NW Valley Times

STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – Several months ago, State Representative David Livingston requested a legal opinion from Attorney General Mayes, seeking guidance about whether Arizona law allows a Governor-Elect to fundraise for political entities that make expenditures to influence elections through a state website promoting inaugural events. The Attorney General declined to provide a legal opinion, stating there were factual questions that made the issue inappropriate for a legal opinion.

In a complaint filed with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office today, Representative Livingston points out that Attorney General Mayes has express statutory authority to investigate potential violations of Title 16. In fact, Mayes invoked this authority earlier this year when she filed an unsuccessful lawsuit against Cochise County, citing concerns that without taking legal action, the Cochise County Board of Supervisors might hide actions that should be done publicly in compliance with Arizona’s open meeting law.

Likewise, Representative Livingston has shared the results of his legislative investigation with Attorney General Mayes and remains deeply concerned about the legality of Governor Hobbs’ political fundraising through a state website that promoted the Governor’s inaugural events.

“State law prohibits using public resources, including websites, to influence elections,” said Representative Livingston. “As the Attorney General has already acknowledged, there are unanswered factual questions here that warrant an immediate and thorough investigation. If Governor Hobbs had simply transferred the leftover funds to the state protocol account like former Governors have done, it would not be necessary to file my complaint. But the Governor’s unprecedented actions and refusal to provide information to me about where the funds went, who controls the funds, and how the funds will be spent left me with no choice. As the state’s chief legal officer charged with investigating potential violations of Title 16, the Attorney General must scrutinize these transactions and seek judicial relief if necessary to remedy past violations and prevent future violations of state law.”

A full copy of the complaint and exhibits filed by Representative Livingston with Attorney General Mayes is accessible through this link: https://bit.ly/43UCSau

David Livingston is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 28 in Peoria. He also serves as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. Follow him on Twitter at @Livingston4AZ.

Original source can be found here.