What is the full name of the organization abbreviated as CREW?

The full name of the organization abbreviated as CREW is Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. It functions as a nonprofit watchdog group dedicated to promoting ethics and accountability in U.S. government and public life.

Who were the founders of CREW?

CREW was co-founded by Melanie Sloan, a former federal prosecutor, and Norm Eisen, a white-collar lawyer.

What type of nonprofit organization is CREW, according to its tax status?

CREW is classified as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. This designation typically means it is exempt from federal income tax and is organized for charitable or educational purposes.

Who is identified as the President and Chief Executive Officer of CREW?

Noah Bookbinder is identified as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CREW.

What was CREW's reported revenue in 2019?

In 2019, CREW reported a revenue of $5,989,080.

What is the primary focus of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW)?

The primary focus of CREW is U.S. government ethics and accountability. It operates as a watchdog organization dedicated to exposing ethics violations and corruption by government officials and institutions.

What is CREW's stated goal regarding government officials and special interests?

CREW's stated goal is to promote ethics and accountability in government and public life by targeting government officials who sacrifice the common good to special interests.

How did CREW position itself upon its founding in 2003?

Upon its founding in 2003, CREW positioned itself as a liberal/progressive counterweight to conservative government watchdog groups, such as Judicial Watch.

What methods does CREW employ to expose ethics violations and corruption?

CREW employs methods such as investigating, reporting, and litigating perceived government misconduct. It also utilizes Freedom of Information legislation requests to compel government information disclosure and files congressional ethics complaints against individuals, institutions, and agencies.

What is the "CREW's Most Corrupt Members of Congress" report?

The "CREW's Most Corrupt Members of Congress" is an annual report published by CREW that lists individuals it determines to be the most corrupt within the U.S. federal government.

How many Democrats and Republicans were named in CREW's "Most Corrupt Members of Congress" reports between 2005 and 2014?

Between 2005 and 2014, CREW's annual reports named a total of 88 individuals, with 63 identified as Republicans and 25 as Democrats.

When was CREW co-founded, and what was a primary motivation for its establishment?

CREW was co-founded in 2003 by Melanie Sloan and Norm Eisen. A primary motivation for its establishment was to serve as a liberal/progressive counterweight to conservative government watchdog groups.

How did CREW's staff size grow from its early years to 2016?

By 2007, CREW had 13 staff members, and by 2016, the group had grown to include four lawyers on its staff.

When did David Brock become the chairman of CREW's board of directors?

David Brock was elected chairman of CREW's board of directors in August 2014.

How did David Brock's involvement affect CREW's perceived political alignment, according to media reports?

Media reports suggested that David Brock's involvement aligned CREW more closely with the Democratic Party, leading some to describe it as part of a Democratic political operation and to note a shift in its focus towards targeting Republicans.

What shift in CREW's focus occurred after David Brock became chairman?

After David Brock became chairman, CREW shifted its focus to almost exclusively pursue Republicans and conservative organizations through federal complaints and investigations, whereas previously it had targeted officials from both parties.

Who succeeded David Brock as chairman of CREW's board, and what was his prior role?

Richard Painter succeeded David Brock as chairman of CREW's board. Painter is a former George W. Bush White House ethics lawyer.

What was Richard Painter's connection to the George W. Bush administration?

Richard Painter served as an ethics lawyer in the George W. Bush White House.

How many lawsuits did CREW file against the Trump administration by January 2018, compared to previous administrations?

By January 2018, CREW had filed 180 lawsuits against the Trump administration, compared to 41 filed during George W. Bush's administration and 38 during Obama's administration.

When did CREW file its first lawsuit against the Donald Trump administration?

CREW filed its first lawsuit against the Donald Trump administration just three days after his inauguration.

How did CREW's activities against the Trump administration compare to its actions against previous administrations in terms of frequency?

CREW launched actions against the Trump administration at a rate of about one per day, filing lawsuits, public-record inquiries, and complaints with ethics authorities, indicating a significantly higher frequency than against previous administrations.

