Democratic lawmakers and party leaders have complained for months about Republican candidates who make “grifting” fundraising pitches to help pay for their election challenges and legal funds.
It appears the practice is now acceptable, at least if you are Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat.
Mayes sent out emails on Thursday seeking campaign donations by highlighting the indictment of former President Donald Trump. In the pitch, Mayes praises U.S. Department of Justice personnel for their work.
Critics were quick to note how improper it is for Arizona’s attorney general – the state’s top lawyer – to be commenting on a prosecution that neither she nor her office is involved in.
But it is the second part of Mayes’ pitch that has really come under scrutiny.
So …
Democrat @KrisMayes is sending out campaign fundraising emails mocking the indictment of President Trump and using the indictment to raise money for (1) her campaign committee and (2) her court case against @AbrahamHamadeh.
Does that sound like "law and order" to you? pic.twitter.com/8yuPs3Eq5z
— Brian Anderson (@AZBrianAnderson) June 9, 2023
It criticizes Republican attorney general Abe Hamadeh for his “never-ending lawsuits.” Hamadeh, however, has only challenged Mayes’ current 280-vote margin in an effort to ensure every valid ballot is counted. He has not taken any other legal action outside the statutorily allowed election challenge statute.
Mayes then does exactly what Democrats have repeatedly belittled Kari Lake and Mark Finchem for – she offers a link to people who have “already maxed out to the campaign but wish to support our legal fund.”
The donation portal notes the pitch is paid for by Kris Mayes for Arizona and is “authorized by Kris Mayes.”
The link to support Mayes’ legal fund also notes that there is no individual limit for donations, as payments “for legal or accounting fees are not considered contributions or expenditures” under Arizona law.
Hamadeh, who has not solicited legal fund donations from the public, had a simple response when asked for comment Friday.
“She’s a grifter,” he said.
She’s a grifter.
— Abe Hamadeh (@AbrahamHamadeh) June 9, 2023