By Daniel Stefanski |
One of the least transparent administrations in Arizona history has become even less transparent.
On Tuesday, veteran Arizona reporter Dennis Welch shared a video he captured of Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs avoiding questions from reporters as she raced to an awaiting suburban. A Hobbs aide was overheard saying, “We’re not taking questions today; I’m very sorry.”
In sharing the video, Welch wrote, “The Hobbs Dodge: Footage from Governor Hobbs yesterday ducking questions from the press, again. The move has increasingly become standard operating procedure for a governor who promised an open relationship with the media at the start of her administration.”
The tweet has over half a million views.
Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope told AZ Free News, “Governor Hobbs promised to run a transparent administration but from the beginning, it’s been clear that those were just talking points. From taking weeks to disclose donors to her inaugural events, vetoing bills without reaching out to members, and now running away from reporters, the only thing transparent has been her desire to walk herself off from the public.”
Representative Cory McGarr reacted to the video shortly after it hit the social media platform, tweeting, “If I couldn’t defend any of my insane actions as governor I would probably run from the press too.”
Representative Austin Smith tweeted, “Why would she need to talk to the media? Y’all carry water for her anyway. She’s not beholden to you. She owns you.”
Former Arizona legislator Vince Leach also weighed in, thanking Welch for sharing the video.
Members of the Arizona press also piled on to express their frustrations with Hobbs’ refusal to answer questions. Laurie Roberts, a columnist with the Arizona Republic, stated, “This is a bad look for a governor…”
Nick Phillips, a reporter with the Arizona Capitol Times, wrote, “Last time Governor Hobbs answered journalists’ questions was in March, before 2 high-profile departures from her comms team.”
Jeremy Duda, a reporter with Axios Phoenix, said, “This is an annual event and I don’t ever recall a governor not doing a gaggle with the press afterward. It wouldn’t be as much of an issue if Hobbs hadn’t halted the weekly press conferences she was doing during her first few months in office.”
After posting his video of Hobbs, Welch added, “It’s been 2 weeks since Governor Hobbs vetoed the so-called tamale bill. She still hasn’t said what changes she wants to get her support. Unlikely to get answers soon. Her schedule shows she’ll be in DC & Sedona (an off the record event) for the rest of the week.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
