By Corinne Murdock |
Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) endorsed Republican incumbent Rachel Mitchell for Maricopa County Attorney, decrying her Democratic opponent Julie Gunnigle as a “Soros prosecutor.”
The Monday endorsement came just two days before early voting begins and mail-in ballots are sent out.
The Maricopa County attorney race has attracted national attention, in part over the connection between Gunnigle and George Soros, the kingpin of Democratic dark money. Soros has a reputation for establishing progressive prosecutors into districts and counties across the country successfully.
Some of Gunnigle’s latest PAC donations included over $6,500 from Way to Lead Arizona. That PAC received at least $100,000 from Soros’ Democracy PAC last year, and more in funds from its national counterpart, the Way to Lead PAC, which received millions combined from Soros, his family, or the organizations he either funded or founded.
Gunnigle denies that she benefits from Soros funding.
Multiple times a week, an elected official or pundit will weigh in or offer an endorsement in the race.
A week ago, Gila Bend Mayor Chris Riggs expressed worry that Gunnigle would worsen crime rates in the county. He cited Gunnigle’s support for slashing police funding and not enforcing deportations.
National attention has also been drawn to this race since questions remain over the nature of Arizona’s abortion law. Last month, Mitchell clarified that she would uphold the law but wouldn’t prosecute women who obtain an abortion. Neither the total abortion ban or the 15-week restriction allow for the arrest of the mother — only those who perform the abortion. The total abortion ban makes one allowance: to save the mother’s life.
Gunnigle has stated that she doesn’t support restrictions on abortion. In March, long before the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) decision overturning Roe v. Wade, Gunnigle pledged to disregard Arizona abortion law.
Last month, the Pima County Superior Court lifted the 1973 injunction on Arizona’s total abortion ban corresponding with the Roe v. Wade decision. That court also rejected an injunction request from Planned Parenthood. However, the Arizona Court of Appeals issued an injunction on the total ban on Friday.
Judge Peter Eckerstrom cited the apparent disharmony between the total ban and the 15-week restriction. He noted that both sides, those for the abortion laws and against them, expressed a desire for clarity on the ruling law.
“Arizona courts have a responsibility to attempt to harmonize all of this state’s relevant statutes,” stated Eckerstrom. “The court further concludes the balance of hardships weigh strongly in favor of granting the stay, given the acute need of healthcare providers, prosecuting agencies, and the public for legal clarity as to the application of our criminal laws.”
Eckerstrom will engage in a scheduling conference with Planned Parenthood of Arizona and the attorney general’s office on Tuesday to advance the case.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
