The fight for answers over the 2020 election continues on, with Maricopa County officials still dragging their feet and attempting to not cooperate with efforts at discovery, but the latest round will be won by State Senator Kelly Townsend, who as Chairman of the Senate Government Committee, issued a fresh subpoena for County Supervisors last week.
Supervisor Bill Gates argued that the subpoena was not binding because it had not been signed off on by Senate President Karen Fann, but Townsend quickly pointed out that she had all the authority she needed as a Committee Chairman.
As an educational opportunity, @billgatesaz remarks that I did not get permission from the Senate President, however may we all learn statute and see that A.R.S. 41–1151 allows for any Chairman to issue a subpoena w/o permission. A.R.S. 41–1153 requires that it be complied with. pic.twitter.com/gjnpktAHdZ
— Senator Kelly Townsend (@AZKellyT) March 26, 2022
Townsend tweeted that Gates and others should learn the state statutes and “…see that A.R.S. 41-1151 allows for any Chairman to issue a subpoena w/o permission.” Townsend added that “A.R.S. 41-1153 requires that it be complied with.”
The County Supervisors have subsequently conceded the point, but will not attend in person, sending their attorney to answer questions in their place. Townsend has indicated that she will direct her questions to the attorney in their absence.