The Concord Fund (Judicial Crisis Network)
Background
The Concord Fund,1Peter Stone. “US dark-money fund spends millions to back Republican attorneys general,” The Guardian, June 23, 2023. Archived March 25, 2024. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/ONM43 also known as The Judicial Crisis Network (JCN), formerly the Judicial Confirmation Network, is a 501(c)(4) “social welfare” organization that advocates on federal judicial appointments and elections. JCN was founded in 2004 by Gary Marx and renamed The Judicial Crisis Network (JCN) in February 2010..2“Conservative Judicial Group Moves into Crisis Mode,” The BLT, February 11, 2010. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/JmS5X 2020 Virginia SCC documents list the “fictitious name” for The Concord Fund as Judicial Crisis Network.3“Filing for Entity ID: 06290118. Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission Office of the Clerk. Filing Number: 200207323504 (February 7, 2020). Retrieved from document cloud.com via OpenSecrets. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse summarized in an August 2021 speech: “Judicial Education Project changed its name, and it became the 85 Fund. The Concord Fund then registered its old name, Judicial Crisis Network, as what is called a fictitious name, a kind of corporate alias under Virginia law, and continued to operate as the Judicial Crisis Network.”4“THE SCHEME SPEECH 6: JUDICIAL CRISIS NETWORK,” Sheldon Whitehouse, August 5, 2021. Archived March 25, 2024. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/dYk8F
He added, “A fictitious name is a name that a person (individual or business entity) uses instead of the person’s true name, usually in the course of transacting or offering to transact business.”5“THE SCHEME SPEECH 6: JUDICIAL CRISIS NETWORK,” Sheldon Whitehouse, August 5, 2021. Archived March 25, 2024. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/dYk8F
The Concord Fund/JCN described itself as “dedicated to strengthening liberty and justice in America.” The group spends millions of dollars supporting conservative federal, state, and local judges while blocking opposition.6“ABOUT,” Judicial Crisis Network. Archived September 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/cT3jV JCN spent $7 million to block the Supreme Court nomination of Merrick Garland and $10 million to support Neil Gorsuch. In 2018, JCN focused on confirming President Donald Trump’s judicial nominees.7“Conservative Group Behind Kavanaugh Confirmation Has Spent Years Reshaping State and Federal Benches,” Brennan Center for Justice, September 12, 2018. Archived September 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/rKSdu
Gary Marx, vice president of Century Strategies and founder of Madison Strategies, worked as an executive in the PR industry while also leading JCN as its president until 2015. According to 990 forms, Daniel Casey took over as president in 2015, while Marx stayed on as secretary and treasurer.8“Judicial group to hamer Christie,” Politico, July 15, 2014. Archived July 15, 2014. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/68FGQ Carrie Severino, a former law clerk for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, serves as JCN’s chief counsel and policy director.9“Team,” Madison Strategies. Archived October 30, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/Jmt4s
OpenSecrets reported that lawyer Ann Corkery and California real estate mogul Robin Arkley II were key to getting JCN started, with Arkley providing seed funding and Corkery direction. The group’s launch coincided with a dinner that featured prominent guests Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, Leonard Leo of the Federalist Society, as well as Corkery and Arkley.10Viveca Novak and Peter Stone. “The JCN Story: Building a Secretive GOP Judicial Machine,” OpenSecrets.org, March 23, 2015. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/BXRuB
Tom Carter, a former associate of Leo’s at the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, said “The JCN is Leonard Leo’s PR organization – nothing more and nothing less.” As to the Federalist Society connection, Carrie Severino “was working out of the Federalist Society office. Federalist Society staff babysat her kids as the JCN project was launched.”11“The Secrets of Leonard Leo, the Man Behind Trump’s Supreme Court Pick,” The Daily Beast, July 9, 2018. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/lsCHr
Funding
As a 501(c)(4), the JCN is not required to reveal its funding sources. JCN has emerged as a funding pipeline for other conservative groups and has been a close partner and one of the largest funders of the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA).
The following is based on a combination of data collected from the Conservative Transparency project and via publicly available 990 forms.12“Judicial Crisis Network,” Conservative Transparency. Data retrieved September 19, 2018.
See the attached spreadsheet for details on the Judicial Crisis Network’s funding (.xlsx).
