Mark Waller, a former leader of state House Republicans and candidate for El Paso County commissioner, is helping launch an initiative petition to ask Colorado voters to divest the state from Iran.

Waller, from Colorado Springs, said the movement was prompted by the Iran nuclear deal that is moving forward despite opposition by many in Washington and around the country. Defund Iran is a nonprofit “social welfare” group recently established by Waller and former Missouri Treasurer Sarah Steelman. It is working on similar measures in four other states – Arizona, Florida, Missouri and Ohio – with plans to eventually operate in 15 states.

The announcement comes after U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, a Colorado Democrat likely to face a serious political challenge in 2016, announced he would support the Iran deal. Waller said he was disappointed by that decision but that they welcome bipartisan support for the petition.

“The reason we’re pushing this initiative now and why we think it’s so important is there is actually language in the Iran nuclear deal that requires the federal government to lobby to get states to end their divestiture laws and policies,” Waller said.

Colorado has a statute in place requiring that none of its investments are in companies located in or doing business with Sudan, Waller said. The state’s largest investment branch – the Public Employees’ Retirement Association – operates under a policy that requires divestment from all nations with ties to terrorist operations.

Waller said it would mean no change for PERA but would ensure things couldn’t change with the pending Iran deal. The deal in Iran exchanges greater control and scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear program for an end to economic sanctions against the country.

Waller said Defund Iran is a “grass-roots” movement that will be funded by people in the community. At the same time, as a social welfare 501(c)4 it will never have to disclose who financially backs the effort.

“As a former JAG (military lawyer) who prosecuted terrorists in the Middle East, I understand what’s going to happen if more resources end up in the hands of our enemies,” Waller said.

The group has a long road ahead to get the issue on the ballot for November. The petition language must be drafted and then approved, signatures must be gathered and finally those must be verified.

House Assistant Minority Leader Polly Lawrence, R-Roxborough Park, is co-chair of the Colorado effort.

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Contact Megan Schrader: 286-0644

Twitter @CapitolSchrader

Mark Waller, the former Republican leader of the state House of Representatives, is officially running for County Commissioner.