Gov. Jared Polis ignited a political firestorm Tuesday night after weighing in on the prison sentences of two former Colorado officials convicted of attempting to influence a public servant. The comments quickly fueled speculation about possible clemency for former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters and drew sharp pushback from fellow Democrats.

Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado offered the clearest signal yet late on Tuesday that he might commute the nine-year sentence of Tina Peters, the last high-profile Trump ally still in prison for crimes st...