Judicial Crisis Network as Recipient
| Donor | Total |
| Wellspring Committee | $39,354,997 |
| 2010 | $350,000 |
| 2011 | $170,000 |
| 2012 | $1,515,000 |
| 2013 | $1,435,000 |
| 2014 | $6,655,000 |
| 2015 | $5,775,000 |
| 2016 | $23,454,997 |
| American Justice Partnership | $50,000 |
| 2012 | $50,000 |
| Grand Total | $39,404,997 |
Wellspring Committee as a Funding Conduit
The Wellspring Committee, a 501(c)(4) “dark money” nonprofit group that appears to operate out of a UPS mailbox, acts as a funding conduit for anonymous donors.13Viveca Novak, Robert Maguire and Peter Overby. “Wellspring’s Flow: Dark Money Outfit Helped Fuel Groups on Political Front Lines,” OpenSecrets.org, November 5, 2013.
“The group is a conduit,” said law professor Donald Tobin of Ohio State University. “The web of transactions […] makes you question whether [Wellspring] is really engaged in a social welfare purpose or not.”
The Maplight Foundation reported that in 2016, the Wellspring Foundation received $28,475,000 from a single donor. It went on to give $23,454,997 to JCN.14Andrew Perez and Margaret Sessa-Hawkins. “Tax Returns Identify Dark Money Organization As Source of GOP Supreme Court Attacks,” Maplight, November 21, 2017. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/oTGlJ
Wellspring is closely tied to JCN. Neil Corkery, who was listed on JCN’s 990 forms as treasurer until 2015, is married to Ann Corkery who served as Wellspring’s president until Neil took over that role in 2016.15Viveca Novak and Peter Stone. “The JCN Story: Building a Secretive GOP Judicial Machine,” OpenSecrets.org, March 23, 2015. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/BXRuB
The Wellspring Committee is also a major funder of The Federalist Society, while JCN and Wellspring together helped provide nearly 80% of the funding for the Rule of Law Project, a nonprofit that listed Leonard Leo as a director in its tax filings.16Andrew Perez and Margaret Sessa-Hawkins. “Tax Returns Identify Dark Money Organization As Source Of GOP Supreme Court Attacks,” HuffPost, November 21, 2017. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/yuIzb
Wellspring & Koch Network Overlap
OpenSecrets reported a number of groups funded by the Center to Protect Patient Rights (CPPR), a group with ties to the Koch network of nonprofit and political groups, also received funding from the JCN-tied Wellspring Committee with examples including the American Future Fund, the Independent Women’s Voice (IWV), Americans for Job Security, Americans for Prosperity, and others totaling at least ten recipients.17Viveca Novak, Robert Maguire and Peter Overby. “Wellspring’s Flow: Dark Money Outfit Helped Fuel Groups on Political Front Lines,” OpenSecrets.org, November 5, 2013.
In 2015, IWV denied it was a “Koch entity” or that it had ever received direct Koch Funding (it claimed CPPR was not yet Koch-affiliated when it donated to them in 2009), but also said “We wouldn’t mind receiving some.”18“National women’s organization claims no money from Koch brothers, as accused in special State Senate election,” The Antioch Herald, May 2015. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/e6YWj
Robin Arkley II
OpenSecrets reported Arkley was a “key underwriter of JCN’s operations, to the tune of the high six or low seven figures” according to sources.19Viveca Novak and Peter Stone. “The JCN Story: Building a Secretive GOP Judicial Machine,” OpenSecrets.org, March 23, 2015. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/BXRuB
Judicial Crisis Network as Donor
| Recipient | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | Grand Total |
| Tea Party Patriots | $1,686,500 | $2,765,000 | $4,451,500 | ||||
| Republican Attorneys General Association | $250,000 | $950,000 | $1,245,000 | $1,300,000 | $3,745,000 | ||
| American Future Fund | $750,000 | $1,350,000 | $2,100,000 | ||||
| Arizona Public Integrity Alliance | $410,000 | $134,500 | $1,245,000 | $1,789,500 | |||
| Americans for Limited Government | $1,425,000 | $1,425,000 | |||||
| National Rifle Association | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | |||||
| Republican State Leadership Committee | $225,000 | $150,000 | $325,000 | $290,000 | $990,000 | ||
| State Government Leadership Foundation | $281,000 | $100,000 | $500,000 | $881,000 | |||
| WMC Issue Mobilization Council | $825,000 | $825,000 | |||||
| Faith Freedom Coalition | $375,000 | $415,000 | $790,000 | ||||