What was CREW's characterization of the Trump presidency in a January 2018 report?

In a January 2018 report, CREW characterized the Trump presidency as the "most unethical presidency" in U.S. history.

What type of federal loan did CREW receive during the COVID-19 pandemic?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, CREW received $432,000 in federally backed small business loans through the Paycheck Protection Program.

How did CREW's mission statement evolve by 2015 to describe its approach?

By 2015, CREW's mission stated that it used high-impact legal actions to target government officials who sacrifice the common good to special interests, working to ensure officials acted with honesty and integrity regardless of party affiliation.

What is the focus of CREW's mission statement as of 2018?

As of 2018, CREW's mission is dedicated to fighting the influence of money on the political system, using legal action, research, and communications to foster a government that is ethical and accountable.

What specific types of actions does CREW undertake as part of its activities?

CREW's activities include litigation, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, filing congressional ethics complaints, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) complaints, Federal Election Commission (FEC) complaints, and requests for investigations with government agencies.

What was the outcome for lawmakers named in CREW's "Most Corrupt" reports during the 2012 election cycle?

In the 2012 election cycle, 11 out of the 32 lawmakers who had been included in CREW's "Most Corrupt" reports in the preceding two years were either defeated or retired.

As of 2014, how many individuals had been named in CREW's "Most Corrupt" list, and what was the party breakdown?

As of 2014, CREW's "Most Corrupt" list had named 88 individuals, with 63 being Republicans and 25 being Democrats.

What was the subject of CREW's 2012 report titled "Family Affair"?

CREW's 2012 report titled "Family Affair" examined how members of Congress had utilized their positions to benefit themselves and their families.

What common practices involving family members were highlighted in the "Family Affair" report as raising ethical questions for members of Congress?

The "Family Affair" report highlighted practices such as paying family members for congressional office and campaign work, collecting reimbursements from official budgets, earmarking projects connected to family members, and charging interest on personal loans to campaigns as raising ethical questions.

What was CREW's criticism regarding a specific provision in the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014?

CREW questioned a provision in the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014, which appropriated $174,000 for the widow of Senator Frank R. Lautenberg, arguing it was unnecessary given his substantial assets.

What specific provision in the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014, did CREW question, and why?

CREW questioned Section 134 of the resolution, which provided a $174,000 payment to Bonnie Englebardt Lautenberg, the widow of Senator Frank R. Lautenberg. CREW questioned this "death gratuity" as a top funding priority, noting Lautenberg's estate was valued at over $57 million in 2011.

What constitutional provision did CREW allege President Donald Trump's business interests violated?

CREW alleged that President Donald Trump's business interests violated the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution by receiving payments from foreign government entities.

Who were some of the legal representatives involved in the lawsuit filed by CREW concerning the Emoluments Clause?

Some of the legal representatives involved in CREW's Emoluments Clause lawsuit included Laurence H. Tribe, Norman L. Eisen, Erwin Chemerinsky, Richard Painter, and Zephyr Teachout.

What was the outcome of the initial Emoluments Clause lawsuit filed by CREW in New York, and on what grounds was it dismissed?

The initial Emoluments Clause lawsuit filed by CREW in New York was dismissed by U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels on December 21, 2017, on the grounds that the plaintiffs lacked legal standing.

What action did CREW announce following the dismissal of its Emoluments Clause lawsuit?

Following the dismissal of its Emoluments Clause lawsuit, CREW announced plans to appeal the decision.

What specific action did CREW challenge as a violation of the Presidential Records Act of 1981?

CREW, along with the National Security Archive, challenged President Trump's deletion of tweets, arguing it violated the Presidential Records Act of 1981.

What role did Norman L. Eisen play in the White House ethics and government reform efforts?

Norman L. Eisen, a co-founder of CREW, served as Special Counsel for Ethics and Government Reform in the White House starting in 2009. He was known for his efforts in ethics and anti-corruption, including limiting registered lobbyists from taking positions in the administration.

