PHOENIX – Gov. Katie Hobbs called Senator Jake Hoffman a “fake elector” after Queen Creek Republicans criticized how her office was investigating gubernatorial candidates who would come to his commission. called.
Hoffman, head of a special committee reviewing gubernatorial candidates, took advantage of Matthew Stewart’s forced resignation as the newly appointed Director of the Child Safety Administration to oppose all of Hobbs’ nominations. It justifies the intense questioning and research he conducts.
“Sadly, it is clear that Hobbes does not have its own vetting process,” he said in a statement.
“So my colleagues and I will continue to serve as the necessary and constitutional checks and balances in the executive branch that the citizens of our great state need and deserve.”
Mr Hoffman, who heads the Senate’s nominating committee for directors, said there had been “troublesome events” since Mr Hobbs nominated Mr Stewart in December before taking office.
He said it included a “questionable move regarding consulting contracts” and the dismissal of an unappointed and openly gay employee at the agency he said had filed a complaint against him, which he said was ” It caused a forced resignation.”
The governor had no comment Thursday other than to stick to her own prepared statement that it was “a decision made in the best interest of all parties involved.” Stewart before nominating him.
“This was not a good fit,” said Hobbes.
However, she has lashed out at the Republican majority on the commission, outright refusing to nominate Pima County Health Commissioner Teresa Cullen as Director of Health Services, and voting Elizabeth Ann Thorson for the Administration. and submitted Hobbes. Karen Peters was selected for environmental quality.
“The committee made it very clear that they were not interested in seriously reviewing my nomination,” Hobbes said.
And the governor had a particularly harsh word for Hoffmann, who is chairing the panel.
“I don’t think Jake Hoffman, the fake elector, has any interest in good government,” she said.
This is because Arizona’s Republicans pledged to vote for Donald Trump after the 2020 election, even though Joe Biden won the popular vote and won the state’s right to vote. It shows that it was one of 11 names that did. 11 electors.
“He’s interested in setting the stage for his own political drama,” said Hobbes.
The governor said her candidates were all selected by a “bipartisan transition committee focused on how to create the best government possible.”
“What these people are doing in the Senate is potentially helping to bring the government to a halt,” she said.
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Howard Fisher
Mr. Fisher is an award-winning Arizona journalist and founder and operator of Capitol Media Services.
