The Round Up: October Surprise(s) in July
Lawmakers react to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden ends campaign for re-election, and Democrats rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
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We hope you enjoy this week’s round-up.
In this week’s Round-up: Over the last week, the 2024 presidential contest has undergone multiple seismic shifts. The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, followed by the selection of Ohio Senator J. D. Vance as his running mate, has dramatically reshaped the Republican campaign. On the Democratic side, President Joe Biden’s withdrawal and subsequent endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris represent even starker changes, adding a layer of uncertainty to an already chaotic race. These landmark events have been felt in key battleground states, including Arizona, where candidates are now scrambling to adjust their strategies 100 days before the November 5th contest. Recent reports indicating that Harris is considering Arizona Senator Mark Kelly as her running mate further suggest that the Copper State could serve as a focal point ahead of the election.
Within Arizona’s borders, several key government figures have become the focus of recent investigations. After three years of a comprehensive investigation, the U.S. Department of Justice reported that the Phoenix Police Department and City of Phoenix have committed multiple civil rights violations. Also, it was announced last month that Governor Katie Hobbs is being investigated over her role in an alleged “Pay to Play” scheme that saw a political donor receive preferential treatment.
Arizona Responds to Trump Assassination Attempt, Secret Service Director Resigns
Immediately following the July 13 assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump, Arizonans in both parties were quick to denounce political violence, as well as to offer their well wishes to the 2024 Republican nominee. Moreover, bipartisan scrutiny surrounding the U.S. Secret Service — specifically Director Kimberly Cheatle — emerged because of the apparent security lapses at the Butler, Pennsylvania, campaign rally. Calls for Cheatle’s resignation mounted after a Monday House Oversight Committee hearing, with lawmakers demanding “new leadership to swiftly address this crisis and rebuild the trust of a truly concerned Congress and the American people.” These calls ultimately proved successful, with Cheatle resigning just a day after delivering her House testimony.
The day after the shooting, Arizona Senate candidate and current Representative Ruben Gallego, a Democrat, “raise[d] grave concerns regarding the security measures — or lack thereof” in place to protect the former President. In a letter sent to Director Cheatle, Gallego questioned whether the Biden administration had previously denied requests for “additional protection or resources” from the Trump campaign. In seeking to “demand accountability,” Gallego asked Cheatle if “there [were] any failures in protocol that enabled the shooting,” as well as whether a “proper threat assessment of nearby buildings [was] conducted.” Notably, Gallego also inquired about the status of Secret Service protection for Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., whose requests had been repeatedly denied by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Subsequently, Gallego urged “all those responsible for the planning, approving, and executing of this failed security plan to be held accountable” and to “testify before Congress immediately.”
Arizona Republican Representatives Andy Biggs and Paul Gosar joined their House Oversight Committee colleagues in questioning the Secret Service’s “management of resources and personnel” related to the campaign rally. As part of their investigation, the Oversight Republicans requested that Director Cheatle preserve certain documents, audio, and video in “anticipation” for her July 22 hearing appearance before the committee. Specifically, the lawmakers asked for detailed records of security protocols, surveillance data, communications regarding the rally, and any internal assessments conducted by the Secret Service.
In response to the shooting, Mayorkas announced that the Secret Service had “enhanced” Trump’s protection both “prior to and after the events of this past weekend.” Due to the “evolving nature of threats” levied against the former president, Mayorkas explained that “personnel and other protective resources, technology, and capabilities have been added” to Trump’s security detail. Additionally, Mayorkas stated that President Biden had “directed [him] to work with the Secret Service to provide protection” for Kennedy, Jr.
What Arizona lawmakers are saying:
Senator Mark Kelly (D): “[Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords] and I are horrified by the incident in Pennsylvania. No one should ever have to experience political violence — we know that firsthand. We’re keeping former President Trump, his family, and everyone involved in our thoughts.”
Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I): “Violence, especially political violence, is completely unacceptable. We must be a model for civil democracy and commit to the values that define us as Americans.”
Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06): “Our family is praying tonight for President Trump, the innocent bystanders that have been killed or remain in critical condition, and all those in attendance. We also owe our utmost gratitude to the law enforcement and Secret Service who acted swiftly in response. Our political leaders should never fear that their beliefs or political stances threaten their lives, and I call on all of those in positions of power and influence to condemn these attacks in the strongest of terms — unequivocally.”
Congressman Raul Grijalva (D-AZ-07): “I condemn the attempted assassination of the former president. It’s unacceptable to condone or embrace political violence in any form.”
Congressman Paul Gosar (R-AZ-09): “Maude and I are praying for Donald Trump, his family and all of America following the cowardly and heinous assassination attempt of the 45th President of the United States. I am extremely grateful to the brave law enforcement officials protecting President Trump and I thank God he is doing well and will never stop fighting for the American people.”
Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05): “Democrats trying to take away President Trump’s Secret Service protection should be ashamed. The results of their dangerous rhetoric and actions are on full display today.”
Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ-03): “Last night’s attempted assassination of former President Trump was a tragic chapter in our history. We must enhance Secret Service protection for all major presidential candidates, including Robert Kennedy, Jr.”
Congressman David Schweikert (R-AZ-01): “Political violence has no place in America. Joyce and I send our prayers to President Trump, his family, and the family of the rally attendee whose life was tragically taken.”
Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ-02): “Warrior. Pray for the safety and wellbeing of President Trump and the patriotic Americans at his rally in PA.”
Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (R-AZ-08): “I am sending my prayers to former President Trump and all attending his rally in Pennsylvania. Please join me in lifting our nation in prayer.”
Governor Katie Hobbs (D): “Political violence is unacceptable, and has no place in this country. I am glad that former President Trump is safe, and hope that others at the rally were not seriously injured. I hope the perpetrator of this heinous act will be swiftly brought to justice.”
Attorney General Kris Mayes (D): “The attack against former President Trump must be strongly condemned by ALL Americans — no matter their political beliefs. Political violence is never acceptable. Never. My thoughts are with the former President and anyone else who may have been injured or hurt at today’s rally.”
State Treasurer Kimberly Yee (R): “Praying for President Trump and his recovery. This act of violence has no place at a peaceful campaign rally. May we pray for peace and civility in America.”
Arizona Senate Democrats: “The Arizona Senate Democrats condemn the act of violence targeting former President Trump earlier today. No matter an individual’s beliefs, violence is not acceptable. Period. Our thoughts are with the former President and everyone impacted by the incident at the rally.”
Arizona House Democrats: “We unequivocally condemn this abhorrent act and hope for former President Trump’s swift recovery. There is no place for political violence in our nation. We also thank the Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift and fearless response.”
Arizona Senate Republicans: “Fighter. This is the strongest leader in America. Arizona Senate Republicans are praying for you, President Trump. May justice be served.”
Arizona Congressmen Call on Biden to Step Aside, Kamala Steps Up to Plate
On Sunday, President Joe Biden officially announced his plans to “stand down” from the top of the Democratic Party ticket. In a statement posted on Twitter/X, the President highlighted the progress made by his administration before stating it was “in the best interest of [his] party and the country” to step down. Soon after the statement’s release, President Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement.
Several days after the June 28 presidential debate, Representative Raul Grijalva became the second House Democrat to explicitly call for President Biden to step aside. Following the lead of Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) who had previously urged Biden to “make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw” from the race, Grijalva highlighted similar concerns regarding Biden’s ability to maintain control of the White House this November. In a New York Times interview, the Tucson Congressman emphasized that Biden “needs to . . . shoulder the responsibility for keeping that seat” in the hands of Democrats by “get[ting] out of this race.”
