Complaint alleges lobbyists paid for access to Colorado Democratic lawmakers at Vail retreat

A progressive activist seeks open records to confirm a lobbyist pay-to-play menu.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A Denver progressive activist filed a complaint seeking to compel two Colorado Democratic legislators to release records related to a private caucus retreat in Vail last October, alleging lobbyists paid up to $100,000 for special access to lawmakers at the event. The complaint targets Democratic Sen. Lindsey Daugherty and Democratic Rep. Sean Camacho, co-chairs of the Colorado Opportunity Caucus, along with the caucus itself.

Why it matters

The complaint raises concerns about potential pay-to-play access for lobbyists at a private event involving state lawmakers, which could undermine public trust in the political process. The Vail trip is already being investigated by the Colorado Independent Ethics Commission to determine whether a dark money group illegally funded the event.

The details

The complaint contains a copy of a fundraising menu, which allegedly shows lobbyists could gain access to lawmakers at varying price points — $25,000 for a panel discussion, $50,000 for a 30-minute solo presentation and a VIP event, $75,000 for an hour-long presentation and VIP event and $100,000 for an hour-long presentation plus two VIP events. The complaint argues that Daugherty and Camacho cannot simultaneously claim the caucus is a government entity while also claiming Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) does not apply because the caucus is not a government body.

  • The private caucus retreat in Vail was held in October 2025.
  • The open records requests were submitted by the plaintiff earlier this month.

The players

Derrick Blanton

A Denver progressive activist who filed the complaint seeking to compel the release of records related to the Vail retreat.

Sen. Lindsey Daugherty

A Democratic state senator and co-chair of the Colorado Opportunity Caucus.

Rep. Sean Camacho

A Democratic state representative and co-chair of the Colorado Opportunity Caucus.

Colorado Opportunity Caucus

A private caucus of Colorado Democratic lawmakers that held a retreat in Vail in October 2025.

Scott Moss

The attorney representing Derrick Blanton in the complaint.

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What they’re saying

“It's as if they held committee hearings at the Capitol but stationed a ticket taker outside saying, 'I'm not going to let you in unless you slip me a fiver, and by fiver, I mean a $100,000 bill.'”

— Scott Moss, Attorney (9NEWS)

“I sought legal guidance from non-partisan staff; I followed that guidance. I am in full compliance.”

— Rep. Sean Camacho (9NEWS)

What’s next

The Colorado Independent Ethics Commission is already investigating the Vail trip to determine whether a dark money group illegally funded the event for more than a dozen centrist lawmakers. The judge in the new complaint case will decide whether to compel the release of records related to the Vail retreat.

The takeaway

This complaint highlights concerns about potential pay-to-play access for lobbyists at private events involving state lawmakers, which could undermine public trust in the political process. The case raises questions about transparency and the ability of the public to access records related to such events.