Organizers of a recall effort aimed at Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey say they won't have enough signatures by Tuesday's deadline to force an election.
A coalition of community groups launched the petition drive because Morrissey hasn't filed criminal charges against Denver police accused of excessive force. Meanwhile, the city has settled several police misconduct cases.
“Mitch Morrissey and the DA's office in particular have the power to hold police accountable and we have seen none of that,” said recall organizer Alex Landau of Denver.
Landau received a large settlement from the city after he was beaten by police during a traffic stop in 2009. But the officers involved were not charged.
He said the recall effort was still worthwhile even though it won't force an election.
“We raised a lot of awareness in 20,000 signatures, plus more so in conversations," Landau said. "It's still a powerful message.”
Organizers are hoping the next district attorney takes that to heart.
Morrissey is term limited and his current term ends next year. His office declined to comment on Monday.
