Hans von Spakovsky, Formerly of the Heritage Foundation, Joins Advancing American Freedom

The Washington Free Beacon reports that Hans von Spakovky, a well-known election law expert, has joined Advancing American Freedom. Hans will continue working with John Malcolm and other Heritage expats at Advancing American Freedom.

Former Heritage Foundation senior legal fellow Hans von Spakovsky has joined Advancing American Freedom (AAF), the nonprofit led by former vice president Mike Pence, the Washington Free Beacon has learned. The move comes after Heritage president Kevin Roberts tapped von Spakovsky to help lead the beleaguered think tank’s legal center—only for von Spakovsky to resign alongside the center’s previous leader.

“My career has been dedicated to the vital work of election integrity, defending the Constitution and the rule of law, advocating for limited government, and protecting our fundamental rights as Americans,” von Spakovsky said in a statement announcing his new role. “That includes eliminating discrimination in any form, particularly the scourge of anti-Semitism. There is no place for such pernicious and invidious hatred in our nation.”

Von Spakovsky told the Free Beacon that there were two large factors behind his decision to join AAF: the opportunity to help build a new organization promoting conservative principles—particularly on election integrity and immigration issues—and his new employer’s vocal stand against anti-Semitism.

“AAF has taken a very strong position—from what I’ve seen, people I’ve talked to—fighting against the scourge of anti-Semitism that has risen in this country,” he said. “My mother grew up in Nazi Germany, my father was Russian and actually fought the Nazis. I think that is extremely important. I am just shocked and dismayed at the rise of anti-Semitism, particularly on college campuses, and it’s very clear to me that AAF wants to help lead the fight against that.”

Kudos to Hans for speaking out so forcefully against antisemitism.

Attorney General Meese, 94-years young, celebrates the move:

“I congratulate Advancing American Freedom on adding Hans von Spakovsky to its new Edwin Meese III Institute for the Rule of Law and am confident that his proven abilities will enhance the Institute’s mission of upholding the Constitution and the rule of law.”

It truly is outstanding how Meese, Malcolm, and his colleagues have effectively airlifted the center from Heritage to Advancing American Freedom. What a remarkable effort.