompetent and unstable, coward of a gun-grabbing sicko, @TommySullivan!!”
Lammon responded to the post by thanking Slaugh for his support. Neither she nor Slaugh responded to requests for comment. This article will be updated with any response received.
Reached via email, a spokesperson for Sullivan offered the following comment:
“Political disagreements are normal and an essential part of good policymaking. However, we can debate ideas passionately without resorting to personal attacks against fellow elected officials. Such attacks are inappropriate and deeply harmful. We all must work to create a culture of mutual respect and dialogue that reflects the responsibility of the offices we hold.”
Tempers inevitably run hotter as elections near, and few issues generate as much passion as firearms. And while policy disputes, even with spicy language, are fair game, Slaugh’s characterization of a colleague’s intelligence and mental health appear to cross a line, at least according to the House’s Workplace Expectations policy. His statement would appear to violate several of the expectations listed in that document, including “Communicate in a professional and respectful manner,” and “Treat everyone fairly and demonstrate respect for all people and the ideas.”
The Colorado Times Recorder also reached out to House Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell (R- Colo. Springs), who last month cited the Workplace Expectations policies in his on-air discussion of complaints against another of his caucus members’ behavior. Following the termination of state Rep. Brandi Bradley’s aide in April, Caldwell texted the host of conservative talk radio show Ryan Schuiling during Schuiling’s June 4 interview of Bradley. Caldwell first noted Bradley’s “pattern of behavior [she has] displayed over the last several months toward non-partisan staff partisan staff and colleagues” and then cited “of “a workplace expectations policy asking [Bradley] to be respectful to all in the legislative workplace at all times.” Caldwell has yet to answer to CTR’s inquiry; this article will be updated with any response received
Reached for comment, House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, told the Colorado Times Recorder that she has been in contact with Minority Leader Caldwell and asked that he address Representative Slaugh’s social media post.
“While we respect members’ right to free speech, as elected leaders, it’s our responsibility to engage in respectful and civil discourse–both in person and online,” said McCluskie.
“No matter how much we may disagree on important issues, I implore members to lead with respect, integrity and decency. Coloradans are counting on us to get the job done, and it’s just as important to have respect and civility in the chamber as it is through the screens of our phones.”