What was Melanie Sloan's role before co-founding CREW?

Before co-founding CREW in 2003, Melanie Sloan served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Columbia from 1998 to 2003. She had previously worked for congressional Democrats John Conyers, Charles Schumer, and Joseph Biden.

Who joined CREW's board of directors along with David Brock in 2014?

Along with David Brock, consultant David Mercer and investor Wayne Jordan joined CREW's board of directors in 2014.

Who was named executive director of CREW in March 2015?

Noah Bookbinder was named executive director of CREW in March 2015.

What was Noah Bookbinder's background before becoming CREW's executive director?

Before becoming CREW's executive director, Noah Bookbinder was a former Justice Department prosecutor and served as Chief Counsel for the U.S. Senate's Judiciary Committee, advising Chairman Senator Patrick Leahy.

Who joined CREW's board of directors and became board president after Brock's tenure began?

After David Brock became chairman, he was elected as CREW's board president. Other individuals who joined the board included consultant David Mercer and investor Wayne Jordan.

What is CREW's official tax-exempt status, and what does it prohibit?

CREW operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which prohibits it from engaging in partisan political activity.

How did Ben Smith of Politico describe CREW's founding and early targets?

Ben Smith of Politico described CREW's founding in 2003 as backed by liberal donors and called CREW "a vehicle for assaults on largely—but not entirely—Republican targets."

How did an Associated Press story in 2010 characterize CREW's targeting practices?

A 2010 Associated Press story stated that CREW "has a history of targeting members of Congress representing different races, philosophies and both major parties."

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Understanding CREW

Core Identity

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) is a prominent progressive non-profit organization operating under the 501(c)(3) designation. Its primary focus is on enhancing government ethics and accountability within the United States. Established in 2003, CREW emerged as a counterpoint to conservative watchdog groups, aiming to scrutinize government officials and institutions for ethical lapses and corruption, while also advocating for reduced influence of money in politics.

Operational Mandate

CREW's operational framework involves rigorous investigation, detailed reporting, and strategic litigation concerning perceived governmental misconduct. The organization frequently utilizes Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to compel the disclosure of government information and submits congressional ethics complaints against individuals, institutions, and agencies. A notable annual initiative is the publication of "CREW's Most Corrupt Members of Congress," identifying individuals deemed to have the highest levels of corruption within the federal government.

Original Context

It is important to note that the source article from which this content is derived contained multiple maintenance flags. These indicated the presence of promotional content and a tone or style that may not have fully adhered to encyclopedic standards. Efforts have been made here to refine the presentation and ensure a neutral, informative tone suitable for academic discourse.

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Early Growth

Co-founded in 2003 by former federal prosecutor Melanie Sloan and white-collar lawyer Norm Eisen, CREW was conceived as a progressive counterweight to conservative watchdog organizations like Judicial Watch. Initially managed by Sloan, the organization expanded its staff to 13 by 2007 and employed four lawyers by 2016, demonstrating steady growth in its capacity to pursue its mission.

Leadership Transitions

The organization's leadership has seen significant shifts. David Brock, a liberal political operative, became chairman in August 2014, aligning CREW more closely with Democratic political operations. Following Brock's departure from the board in December 2017, Richard Painter, former ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush, took over as chairman, lending a bipartisan perception. Noah Bookbinder, a former Justice Department prosecutor, was appointed executive director in March 2015.

Strategic Evolution

CREW's mission statement has evolved, shifting from a primary focus on direct litigation to a broader approach encompassing research, media outreach, and advocacy for policy changes. While initially targeting both parties, reports suggest a trend towards focusing on Republican officials, particularly after David Brock's involvement. The organization's activities have notably included aggressive litigation against the Trump administration, which it characterized as the "most unethical presidency" in U.S. history.

Defining Purpose

Evolving Mandate

CREW's mission has been refined over time to emphasize its role in combating the influence of money in politics. The organization is dedicated to promoting ethical conduct and accountability among public officials, utilizing legal actions, in-depth research, and strategic communication. The stated goal is to foster a government that prioritizes the public interest over that of powerful special interests.

