Clean Elections Commission Approves Money Laundering To Political Parties
On Thursday, the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission instituted new rules which will allow candidates, who participate in the Clean Elections funding program to funnel money to political parties and political consultants. The rule allows Clean Elections candidates, who receive and spend public money, to make payments to political parties for “vague items,” according to House Republicans, such as “consulting” and undefined “services rendered.”
The practice of turning “clean” money dirty came under scrutiny this year after several Democratic Party candidates had funneled tens of thousands of dollars to the Party from their campaigns.
House Republicans attempted to close this loophole through HB2403, a bill which would have prohibited Clean Elections candidates from contributing public funds to political parties, but legislation amending Clean Elections laws requires a three-fourths vote. Democrats defeated the measure, arguing that the Clean Elections Commission would close the loophole on its own.
The Clean Elections Commission oversees Clean Elections funding, independent campaign finance law enforcement and voter education. The program is administered by a five-member board consisting of two Republicans, two Democrats and one Independent, appointed by Governor Doug Ducey and elected Democratic leaders….