Arizona State University Faces Allegations of Election Interference
Allegations of election interference have emerged in Arizona, centering around a civil complaint filed by the Arizona Free Enterprise Club against Arizona State University (ASU). The complaint accuses the university of meddling in the 2022 gubernatorial race.
In 2022, Arizona PBS (KAET-TV), based at ASU, was scheduled to host a debate between Democratic candidate Katie Hobbs and Republican candidate Kari Lake. The event was organized in collaboration with the Citizens Clean Elections Commission. However, the debate was thrown into disarray when Hobbs declined to participate.
ASU, in an unexpected move, extended an interview offer to both gubernatorial contenders, diverging from the Clean Elections Commission’s rules, which stipulated that only Lake should be interviewed. This decision resulted in the severance of the partnership between PBS and the Commission.
While Hobbs consented to a 30-minute interview, Lake opted not to participate. According to Arizona Free Enterprise Club President Scot Mussi, “It was clear that public resources were being used as part of this process to influence the outcome of an election which under state law is illegal.”
Public records recently provided to the Arizona Republic reveal discussions among ASU officials, including university President Michael Crow, regarding concerns about Lake’s false assertions regarding the 2020 election and considerations of Hobbs’ political standing.
The Arizona Free Enterprise Club has also filed a Hatch Act complaint, a legal mechanism triggered when government employees engage in specific political actions. Potential ramifications of the case include a civil penalty.
Mussi indicated that the organization is still deliberating on whether to pursue a formal lawsuit against ASU. “We want to make sure that taxpayers are protected,” he emphasized.
Arizona State University has yet to issue a response to the allegations. The complaint has been submitted to both Republican Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell and Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes. Mussi expressed hope that the matter will be investigated by one or both offices.
In a related development, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert) has petitioned the Federal Communications Commission to revoke the broadcasting license of Arizona PBS, an action that would halt its operations.
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