Early Mission (circa 2003-2008): Focused on using the legal system to expose government officials who betrayed the public interest and to counterbalance conservative watchdog groups.

Mid-Mission (circa 2015): Aimed to use high-impact legal actions against officials who sacrificed the common good for special interests, ensuring honesty and integrity regardless of party affiliation.

Current Mission (circa 2018): Dedicated to fighting the influence of money in politics through aggressive legal action, research, and communication, encouraging officials to serve the people, not powerful interests.

Key Initiatives

Watchdog Operations

CREW's activities are multifaceted, encompassing litigation, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, complaints to ethics bodies (like the Office of Government Ethics and the Federal Election Commission), and requests for investigations by government agencies. These actions are designed to uncover and address ethical breaches and potential corruption.

"Most Corrupt" List

Since 2005, CREW has published an annual report, "CREW's Most Corrupt Members of Congress." This report identifies individuals in Congress who the organization deems most corrupt. While the last report was issued in 2013, the initiative highlighted CREW's role in publicizing perceived ethical failings across the political spectrum, though analyses indicated a tendency to target Republicans.

Family Affair Report

In 2012, CREW released "Family Affair," a report detailing how members of the U.S. House of Representatives utilized their positions for personal and familial benefit. The report identified 248 members (nearly equal representation from both parties) engaging in practices such as paying family members for congressional work, receiving reimbursements, earmarking projects connected to family, and charging interest on personal loans to campaigns—actions that, while often legal, raised ethical questions.

Emoluments Clause Litigation

CREW has been a key player in litigation concerning the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. In 2017, CREW filed a lawsuit alleging that President Donald Trump's business interests violated this clause by accepting payments from foreign governments. Although an initial federal court dismissed the case, CREW pursued appeals, underscoring its commitment to legal challenges against perceived constitutional breaches.

Key Figures

Norman L. Eisen

A co-founder of CREW and an attorney specializing in fraud. Eisen later served as President Obama's chief ethics lawyer and ambassador to the Czech Republic. He rejoined CREW in December 2016 to help steer the organization away from partisan alignment and played a significant role in the Emoluments Clause litigation.

Melanie Sloan

Served as CREW's first executive director. A former federal prosecutor, Sloan co-founded the organization with Eisen. She resigned as executive director in August 2014 following David Brock's election as chairman.

David Brock

A prominent liberal political operative who was elected chairman of CREW's board in August 2014. His involvement led to increased political alignment and focus on Republican targets, though he later stepped down from the board in December 2017.

Richard Painter

Former ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush, Painter succeeded David Brock as chairman of CREW's board. His appointment was seen as an effort to provide a bipartisan image to the organization. He took a leave of absence to run for the U.S. Senate.

Noah Bookbinder

Appointed executive director in March 2015, Bookbinder is a former Justice Department prosecutor and Chief Counsel for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. He has led CREW's strategic direction and operations.

Financial Underpinnings

Revenue and Donors

In 2019, CREW reported revenue of $5,989,080. The organization does not publicly disclose its donor list, but known contributors include groups such as the Democracy Alliance, Service Employees International Union, the Arca Foundation, and the Gill Foundation. While CREW states donors do not influence its targeting decisions, its alignment with progressive political networks has been noted.

Funding Dynamics

CREW's funding structure has evolved, with its association with organizations like the Democracy Alliance impacting its support. In 2012, the Democracy Alliance reportedly withdrew support from groups perceived as operating outside the Democratic Party's infrastructure, including CREW. Despite these shifts, the organization has secured significant funding, enabling its extensive investigative and litigation activities.

Partisanship Debate

Perceptions of Bias

CREW operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which prohibits partisan political activity. However, the organization has faced allegations of partisanship. While its stated aim is nonpartisanship, analyses by various media outlets have described CREW as a "liberal watchdog," a "vehicle for assaults on largely Republican targets," or "progressive," particularly following shifts in leadership and organizational strategy.

