McElhany made his comments at the state Capitol this morning, after Senator Deanna Hanna apologized for sending a letter to a real estate group asking for a 14-hundred-dollar donation. The contribution would reportedly have made amends for members backing her opponent in the election. McElhany says Hanna should resign her seat and -- quote -- "let it be filled by someone who supports this system." Hanna said earlier that discussions with the Colorado Association of Realtors had been "heated and confused" after a tough campaign, and she felt she was losing "honesty, trust and respect" in her relationship with the group before she made her request in a letter last July. Hanna says she sees now that the words and phrases she used in the letter were inappropriate, and called it something she did in the heat of battle that she's not proud of. Senate leaders formed an ethics committee last week to look into Hanna's letter. She said at the time she would be vindicated. Hanna says today she'll cooperate with the ethics process.
Senator apologizes for $1,400 'reparations' request
DENVER (AP) - Senate Minority Leader Andy McElhany is calling on a Lakewood Democrat to step down, alleging she's hurt the reputation of the political process.
