Jason Van Tatenhove of the Colorado Switchblade Podcast welcomes Donald K. Sherman, Executive Vice President and Chief Counsel at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). They discuss CREW’s recent lawsuit in Colorado, aiming to keep former President Donald Trump off the ballot due to a provision in the 14th Amendment.
Donald Sherman's expansive career has placed him in various oversight, ethics, and policy roles in both the Executive Branch and Congress. His roles span positions at the White House, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the House Ethics Committee, and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. An alumnus of Georgetown University, Sherman earned both his Bachelor's degree and J.D. from the institution.
With a steadfast mission, CREW seeks to ensure ethical governance while minimizing the influence of money in politics. The 14th Amendment, stemming from a Civil War-era provision, potentially disqualifies individuals from office if they've incited or supported an insurrection against the U.S. Constitution. Based on this, CREW argues that former President Trump's actions related to the January 6th events put him in violation. Representing six Colorado voters, including some renowned Republicans, the lawsuit seeks to prevent Trump from appearing on the state's ballot.
Colorado's legal framework, which permits voters to challenge ballot placements, and the courageous plaintiffs made it an ideal state for this case. A favorable decision in Colorado could potentially pave the way for similar outcomes in other states.
The episode also delves into the legal intricacies of the case, like why Secretary of State Jenna Griswold is listed as a defendant and the reasons the Trump team pushed for a federal court hearing.
Sherman emphasizes the broad implications of a win for CREW. Both he and Jason touch upon the divisive public perceptions of January 6th, with some still seeing it as merely a "peaceful protest." Emphasizing the timeliness of this centuries-old provision, Sherman underscores its aptness, especially when democratic processes face threats.
Join us for this enlightening discussion on the relevance of century-old amendments in today's political landscape.
