Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in
Washington targets government officials who sacrifice the
common good to special interests. We will help Americans use
litigation to shine a light on those who betray the public
trust:
If a public official misuses his
position to demand campaign contributions, CREW
will find creative ways to seek civil remedies.
If a witness is threatened or
punished because she reported official misconduct,
CREW will fight back on behalf of the witness —
including representing that individual in court if
necessary.
If a government agency withholds
information to which the public is entitled, CREW
will go to court to enforce legal rules regarding
disclosure.
If a group libels an honest
public servant, CREW will help the victim defend
his reputation.
CREW will seize opportunities like these,
bringing high-impact legal actions. The majority of our
cases will focus on real people and their stories about the
lack of government integrity. Not only do these people need
and deserve our support, their stories can serve as powerful
tools to seize public attention and move public opinion.
CREW will work with the press, government investigators, and
other public interest groups to make sure that these
peoples' stories are heard. In the process, CREW will build
a non-partisan investigative alliance that transcends
specific issues. Our aim is to encourage officials to be
open about their values and to act based upon their honest
and best assessment of the public interest.
As we do this, over time CREW will develop
a network of public interest groups, sympathetic government
investigators and media contacts-a broader, more
mainstream version of the conservative coalition that was so
effective in the 90's. We will work with that network to
focus public attention on government integrity and to
educate the public about dishonest or disingenuous
government officials. If the past decade is any indication,
this network can have a substantial impact on public
opinion.
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