Democrat Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes worked with the States United Democracy Center in what some have characterized as a targeted effort to “get Donald Trump.” This left-leaning legal group collaborated with Mayes in 2023 on “election integrity” strategies, and shortly after, it provided advice on prosecuting supporters of Trump’s 2020 campaign.
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In a May 4, 2023 letter, Christine Sun, senior vice president of States United, informed Dan Barr, Chief Deputy Attorney General, that their work would be provided free of charge.
She stated in her letter:
“Our work will be provided pro bono. … We are pleased to have this opportunity to be of service and to work with you.”
Barr signed an agreement with the group last year on May 15. This contract outlined that States United would help the Attorney General’s office develop legal strategies to ensure secure elections. It required full cooperation from Mayes’ office and allowed the group to destroy certain internal materials at their discretion.
The contract stipulates relevant communications, “internal administrative material,” and “research notes” — “other than those with you or opposing counsel” — can be “destroyed in our sole discretion and consistent with our document preservation policies.”
On July 27, 2023, States United sent a memo suggesting legal actions against Trump supporters. The memo argued that creating alternate slates of electors could be considered criminal, describing such actions as “a deliberate attempt to undermine legitimate election outcomes” and recommending charges such as conspiracy, forgery, and fraud. These recommendations were later reflected in an April indictment against 18 Trump supporters, including Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows.
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States United also advised further investigations into Trump, Giuliani, Meadows, lawyer John Eastman, then-RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel, and election integrity advocate Cleta Mitchell, highlighting potential legal issues.
The recommendation stated:
“The coordinated efforts to subvert the 2020 election results require thorough examination and accountability.”
The group’s memo referenced at least six individuals under direct scrutiny, providing a detailed framework for potential charges. The group has a history of efforts to influence election-related policies and legal actions under the guise of promoting democracy.
A notable figure tied to this effort is Norm Eisen, a key adviser to States United Democracy Center and a prominent advocate for progressive election strategies. Eisen co-authored “The Democracy Playbook: Preventing and Reversing Democratic Backsliding,” a handbook outlining strategies often linked to the principles of “color revolution” tactics.
The handbook includes a section on Ukraine’s Orange Revolution. Color revolutions are often seen as externally orchestrated efforts aimed at destabilizing sovereign governments under the guise of promoting democracy. These movements are viewed as utilizing non-military means to effect regime change and align target nations with the strategic interests of external powers.
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Eisen has a history of promoting legal and political maneuvers aimed at challenging political opponents and reshaping electoral systems. His involvement brings a cloud of controversy along with it.
The States United Democracy Center’s involvement in Arizona’s legal strategies is part of a larger pattern of coordination to weaponize legal systems against political opponents. The efforts to prosecute Trump and his allies under the guise of ensuring “election integrity” demonstrate the erosion of impartial justice and the normalization of using lawfare as a political weapon in America. It’s a troubling trend that needs to end.