| Rule of Law Defense Fund | $435,000 | $350,000 | $785,000 | ||||
| Republican Governors Association | $500,000 | $200,000 | $700,000 | ||||
| Michigan State Republican Party | $700,000 | $700,000 | |||||
| Susan B Anthony List | $700,000 | $700,000 | |||||
| Nebraskans for the Death Penalty | $300,000 | $300,000 | $600,000 | ||||
| Wisconsin Club For Growth | $503,000 | $503,000 | |||||
| Catholic Vote Civic Action | $500,000 | $500,000 | |||||
| Club for Growth | $500,000 | $500,000 | |||||
| Michigan Chamber of Commerce | $500,000 | $500,000 | |||||
| MI State Republican Party | $500,000 | $500,000 | |||||
| State Government Leadership Fund | $400,000 | $50,000 | $450,000 | ||||
| Better Courts Missouri | $215,000 | $170,000 | $385,000 | ||||
| Rule of Law Project | $100,000 | $250,000 | $350,000 | ||||
| National Right to Life Committee Inc. | $330,000 | $330,000 | |||||
| Main Street Growth Project | $300,000 | $300,000 | |||||
| Concerned Women for America | $50,000 | $205,445 | $255,445 | ||||
| Illinois Opportunity Project | $250,000 | $250,000 | |||||
| Conservative Leadership Project | $100,000 | $150,000 | $250,000 | ||||
| Illinois Policy Network | $250,000 | $250,000 | |||||
| American Dream Initiative | $250,000 | $250,000 | |||||
| 45 Committee | $250,000 | $250,000 | |||||
| North Carolina Chamber of Commerce | $200,000 | $200,000 | |||||
| Michigan Advocacy Trust | $200,000 | $200,000 | |||||
| Independent Womens’ Voices | $150,000 | $150,000 | |||||
| Virginia First Foundation | $90,000 | $50,000 | $140,000 | ||||
| American Conservative Union | $129,000 | $129,000 | |||||
| True the Vote | $125,000 | $125,000 | |||||
| C.S.G. Action | $110,000 | $110,000 | |||||
| US Health Freedom Coalition | $100,000 | $100,000 | |||||
| Job Creators Network Foundation | $100,000 | $100,000 | |||||
| AZ Public Integrity Alliance | $100,000 | $100,000 | |||||
| Civitas Action | $75,000 | $75,000 | |||||
| TN for Economic Opportunity | $70,000 | $70,000 | |||||
| Missouri Alliance for Freedom | $70,000 | $70,000 | |||||
| FRC Action | $50,000 | $50,000 | |||||
| Missouri Forward Alliance | $50,000 | $50,000 | |||||
| Morning in Nevada | $50,000 | $50,000 | |||||
| American Principles Project | $50,000 | $50,000 | |||||
| Tennessee Business Partnership | $50,000 | $50,000 | |||||
| Strong Economy Growth Fund | $35,000 | $35,000 | |||||
| American Democracy Alliance | $25,000 | $25,000 | |||||
| Tennessee Forum | $25,000 | $25,000 | |||||
| Citizens for Community Values Action | $25,000 | $25,000 | |||||
| Liberty 2.0 | $25,000 | $25,000 | |||||
| Northern VA Victory Fund | $24,500 | $24,500 | |||||
| Whitbeck for Chairman | $24,500 | $24,500 | |||||
| Family Action of Tennessee | $24,000 | $24,000 | |||||
| Federalist Society | $21,000 | $21,000 | |||||
| American Tort Reform Association | $5,000 | $5,000 | |||||
| Kansas Legislative Ed & Res | $5,000 | $5,000 | |||||
| Wisconsin Alliance for Reform | $1,365 | $1,365 | |||||
| Grand Total | $239,000 | $2,979,000 | $3,170,000 | $4,570,500 | $7,091,865 | $11,314,445 | $29,364,810 |
Independent Contractors
| Contractor & Service | 2009 | 2011 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | Grand Total |
| Mentzer Media | $2,475,000 | $6,911,453 | $9,386,453 | |||||
| CRC Public Relations | $180,000 | $104,216 | $382,814 | $1,438,439 | $3,049,615 | $5,155,084 | ||
| Smart Media | $1,993,005 | $1,993,005 | ||||||
| Wickers Group | $774,600 | $821,797 | $1,596,397 | |||||
| BH Group LLC | $947,000 | $947,000 | ||||||
| Sandler Innocenzi | $908,364 | $908,364 | ||||||
| BrabenderCox | $729,698 | $729,698 | ||||||
| DDC Public Opinion | $687,500 | $687,500 | ||||||
| Creative Direct | $528,744 | $528,744 | ||||||
| Century Strategies | $376,135 | $101,424 | $477,559 | |||||
| North Star Opinion | $402,310 | $402,310 | ||||||
| Revolution Media | $372,000 | $372,000 | ||||||
| Creative Design | $288,335 | $288,335 | ||||||
| Rhumb Line | $122,955 | $122,955 | ||||||
| Baker Hostetler | $112,003 | $112,003 | ||||||
| Grand Total | $1,105,833 | $101,424 | $2,173,005 | $1,651,154 | $505,769 | $6,172,344 | $11,997,878 | $23,707,407 |
990 Forms
Key People
Directors & Trustees
| Name | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | Description |
| Daniel Casey | Y | Y | Y | Y | President, Director | ||||
| Gary Marx | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Secretary, Treasurer, Director. President from 2005 to 2014. | |
