By Corinne Murdock |
The Maricopa County Republican Committee (MCRC) called on the Arizona House to bring impeachment charges against Attorney General Kris Mayes.
In a resolution approved on Tuesday, MCRC accused Mayes of abuse of office and violation of constitutional oaths by prosecuting Cochise County Supervisors Peggy Judd and Tom Crosby. The committee’s resolution likened Mayes’ actions to those that occur under dictatorships or communist rule.
“Kris Mayes is using her prosecutorial powers as the Arizona Attorney General to interfere with the County Board of Supervisors’ responsibility and authority to ensure the Peoples’ right to a secure election that is accurate and free from abuse or manipulation,” stated the resolution. “Kris Mayes’ prosecution of Cochise County Supervisors Peggy Judd and Tom Crosby is an act of political prosecution common in dictatorships or communist countries.”
State Sen. Wendy Rogers (R-LD07) applauded the move and echoed the call to action.
Last week, Mayes announced felony charges of interference with an election officer and conspiracy against Judd and Crosby. Together, the charges carry a punishment of up to five years’ imprisonment and fines of up to $300,000.
“The repeated attempts to undermine our democracy are unacceptable,” said Mayes. “I took an oath to uphold the rule of law, and my office will continue to enforce Arizona’s elections laws and support our election officials as they carry out the duties and responsibilities of their offices.”
Gov. Katie Hobbs announced her approval of the charges, echoing Mayes’ sentiment that Judd and Crosby had undermined democracy.
“To give Arizonans the free & fair elections they deserve, we must hold those who seek to undermine our democracy accountable,” said Hobbs.
In Tuesday’s resolution, MCRC defended Judd and Crosby as having the lawful authority to take the time they needed beyond the certification deadline to canvass the 2022 election. MCRC cited the widespread voting tabulation equipment malfunctions in Maricopa and Pinal counties, as well as the imbalance in the Pinal County canvass report, as justification for Judd and Crosby’s delayed certification.
MCRC accused Mayes of prosecuting Judd and Crosby as a means of intimidating other local elected officials from doing their due diligence to ensure the security and fairness of elections.
The MCRC executive board consists of Craig Berland, Shelby Busch, Tatiana Pena, Lawrence Hudson, Dan Grimm, Jeff Greenspan, Joanie Colson, Joe Neglia, former lawmaker Liz Harris, and Brian Ference.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
