On Wednesday, Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs asked Attorney General Mark Brnovich for a criminal investigation into potential attempts by former President Donald Trump’s allies to influence Maricopa County Supervisors while the ballots were being tallied
Hobbs stated that some communications were “clear efforts to induce supervisors not to comply with their duties”, which could be a violation of Arizona law. She cited The Arizona Republic’s report last week about text messages and voicemails sent by Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and Arizona Republican Party Chair Kelli to the Republican members of The Board of Supervisors.
Hobbs stated that the reporting includes firsthand statements by victims of potential crimes. She mentioned at least one possible felony under Arizona law.
Brnovich’s spokesperson was unavailable to comment immediately on Hobbs’ request. The email was sent directly to the attorney General shortly after 1 pm.
Requests for legal review are fraught with political overtones.
Hobbs is a Democrat and will be running for governor in the next year. Her defense of Arizona’s election administration efforts was a highlight in the national media. The November presidential election results were some of the most close in the country. Trump and his associates made Arizona the center of attention as they propagated the false narrative that there was a stolen election.
Brnovich is a Republican and will be running for the U.S. Senate in 2017. Trump has criticised Brnovich’s inability to support the ongoing state Senate ballot review. The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed a Arizona law Brnovich defended as making voting more difficult. This was part of Trump’s commitment to preserving electoral integrity.
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He has been asked to investigate Trump’s GOP allies and the issue.
Hobbs sent Brnovich a letter requesting an investigation. She wrote, “As you stated just last week, fair elections are the cornerstone our republic, and start with rational laws which protect both the right and accuracy of the results,” “Arizona law protects elections officials from anyone who might attempt to interfere with their sacred duty to verify and certify the will to the voters.