In a significant development in Colorado’s political arena, the state’s Supreme Court recently ruled to exclude former President Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot. This decision, grounded in the 14th Amendment due to Trump’s alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots, has raised eyebrows, especially considering the backgrounds of the individuals behind the lawsuit that led to this verdict.
The lawsuit, initiated by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), a group claiming to be “nonpartisan,” played a pivotal role in this legal development. However, scrutiny of financial contributions reveals that the board chairs of CREW have been generous donors to President Biden’s campaign and victory fund, as per records analyzed by Fox News Digital.
The chair of CREW’s board, Beth Nolan, a former George Washington University general counsel and counsel to ex-President Bill Clinton, reportedly donated $2,800 to Biden’s campaign and $3,000 to the Biden Victory Fund in 2020. Wayne Jordan, the vice chair, made a substantial contribution of $300,000 to the Biden Victory Fund the same year. Jordan’s spouse, Quinn Delaney, a notable Democratic donor, also contributed a hefty $650,000 to the fund.
CREW, traditionally viewed as a left-leaning entity despite its nonpartisan claim, has been involved in various high-profile legal actions. David Brock, a prominent liberal figure known for founding Media Matters for America and American Bridge, previously led CREW. In 2017, Brock gathered donors in Florida to strategize on opposing Trump’s presidency, incorporating CREW in the plans.
Moreover, CREW has benefited from significant funding from prominent Democratic donors, including George Soros. Between 2017 and 2021, the Soros-funded Open Society Foundations network donated $2.85 million to CREW, primarily for operational support.
The Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling, which passed with a 4-3 vote, is grounded in the 14th Amendment. It stipulates that anyone who has pledged to support the U.S. Constitution and then engaged in insurrection is barred from public office. The majority opinion in the court underlined this clause in disqualifying Trump. However, Justice Carlos Samour, among the dissenting voices, expressed concern about the potential for chaos and the need for procedural due process.
The Trump campaign has announced its intention to challenge this decision in the U.S. Supreme Court, where many anticipate a possible overturning of the Colorado ruling. This legal battle underscores the complex interplay of politics, law, and the influence of partisan interests in the United States’ electoral process.