In a television spot released Monday, the Democratic campaign arm supporting candidate Jessica Killin highlighted the family of Virginia Giuffre, the first woman to publicly accuse Jeffrey Epstein of sexual abuse. The ad, aimed at voters in Colorado’s 5th Congressional District – which includes Colorado Springs and surrounding suburbs – shows Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts, and sister‑in‑law, Amanda Roberts, speaking directly to the camera.
Family says Rep. Crank blocked transparency
“My sister, Virginia, was one of Jeffrey Epstein’s victims,” Roberts said. “She spent her life trying to expose the truth. After she died, we promised to carry on her fight.” Amanda Roberts added, “Our own congressman, Jeff Crank, refused to meet with us. Then, when he had the chance to expose the truth and release the Epstein files, he repeatedly voted to cover them up.”
The spot ends with the two family members meeting Killin over coffee, underscoring the campaign’s message that the Republican incumbent is not supporting the transparency they seek.
Rep. Crank’s record on the issue
Crank’s campaign has not yet responded to a request for comment. The representative did decline last year to sign a bipartisan discharge petition that would have forced a House vote on releasing thousands of Epstein‑related files. However, he later joined the overwhelming majority of members of Congress in voting for the Epstein Files Transparency Act, legislation that mandated the release of extensive investigative records.
In a statement at the time, Crank said, “I have consistently supported transparency and accountability regarding the business dealings, investigation, and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein.” The ad positions his earlier refusal to meet the family as a contrast to that statement.
Background on the Epstein case
Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while facing federal sex‑trafficking charges. His death sparked numerous conspiracy theories and ongoing scrutiny of his connections to powerful figures, including former President Donald Trump and former President Bill Clinton. Both men have said they cut off ties with Epstein years ago and deny any knowledge of his crimes.
Political context in Colorado’s 5th District
The 5th District has traditionally leaned Republican. Rep. Jeff Crank won his first term in 2024 by about 13 points. Nonetheless, Democrats see the district as increasingly competitive, especially as national attention focuses on issues of government transparency and accountability.
Jessica Killin, the Democratic challenger, is positioning herself as a champion of openness, promising to work with constituents to ensure that any remaining Epstein‑related documents are fully disclosed. The ad is part of a broader effort by the Democratic campaign to draw a line between the incumbent’s past actions and the family’s desire for truth.
What voters should know
Voters in the district will see the ad in the weeks leading up to the November midterm election. The message centers on a single issue – the release of Epstein files – but it also serves as a broader critique of the incumbent’s willingness to engage with constituents on sensitive matters.
As the race tightens, both campaigns are likely to continue highlighting personal stories and policy positions that resonate with local voters, especially on issues of government accountability and family values.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
