Article Summary –
Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn is starting a political action group aimed at supporting pro-democracy candidates and targeting former President Trump and his supporters. The group, called Dunn’s Democracy Defenders, will support candidates who work to strengthen democracy and reduce the influence of big money in politics. Dunn, who defended lawmakers during the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot, recently unsuccessfully ran for a seat in the Maryland Democratic primary.
Former U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn Establishes Political Group Intent on Defending Democracy
Ex-Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn has initiated a new political movement this Wednesday. The group intends to back pro-democracy candidates and target ex-President Trump alongside “anti-democracy MAGA extremists”.
The newly formed group, Dunn’s Democracy Defenders, is a hybrid political action committee. It pledges to support candidates across all levels who will protect democracy from MAGA and eliminate big money from politics. The group will also target individuals and groups posing a threat to democracy.
Dunn’s declaration emphasizes the urgency of defending democracy against both those intent on subverting it and special money interests.
“Our democracy is on the brink. MAGA extremists and giant super PACs threaten our democratic fabric. Now, more than ever, our democracy needs Defenders,” stated Dunn.
Dunn gained recognition as one of the Capitol Police officers who protected legislators during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He testified about his experiences before the House select committee investigating the Capitol attack in 2022.
Following an unsuccessful run in the Democratic primary for outgoing Rep. John Sarbanes’s (D-Md.) seat, Dunn announced the formation of this group. “My objective was to preserve our Constitution and democracy,” Dunn stated, explaining his decision to run for Congress.
Dunn refrained from revealing which candidates he would support or target ahead of the 2024 election. However, he hinted at a fast-approaching election season and the need to act quickly.
Dunn emphasized that no race was too insignificant for him to engage in.
A Carey Committee or hybrid PAC maintains two separate bank accounts: one for donating to candidates (subject to contribution limits), and the other for independent expenditures, which can gather unlimited funds from groups and individuals.
Dunn criticized the involvement of a super PAC aligned with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in his primary. He highlighted his concerns over big money influencing politics, stating it wasn’t confined to just the pro-Israel group.
Despite the hybrid PAC’s nature, Dunn clarified that the group was a “grassroots effort” and not just another financial player in politics.
“I set and broke fundraising records due to average individuals during my congressional run. I aim to continue this with this PAC,” Dunn concluded.
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