Criticisms and Defenses

Critics, including targeted politicians like Senator Conrad Burns, have labeled CREW "partisan hacks." CREW has defended its actions by stating it targets unethical conduct regardless of party and that its experience shows a prevalence of violations on the conservative side. Media coverage has varied, with some outlets calling CREW "nonpartisan" and others "liberal-leaning" or "progressive."

Roll Call Analysis

A 2008 Roll Call article noted that CREW filed most complaints against members of Congress, with the vast majority targeting Republicans. While CREW stated its nonpartisan intent and commitment to pursuing corruption wherever found, the article highlighted that complaints against Democrats were less frequent, with exceptions noted for conservative Democrats or specific cases.

Further Exploration

Official Resources

For direct access to CREW's work, reports, and current initiatives, their official website serves as the primary resource. This platform provides detailed information on their ongoing investigations, legal actions, and advocacy efforts.

Visit CREW Website

Financial Transparency

Information regarding CREW's financial standing, including filings with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), is publicly available through resources like ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer. These documents offer insights into the organization's revenue, expenditures, and operational finances.

View Financials

Authority Databases

CREW is cataloged in various international and national authority control databases, such as VIAF and the Library of Congress. These databases provide standardized identifiers and links to related resources, aiding in academic and archival research.

View Wikidata Entry

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References

Washington Information Directory 2017-2018; CQ Press; 2017; Pg. 327

CREW's Most Corrupt Members of Congress; CREW website

Family AffairâFull report; CREW website

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington v. Trump, 17 Civ. 458 (S.D.N.Y. Dec. 21, 2017).

Ben Smith, "Staffing up for Congressional investigations", Politico.com, November 18, 2010.

CREW archives; accessed November 11, 2015.

Arca Foundation

A full list of references for this article are available at the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model, drawing upon publicly available information from Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and clarity, it is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The original source material contained flags indicating promotional content and potential deviations from standard encyclopedic tone and style.

This is not professional political or legal advice. The information provided herein should not substitute for consultation with qualified professionals in political science, law, or ethics. Always verify information with primary sources and consult experts for specific guidance.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this information.

Guardians of Governance

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Understanding CREW ℹ️

🏛️ Core Identity

⚖️ Operational Mandate

⚠️ Original Context

Historical Trajectory 📈

🌱 Genesis and Early Growth

🔄 Leadership Transitions

🎯 Strategic Evolution

Defining Purpose 📜

🎯 Evolving Mandate

Key Initiatives 🛠️

🔍 Watchdog Operations

🏆 "Most Corrupt" List

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Affair Report

⚖️ Emoluments Clause Litigation

Key Figures 👥

🧑‍⚖️ Norman L. Eisen

👩‍💼 Melanie Sloan

🧑‍💼 David Brock

🧑‍💼 Richard Painter

🧑‍💼 Noah Bookbinder

Financial Underpinnings 💰

📊 Revenue and Donors

🏦 Funding Dynamics

Partisanship Debate 🤔

⚖️ Perceptions of Bias

🗣️ Criticisms and Defenses

⚖️ Roll Call Analysis

Further Exploration 🔗

🌐 Official Resources

📊 Financial Transparency

🏛️ Authority Databases

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Understanding CREW

Core Identity

Operational Mandate

Original Context

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Early Growth

Leadership Transitions

Strategic Evolution

Defining Purpose

Evolving Mandate

Key Initiatives

Watchdog Operations

"Most Corrupt" List

Family Affair Report

Emoluments Clause Litigation

Key Figures

Norman L. Eisen

Melanie Sloan

David Brock

Richard Painter

Noah Bookbinder

Financial Underpinnings

Revenue and Donors

Funding Dynamics

Partisanship Debate

Perceptions of Bias

Criticisms and Defenses

Roll Call Analysis

Further Exploration

Official Resources

Financial Transparency

Authority Databases

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice