Governor Katie Hobbs has chosen to sidestep the Arizona Senate confirmation process for her state agency appointments, a decision that sets the stage for a potential legal confrontation. Her stance follows tension with Sen. Jake Hoffman, who chairs the Senate Committee on Director Nominations. The committee is responsible for reviewing gubernatorial appointees, a step in the Senate’s advisory and consent role.
“I’m quite frankly done with Jake Hoffman and his agenda,” Hobbs remarked, indicating her refusal to submit further nominations for approval. This move echoes a previous situation where a court ruled against her strategy of using unconfirmed “executive deputy directors” indefinitely. When pressed about her long-term plan, Hobbs deflected, “You’ll have to ask Jake Hoffman or the Senate president.”
The governor appears ready to face another judicial challenge. “If somebody’s upset about it, they can sue me again,” Hobbs stated, though she did not elaborate on her previous legal defeat.
Senator Hoffman responded to Hobbs’ decision, characterizing it as “a childish temper tantrum and emotional meltdown.” He criticized the governor’s approach as hasty and lacking due diligence. The senator plans to observe the governor’s next steps regarding agency leadership before considering legal action.
The backdrop of this conflict includes the recent resignation of two major agency nominees, Carmen Heredia and Jennifer Cunico, due to anticipated Senate opposition. Hoffman labeled them “unqualified nominees,” prompting questions about Hobbs’ future choices.
Governor Hobbs defended Heredia and Cunico, asserting their exemplary service and dismissing Hoffman’s opposition as politically motivated, unrelated to their professional qualifications. Hoffman is among 11 Republicans indicted for submitting false electoral documents in the 2020 presidential election, a case set for trial in January.
As Hobbs contemplates interim leadership for state agencies, the issue of governance without Senate-confirmed directors persists. The governor previously utilized a procedural tactic to appoint “executive deputy directors” after withdrawing 13 unconfirmed nominees, a move a judge later deemed illegal.
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Scott Blaney ruled that Hobbs’ actions violated Arizona law by assigning the same responsibilities to deputies as confirmed directors. The court emphasized the importance of legislative oversight in agency appointments.
Despite the legal setbacks, some of Hobbs’ nominees have been confirmed. Out of her appointments, 15 have received Senate approval, four were rejected, and seven, including the latest two, were withdrawn. Nine nominations remain pending for review.
Senator Hoffman defended the thoroughness of his committee’s review process, noting the confirmations achieved and emphasizing the necessity of legislative oversight.
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