| Neil Corkery | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Treasurer | ||
| Jonathan Keim | Y | Counsel | |||||||
| James Hirsen | Y | Y | Y | Y | Secretary |
Staff
| Name | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2018 | Description |
| Carrie Severino | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Chief Counsel and Policy Director |
| Jonathan Keim | Y | Y | Counsel | |||||
| Ammon Simon | Y | Policy Counsel |
Other People
- Wendy Long — Chief Counsel/Attorney. 20Viveca Novak and Peter Stone. “The JCN Story: Building a Secretive GOP Judicial Machine,” OpenSecrets.org, March 23, 2015. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/BXRuB
Actions
September 21, 2018
Politico reported that CRC Public Relations and Greg Mueller had “guided [Ed] Whelan,” president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center and closely associated with the Federalist Society, had through his Twitter pronouncements where he had suggested an alternate theory meant to discredit Christine Blasey Ford’s sexual assault allegation against Justice Brett Kavanaugh.21“PR firm helped Whelan stoke half-baked Kavanaugh alibi,” Politico, September 21, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/RDg7J
“The coordinated effort was a testament to the far-reaching but frenzied attempt among conservatives to save Kavanaugh, which appeared to have spun out of the White House’s control,” Politico wrote.
CRC Public Communications is the same firm hired by the Judicial Crisis Network to focus its pro-Kavanaugh campaign. When JCN launched its $10 million campaign to support Presidential Donald Trump’s justice nominees, CRC President Greg Mueller was set to “spearhead communications and media strategy.”22“Judicial Crisis Network Launches Million Campaign to Preserve Justice Scalia’s Legacy, Support President-Elect Trump Nominee,” Judicial Crisis Network, January 9, 2017. Archived April 10, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/qxNu8
On Friday, following Whelan’s own admission that his decision to post photographs of Kavanaugh’s high school classmate and suggest there was a mistake in identity by Ford was “an appalling an inexcusable mistake of judgment,” CRC Public Relations organized a news conference with a number of women who dismissed Ford’s allegations.23“PR firm helped Whelan stoke half-baked Kavanaugh alibi,” Politico, September 21, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/RDg7J
Whelan was scheduled to speak at a Federalist Society event on “the battle over Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination” on the same day the Politico article was released. The event appears to have been cancelled.24“The Battle over Judge Kavanaugh’s Nomination,” The Federalist Society, September 21, 2018. Archived Setpember 21, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/GanhM
September 2018
JCN launched a $1.5 million advertising campaign to defend Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh from sexual assault allegations.25“Conservative group launches .5M campaign to defend Kavanaugh,” The Hill, September 18, 2018.
“We are not going to allow a last-minute smear campaign destroy a good and decent man who has an unblemished personal record,” said a JCN spokeswoman.26“Conservative group launches .5M campaign to defend Kavanaugh,” The Hill, September 18, 2018.
JCN’s Carrie Severino also publicly defended Kavanaugh on Christian Broadcasting Network news.27“Judicial Crisis Network’s Carrie Severino Weighs in Kavanaugh Misconduct Allegations,” YouTube video uploaded by user “CBN News,” September 17, 2018.
“Democrats seem to be using this woman’s allegations as more of a partisan ploy, as a delay tactic, then even really taking it seriously,” Severino claimed.28“Judicial Crisis Network’s Carrie Severino Weighs in Kavanaugh Misconduct Allegations,” YouTube video uploaded by user “CBN News,” September 17, 2018.
Responding to questions on the purpose of the $1.5 million ad buy, she said “What it is, is illustrating the very purpose that we exist. Is to make sure that there are nominees in this kind of position […] getting a lot of attacks from the left, that there’s someone there to be an advocate for them.”29“Judicial Crisis Network’s Carrie Severino Weighs in Kavanaugh Misconduct Allegations,” YouTube video uploaded by user “CBN News,” September 17, 2018.
JCN also promoted a range of articles, images, videos and tweets defending Kavanaugh against allegations across social media:
Patrick J. Smyth, a man allegedly at the party described by Kavanaugh’s accuser, tells the Senate Judiciary Committee that he has “no knowledge of the party in question.” Our chief counsel @JCNSeverino responds … pic.twitter.com/DeyGAU962E
— Judicial Network (@judicialnetwork) September 19, 2018
July 2018
JCN launched a campaign to confirm Brett Kavanaugh as Supreme Court Justice. As of July 23, JCN had spent $5.3 million supporting the nomination. JCN launched the website confirmkavanaugh.com shortly after Donald Trump announced his selection, The Wall Street Journal reported.30“Outside Groups Plan Costly Campaigns for—or Against—Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh,” The Wall Street Journal, July 9, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/qkk6f
Axios reported JCN spent $1.5 million on ad buys in its latest push in West Virginia, North Dakota, Indiana, and Alabama.31Jonathan Swan and Lauren Meier. “Inside the 7-figure campaign for Brett Kavanaugh,” Axios, July 23, 2018.
Phase one of JCN’s “Confirm Kavanaugh” campaign cost $1.4 million and launched on July 9,32“JUDICIAL CRISIS NETWORK LAUNCHES CONFIRM KAVANAUGH, A .4 MILLION AD BUY (NATIONAL, AL, IN, ND, WV),” Confirmkavanaugh.com, July 9, 2018. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/GvPVj with a second $1.4 million ad buy announced July 16.33“Judicial Crisis Network Releases Second Ad in Confirm Kavanaugh Campaign, another .4 Million Ad Buy,” Judicial Crisis Network, July 16, 2018. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/88Fy7
They launched an initial “#AnotherGreatJustice” campaign in June, promising to “will target vulnerable Democrat incumbents” while praising President Trump’s nomination of Justice Neil Gorsuch.34“Judicial Crisis Network Launches #AnotherGreatJustice, a Seven-Figure Ad-Buy on Supreme Court Vacancy,” Judicial Crisis Network, June 27, 2018. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/u4kgM
April 6, 2017
The Campaign Legal Center (CLC) accused JCN of mischaracterizing ads it had used to support Neil Gorsuch and asked for the Federal Communications Commission to review the JCN’s filings. The Communications Act requires that broadcasters disclose information about the sources of any advertisements aired that concern “a message relating to any political matter of national importance.”35“CLC Asks FCC to Review Gorsuch Ads,” CLC, April 6, 2017. Archived September 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/MactF
“Broadcasters have an obligation to ensure voters have relevant information about who is attempting to influence their views,” said Brendan Fischer, director of federal and FEC reform at the Campaign Legal Center. “By broadcasters accepting at face value Judicial Crisis Network’s claims that their ads did not pertain to any ‘political matter of national importance,’ the public was deprived of the important information that federal law and regulations require.”36“CLC Asks FCC to Review Gorsuch Ads,” CLC, April 6, 2017. Archived September 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/MactF
While some stations did require JCN to amend their filings, CLC reported that many stations did not.37“CLC Asks FCC to Review Gorsuch Ads,” CLC, April 6, 2017. Archived September 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/MactF
January 2017
The Judicial Crisis Network launched a $10 million campaign to “preserve Justice Scalia’s legacy”38“Judicial Crisis Network Launches Million Campaign to Preserve Justice Scalia’s Legacy, Support President-Elect Trump Nominee,” Judicial Crisis Network, January 9, 2017. Archived April 10, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/qxNu8 and support Neil Gorsuch, President Donald Trump’s pick for justice.39Andrew Perez and Margaret Sessa-Hawkins. “Tax Returns Identify Dark Money Organization As Source of GOP Supreme Court Attacks,” Maplight, November 21, 2017. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/oTGlJ
JCN-allied groups and individuals heading the campaign included CRC Public Relations, Chris Jankowski, DDC, Tea Party Patriots, America Rising Squared, and SBA List.40“Judicial Crisis Network Launches Million Campaign to Preserve Justice Scalia’s Legacy, Support President-Elect Trump Nominee,” Judicial Crisis Network, January 9, 2017. Archived April 10, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/qxNu8
JCN launched the website ConfirmGorsuch.com moments after President Trump’s announcement.41“Wellspring’s dark money crucial to judicial group, helps others in Trump orbit,” OpenSecrets.org, March 24, 2017. JCN also hired a lobbyist from the law firm Covington & Burling, former Seneator Jon Kyl. “It’s the first time the group has hired lobbyists to help with a Supreme Court confirmation,” Politico reported.42Theodoric Meyer. “Lewandowski’s firm signs new clients,” Politico, March 21, 2017. Archived September 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/UtI57
February 2016
JCN launched its “Let the People Decide” campaign, which supported Republican Senators who were blocking all Supreme Court nominations by President Obama. Instead, the campaign suggested the seat left vacant by Justice Antonin Scalia’s death should only be filled by the following president. View the Iowa version of the ad below:43“JCN Launches ‘Let the People Decide’ Campaign,” Judicial Crisis Network, February 18, 2016. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/lGoUm
October 2012
JCN ran an ad falsely suggesting that Supreme Court candidate Bridget McCormack had “volunteered to help free a terrorist” when she had represented an individual held without charge in Guantanamo.44“‘How Could You, Bridget McCormack?’ Judicial Crisis Network,” YouTube video uploaded by user “FairCourtsPage,” October 31, 2012.”
The New York Times wrote in November 2012:
“An ad paid for by the group with undisclosed donations shamelessly exploits the tragedy of the death of a young soldier in Afghanistan, Joseph Johnson – with the help of his mother, Teri. ‘My son is a hero and fought to protect us,’ she says in the ad. ‘Bridget McCormack volunteered to help free a terrorist. How could you?’”45Andrew Rosenthal. “Everyone Deserves Legal Representation,” The New York Times, November 1, 2012. Archived September 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/mqw1s
“That’s easy to answer. She didn’t,” Andrew Rosenthal wrote at the NYT. “Ms. McCormack, a law professor at the University of Michigan, was part of a legal network called the Center for Constitutional rights, which coordinated efforts by American lawyers to represent Guantanamo detainees – most of whom were found to be improperly detained and released. Their goal was not to “’ree terrorists,’ but to ensure that American prisoners were entitled to the rights and representation provided under international and American law. The Supreme Court affirmed those rights on more than one occasion.”46Andrew Rosenthal. “Everyone Deserves Legal Representation,” The New York Times, November 1, 2012. Archived September 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/mqw1s
2012
A Michigan Campaign Finance Network report estimated that the Judicial Crisis Network and Americans for Job Security together sponsored $2 million worth of unreported television issue advertising, targeting trial courts. Reportedly, there was also a large direct mail campaign, although it was not possible to estimate that spending.47“A Citizen’s Guide to Michigan Campaign Finance” (PDF), Michigan Campaign Finance Network, 2012. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
“Such unaccountable spending has long been a part of Supreme Court campaigns, but it is new to have this anonymous spending in a trial court campaign,” the report noted.48“A Citizen’s Guide to Michigan Campaign Finance” (PDF), Michigan Campaign Finance Network, 2012. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
According to OpenSecrets, this “unprecedented” funding on the lower courts was focused on removing an Oakland County Circuit Court judge. While it was unclear why JCN and Americans for Job Security were interested, OpenSecrets speculated that it could have been “a funder with an ax to grind.”
While not confirmed, “pretty much everyone believed” it was linked to Manoj Bhargava , according to a Michigan lawyer familiar with the events, and separately by other attorneys and journalists in the state.49Viveca Novak and Peter Stone. “The JCN Story: Building a Secretive GOP Judicial Machine,” OpenSecrets.org, March 23, 2015. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/BXRuB
2005/2006
Leonard Leo and the Federalist Society coordinated with JCN to push ads and grassroots efforts to support the confirmation of conservative justices. Leo helped coordinate JCN’s expenditure of $17 million to support the confirmation of Justice Gorsuch and fight against Barack Obama’s pick of Merrick Garland. 50Viveca Novak and Peter Stone. “The JCN Story: Building a Secretive GOP Judicial Machine,” OpenSecrets.org, March 23, 2015. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/BXRuB
February 2005
JCN launched a “drive to end obstructionism” as part of an effort to “halt blatantly partisan and personal attacks on many of the President’s nominees to the Federal Courts.”51(Press Release). “JUDICIAL CONFIRMATION NETWORK LAUNCHES DRIVE TO END OBSTRUCTIONISM,” Judicial Confirmation Network, February 23, 2005. Archived March 5, 2005. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/etJAG
“Our message is simple, the people want the Senate to do its work and our petition will remind Senators that they have an obligation to bring these nominations to the floor for a fair vote,” said Gary Marx, executive director of Judicial Confirmation Network. “The rhetoric we are already hearing from the left is divisive and unproductive to the confirmation process. The public sees through the liberal extremist groups’ campaign to deny confirmation to highly qualified nominees – and will hold obstructionist Senators responsible. Middle America realizes that the fear and smear tactics leveled by some groups isn’t helpful to a fair confirmation process,” Marx added.
The petition read as follows:
Related Organizations
- Judicial Education Project52Viveca Novak and Peter Stone. “The JCN Story: Building a Secretive GOP Judicial Machine,” OpenSecrets.org, March 23, 2015. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/BXRuB
Contact & Address
JCN was originally housed in the office of the American Center for Law and Justice, run by Jay Sekulow, The Wall Street Journal reported in 2005.
The following address was listed on the JCN website as of 2018:
1455 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20004
[email protected]
Social Media
- @judicialnetwork on Twitter.
- Judicial Crisis Network on Facebook.
Other Resources
- “Judicial Crisis Network,” SourceWatch.
- “Judicial Crisis Network,” Wikipedia.
Resources
- 1Peter Stone. “US dark-money fund spends millions to back Republican attorneys general,” The Guardian, June 23, 2023. Archived March 25, 2024. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/ONM43
- 2“Conservative Judicial Group Moves into Crisis Mode,” The BLT, February 11, 2010. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/JmS5X
- 3“Filing for Entity ID: 06290118. Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission Office of the Clerk. Filing Number: 200207323504 (February 7, 2020). Retrieved from document cloud.com via OpenSecrets. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
- 4“THE SCHEME SPEECH 6: JUDICIAL CRISIS NETWORK,” Sheldon Whitehouse, August 5, 2021. Archived March 25, 2024. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/dYk8F
- 5“THE SCHEME SPEECH 6: JUDICIAL CRISIS NETWORK,” Sheldon Whitehouse, August 5, 2021. Archived March 25, 2024. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/dYk8F
- 6“ABOUT,” Judicial Crisis Network. Archived September 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/cT3jV
- 7“Conservative Group Behind Kavanaugh Confirmation Has Spent Years Reshaping State and Federal Benches,” Brennan Center for Justice, September 12, 2018. Archived September 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/rKSdu
- 8“Judicial group to hamer Christie,” Politico, July 15, 2014. Archived July 15, 2014. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/68FGQ
- 9“Team,” Madison Strategies. Archived October 30, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/Jmt4s
- 10Viveca Novak and Peter Stone. “The JCN Story: Building a Secretive GOP Judicial Machine,” OpenSecrets.org, March 23, 2015. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/BXRuB
- 11“The Secrets of Leonard Leo, the Man Behind Trump’s Supreme Court Pick,” The Daily Beast, July 9, 2018. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/lsCHr
- 12“Judicial Crisis Network,” Conservative Transparency. Data retrieved September 19, 2018.
- 13Viveca Novak, Robert Maguire and Peter Overby. “Wellspring’s Flow: Dark Money Outfit Helped Fuel Groups on Political Front Lines,” OpenSecrets.org, November 5, 2013.
- 14Andrew Perez and Margaret Sessa-Hawkins. “Tax Returns Identify Dark Money Organization As Source of GOP Supreme Court Attacks,” Maplight, November 21, 2017. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/oTGlJ
- 15Viveca Novak and Peter Stone. “The JCN Story: Building a Secretive GOP Judicial Machine,” OpenSecrets.org, March 23, 2015. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/BXRuB
- 16Andrew Perez and Margaret Sessa-Hawkins. “Tax Returns Identify Dark Money Organization As Source Of GOP Supreme Court Attacks,” HuffPost, November 21, 2017. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/yuIzb
- 17Viveca Novak, Robert Maguire and Peter Overby. “Wellspring’s Flow: Dark Money Outfit Helped Fuel Groups on Political Front Lines,” OpenSecrets.org, November 5, 2013.
- 18“National women’s organization claims no money from Koch brothers, as accused in special State Senate election,” The Antioch Herald, May 2015. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/e6YWj
- 19Viveca Novak and Peter Stone. “The JCN Story: Building a Secretive GOP Judicial Machine,” OpenSecrets.org, March 23, 2015. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/BXRuB
- 20Viveca Novak and Peter Stone. “The JCN Story: Building a Secretive GOP Judicial Machine,” OpenSecrets.org, March 23, 2015. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/BXRuB
- 21“PR firm helped Whelan stoke half-baked Kavanaugh alibi,” Politico, September 21, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/RDg7J
- 22“Judicial Crisis Network Launches Million Campaign to Preserve Justice Scalia’s Legacy, Support President-Elect Trump Nominee,” Judicial Crisis Network, January 9, 2017. Archived April 10, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/qxNu8
- 23“PR firm helped Whelan stoke half-baked Kavanaugh alibi,” Politico, September 21, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/RDg7J
- 24“The Battle over Judge Kavanaugh’s Nomination,” The Federalist Society, September 21, 2018. Archived Setpember 21, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/GanhM
- 25“Conservative group launches .5M campaign to defend Kavanaugh,” The Hill, September 18, 2018.
- 26“Conservative group launches .5M campaign to defend Kavanaugh,” The Hill, September 18, 2018.
- 27“Judicial Crisis Network’s Carrie Severino Weighs in Kavanaugh Misconduct Allegations,” YouTube video uploaded by user “CBN News,” September 17, 2018.
- 28“Judicial Crisis Network’s Carrie Severino Weighs in Kavanaugh Misconduct Allegations,” YouTube video uploaded by user “CBN News,” September 17, 2018.
- 29“Judicial Crisis Network’s Carrie Severino Weighs in Kavanaugh Misconduct Allegations,” YouTube video uploaded by user “CBN News,” September 17, 2018.
- 30“Outside Groups Plan Costly Campaigns for—or Against—Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh,” The Wall Street Journal, July 9, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/qkk6f
- 31Jonathan Swan and Lauren Meier. “Inside the 7-figure campaign for Brett Kavanaugh,” Axios, July 23, 2018.
- 32“JUDICIAL CRISIS NETWORK LAUNCHES CONFIRM KAVANAUGH, A .4 MILLION AD BUY (NATIONAL, AL, IN, ND, WV),” Confirmkavanaugh.com, July 9, 2018. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/GvPVj
- 33“Judicial Crisis Network Releases Second Ad in Confirm Kavanaugh Campaign, another .4 Million Ad Buy,” Judicial Crisis Network, July 16, 2018. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/88Fy7
- 34“Judicial Crisis Network Launches #AnotherGreatJustice, a Seven-Figure Ad-Buy on Supreme Court Vacancy,” Judicial Crisis Network, June 27, 2018. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/u4kgM
- 35“CLC Asks FCC to Review Gorsuch Ads,” CLC, April 6, 2017. Archived September 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/MactF
- 36“CLC Asks FCC to Review Gorsuch Ads,” CLC, April 6, 2017. Archived September 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/MactF
- 37“CLC Asks FCC to Review Gorsuch Ads,” CLC, April 6, 2017. Archived September 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/MactF
- 38“Judicial Crisis Network Launches Million Campaign to Preserve Justice Scalia’s Legacy, Support President-Elect Trump Nominee,” Judicial Crisis Network, January 9, 2017. Archived April 10, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/qxNu8
- 39Andrew Perez and Margaret Sessa-Hawkins. “Tax Returns Identify Dark Money Organization As Source of GOP Supreme Court Attacks,” Maplight, November 21, 2017. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/oTGlJ
- 40“Judicial Crisis Network Launches Million Campaign to Preserve Justice Scalia’s Legacy, Support President-Elect Trump Nominee,” Judicial Crisis Network, January 9, 2017. Archived April 10, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/qxNu8
- 41“Wellspring’s dark money crucial to judicial group, helps others in Trump orbit,” OpenSecrets.org, March 24, 2017.
- 42Theodoric Meyer. “Lewandowski’s firm signs new clients,” Politico, March 21, 2017. Archived September 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/UtI57
- 43“JCN Launches ‘Let the People Decide’ Campaign,” Judicial Crisis Network, February 18, 2016. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/lGoUm
- 44“‘How Could You, Bridget McCormack?’ Judicial Crisis Network,” YouTube video uploaded by user “FairCourtsPage,” October 31, 2012.”
- 45Andrew Rosenthal. “Everyone Deserves Legal Representation,” The New York Times, November 1, 2012. Archived September 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/mqw1s
- 46Andrew Rosenthal. “Everyone Deserves Legal Representation,” The New York Times, November 1, 2012. Archived September 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/mqw1s
- 47“A Citizen’s Guide to Michigan Campaign Finance” (PDF), Michigan Campaign Finance Network, 2012. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
- 48“A Citizen’s Guide to Michigan Campaign Finance” (PDF), Michigan Campaign Finance Network, 2012. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
- 49Viveca Novak and Peter Stone. “The JCN Story: Building a Secretive GOP Judicial Machine,” OpenSecrets.org, March 23, 2015. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/BXRuB
- 50Viveca Novak and Peter Stone. “The JCN Story: Building a Secretive GOP Judicial Machine,” OpenSecrets.org, March 23, 2015. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/BXRuB
- 51(Press Release). “JUDICIAL CONFIRMATION NETWORK LAUNCHES DRIVE TO END OBSTRUCTIONISM,” Judicial Confirmation Network, February 23, 2005. Archived March 5, 2005. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/etJAG
- 52Viveca Novak and Peter Stone. “The JCN Story: Building a Secretive GOP Judicial Machine,” OpenSecrets.org, March 23, 2015. Archived September 19, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/BXRuB
