Posted on 08/22/2022 12:43:06 PM PDT by george76
As she seeks re-election, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold is spending more than $1 million in taxpayer dollars on statewide TV commercials that will boost her image.
Why it matters: The money comes from an account that covers the cost of election equipment and software upgrades — a move that is generating questions and criticism.
County clerks — the elected officials who administer elections in Colorado — wanted to spend the money on improving voting access, but they say they were rebuffed.
What's happening: The commercial in question features Griswold and her Republican predecessor, Wayne Williams, asking voters to "be alert" about election misinformation. They affirm that the state's election systems are secure.
The 30-second spot will air roughly 5,000 times this month in the Denver, Colorado Springs and Grand Junction markets, as well as on cable and streaming services, Axios has learned.
It will play mostly during popular shows and events, including the evening and morning news, ABC's "Bachelorette" and Broncos preseason games.
Reality check: The impact goes well beyond the commercial's stated goal.
Griswold is less known than other statewide officials seeking another term this November, and the TV face time with voters will improve her name recognition and bipartisan image — both key components to winning re-election.
Williams, a Colorado Springs council member, is looking to improve his image as well. He's running for mayor and facing blowback from conservatives worried about election security.
By the numbers: All told, Griswold has spent more than $4.3 million in federal and state funding since 2020 on such commercials, documents reviewed by Axios Denver show.
The new $1.1 million TV buy comes after she spent $425,000 to produce and publish similar videos on digital platforms ahead of the June primary.
And in 2020, Griswold featured herself in a $2.8 million TV ad campaign using pandemic relief funds.
What they're saying: "The priority for this secretary is herself," said Pam Anderson, the Republican candidate for the secretary of state, who has called for the TV ads to stop. "I think this is a pattern."
In addition, the conservative Public Trust Institute recently filed a campaign complaint against Griswold for misspending money because the commercial amounts to a campaign ad.
The other side: Griswold defended the spending, citing ongoing disinformation related to the primary vote recount requested by former GOP candidate Tina Peters as justification.
She has not responded directly to questions about the source of the money, or to demands to take down the ad.
What's next: More advertising from Griswold is expected in coming months. The contract with Inline Media to air the most recent commercials includes an additional $1.1 million for digital and print advertising ahead of the general election, a document indicates.
Inline Media, a Denver-based firm whose CEO Ilene Nathanson is a donor to Democratic candidates, is poised to make $310,000 from the deal.
Details: The ad spending comes from federal Help America Vote Act funds, which the state matches. The money is traditionally earmarked for helping the state and counties, which administer elections, upgrade equipment and software, Griswold's office acknowledged.
Griswold spokesperson Annie Orloff says the scope of permitted spending has expanded to election security. Moreover, the TV ads are less than 10% of the overall $15 million in the account and focusing on disinformation is a permissible use, she tells us.
Yes, but: On top of questioning the timing and self-promotion, Anderson says the HAVA money would be better spent helping counties address security gaps and upgrading Colorado's aging voter registration system.
"I'm incredibly concerned," said Anderson, a former county clerk and director of the statewide clerks association. "I know those resources are limited … and there are projects still in the hopper that are vital for elections and securing voting systems."
https://freerepublic.com/focus/news/3888297/posts
Colorado Ping ( Let me know if you wish to be added or removed from the list.)
Another fake republican outs themselves.. Kevin Priola, who represents Adams County in Denver’s suburbs.. ht to dynachrome..
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-backroom/4087456/posts?page=17#17
No one will do anything about her improper expenditures. Soros is funding her and she will win again.
Now I understand why that worm Williams is doing these ads.
It’s been all over TV in Colorado. Two lying tools standing there telling you that the system they presided over is safe and honest.
They protest too much.
Wayne Williams is appearing in blatantly political TV ads with Mohamed Enab’s wife - Jena Griswold..
RINOs is the state house are happy with the Dominion Voting System introduced by Wayne Williams.
Days before certifying Colorado’s questionable 2020 Election results, Mohamed Enab’s wife : Jena was caught deleting Dominion Voting Machine proposals.
He did that? No wonder he won't question or criticize it. He enabled the fraud.
In 2015, then-Secretary of State Williams announced that the state was in negotiations with Dominion Voting Systems.. and that counties would have to get any new equipment from Dominion..
Dominion Voting Systems is one of the most widely used voting equipment companies in the country, providing equipment to more than 1,300 jurisdictions, including 62 Colorado counties.. as of November 2020..
So he was responsible for Dominion, but the all mail ballots was a ballot initiative. Is that right?
May 2013 ..The Colorado Senate passed a bill that would allow people to register and vote on Election Day.. provide a ballot by mail directly to all voters whether they request one or not.( are dead, moved out of state.).
The bill passed 20-15 with the full support of Democrats .. The bill passed the House on a party-line vote.. signed by John Hickenlooper.
Let me guess…as a child Jena was there to help harvest the family Christmas tree.
Thanks George!
You are welcome. MileHi
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