Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold found herself amid controversy after attending a private campaign event for President Joe Biden in November. The event, which took place in Denver, was closed-door and attended by various state and local officials, including Attorney General Phil Weiser. Griswold’s presence at the event has raised concerns about her impartiality and the potential conflict of interest it poses.
Griswold’s attendance at the campaign event came just weeks before she urged the Supreme Court to uphold a decision that barred former President Donald Trump from the state’s ballot. In her statement, Griswold accused Trump of engaging in insurrection and claimed that he was disqualified under the Constitution from being included on the Colorado ballot. Trump has appealed the Colorado court findings.
The timing of Griswold’s participation in the campaign event and her subsequent actions have drawn criticism from those who believe that secretaries of state should maintain a nonpartisan stance when it comes to administering elections and determining ballot eligibility. Mike Davis, founder and president of the Article III Project, expressed his concerns about Griswold’s involvement in the campaign event, stating that she should focus on her job as the Secretary of State instead of engaging in partisan activities.
The controversy surrounding Griswold’s attendance at the private campaign event has prompted inquiries from various sources, including the White House and Griswold’s office. However, neither party has responded to these inquiries as of yet.
This incident highlights the delicate balance that public officials must strike between their political affiliations and their duty to serve the public impartially. While it is not uncommon for politicians to engage in party-related events, individuals in positions of power must maintain transparency and demonstrate a commitment to fair and unbiased decision-making.
It remains to be seen how Griswold’s involvement in the campaign event will impact public perception of her role as the Colorado Secretary of State. The controversy surrounding her actions reminds all public officials that their actions and affiliations are subject to scrutiny and that maintaining impartiality is paramount in ensuring the integrity of the democratic process.
