Colorado House Minority Leader Mike Lynch on Monday narrowly survived a vote to remove him as the leader of the chamber’s Republican caucus after it was made public last week that he was arrested in 2022 on suspicion of driving under the influence. The caucus tied 9-9, with one member absent, allowing him to keep his job as the chamber’s GOP leader — for now. But he could face another challenge.
Last week, it came to light that Lynch was charged in 2022 for speeding, driving under the influence, and being in possession of a firearm while intoxicated, and is still on probation.
He was also ordered to do 120 hours of community service and barred from carrying a weapon until June of this year.
Lynch is also running for Colorado’s 4th congressional district.
He sent out a press release following the vote:
Like all families, our caucus has disagreements, but not on the big issues. We remain unified and focused on the issues that matter most to the hardworking families of Colorado. Our commitment to reducing costs for working families, improving education for all students, and ensuring the safety and well-being of our Colorado communities remains unwavering.
Our caucus is working diligently every day for the good of Colorado. We understand the challenges facing our state, and we are committed to finding innovative solutions that will benefit all Coloradans. Whether it is advocating for lower costs of living, ensuring access to quality education, or combating the harmful effects of drugs in our communities, we are laser-focused on achieving positive outcomes.
As House Minority Leader, I am proud to lead a caucus that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of the people we represent.
I have fully accepted, and I own the mistake I made in 2022; that’s what leaders do. I look forward to earning the trust of the members that didn’t vote for me and I appreciate the continued support of those who did.
This session, the Republican caucus is determined to make a difference and deliver results that will have a lasting impact on the lives of our constituents. We owe it to the people of Colorado to set aside our differences and focus on the bigger picture. Together, we can build a brighter future for our great state.
Thank you, God Bless Colorado.
Rep. Mike Lynch
Colorado House Minority Leader
The Executive Director of ProgressNow Colorado, Sara Loflin, also weighed in on the controversy.
After a vote of no confidence in Colorado House Minority Leader Mike Lynch (R-Wellington) Monday morning yielded an indecisive tie vote, ProgressNow Colorado, the state’s largest multi-issue progressive advocacy organization, called on Lynch to act where his caucus failed to do so.
“New video of House Minority Leader Mike Lynch’s arrest on DUI and gun charges reveals even greater misconduct from Lynch than the police reports first indicated,” said Sara Loflin, executive director of ProgressNow Colorado. “Minority Leader Lynch’s brazen attempt to use his position to try and evade responsibility disqualifies Lynch from serving in a position of leadership in the Colorado House. Since his caucus is too morally compromised to act, Lynch owes it to the people of Colorado to do the right thing and step down as minority leader so he can work to rebuild public trust in himself as a lawmaker.”
Lynch is apparently running against Lauren Boebert, who has been representing District 3 in Congress, but recently announced her intention to run for the District 4 seat.
Boebert has been photographed regularly wearing a gun.
Bill Hudson began sharing his opinions in the Pagosa Daily Post in 2004 and can’t seem to break the habit. He claims that, in Pagosa Springs, opinions are like pickup trucks: everybody has one.