Just over a week later, Representative Greg Stanton echoed calls for Biden to “pass the torch to a new generation of leaders.” In a statement, Stanton — who labeled himself as “one of President Biden's earliest supporters” in 2020 — argued that “the stakes in this election could not be higher.” Despite highlighting the “progress [Democrats have] made for Arizona” during the Biden Presidency, Stanton commented on the importance of “hav[ing] a nominee who can effectively make the case against” former President Trump. Subsequently, Stanton called on Biden to “step aside as [the party’s] nominee.”
What Arizona Democrats are saying:
Representative Raul Grijalva (D-AZ-07): “If he’s the candidate, I’m going to support him, but I think that this is an opportunity to look elsewhere. What he needs to do is shoulder the responsibility for keeping the seat — and part of that responsibility is to get out of this race.”
Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04): "Back in 2020, long before Joe Biden was the presumptive nominee of our party, I endorsed his candidacy for President — and I’m proud of that decision. President Biden has been one of our country’s most effective modern chief executives, and has truly delivered for Arizona — signing into law a once-in-a-generation investment in our infrastructure, the most consequential bill ever to fight climate change and protect our water, lowering drug prices for seniors, and turbocharging the U.S. semiconductor industry. . . . The Democratic Party must have a nominee who can effectively make the case against Trump, and have the confidence of the American people to handle the rigors of the hardest job on the planet for the next four years. For the sake of American democracy, and to continue to make progress on our shared priorities, I believe it is time for the President to step aside as our nominee."
DOJ Reports on Purported Civil Rights Abuses in Phoenix
Last month, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released a report following a three-year investigation into alleged civil rights violations committed by the Phoenix Police Department (PhxPD) and the City of Phoenix. Following its “comprehensive investigation,” the DOJ found that both the PhxPd and the City have “engage[d] in a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the U.S. Constitution and federal law.” The DOJ’s investigation revealed “systemic problems” within the PhxPD, including “pervasive failings in [the Department’s] policies, training, supervision, and accountability systems that have disguised and perpetuated these violations for years.”
According to the DOJ’s Executive Summary, key findings of the investigation include that: (i) “PhxPD uses excessive force, including unjustified deadly force and other types of force”; (ii) “PhxPD and the City unlawfully detain, cite, and arrest people experiencing homelessness and unlawfully dispose of their belongings. This is the first time the Department has found a pattern or practice of conduct that focuses on the rights of people experiencing homelessness”; (iii)
PhxPD discriminates against Black, Hispanic, and Native American people when enforcing the law”; (iv) “PhxPD violates the rights of people engaged in protected speech and expression”; and (v) “PhxPD and the City discriminate against people with behavioral health disabilities when dispatching calls for assistance and responding to people in crisis.”
Immediately following the report’s release, Phoenix City Attorney Julie Kriegh sent a letter to several members of the DOJ, including Attorney General Merrick Garland and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division. While Kriegh explained that the City “want[s] to take the necessary time to fully digest [the report] before responding,” she highlighted her commitment to “ongoing efforts to implement best practices in policing.” Further, Kriegh argued that both the PhxPD and the City are “materially different” after consistently “invest[ing] in substantial public expenditures and propos[ing] and approv[ing] significant projects.” Given an opportunity to “thoroughly review the report,” Kriegh added that she was “look[ing] forward to discussing possible options for an effective and efficient resolution that will best serve the Phoenix community.”
Attorney General Merrick Garland: “The Justice Department has concluded there is reasonable cause to believe that the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Department engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives its residents and visitors, including Black, Hispanic, and Native American people, of their rights under the Constitution and federal law. The release of today’s findings report is an important step toward accountability and transparency, and we are committed to working with the City of Phoenix and Phoenix Police Department on meaningful reform that protects the civil rights and safety of Phoenix residents and strengthens police-community trust.”
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division: “Our comprehensive investigation revealed unlawful and unconstitutional practices in the Phoenix Police Department’s enforcement activities that impact some of Phoenix’s most vulnerable residents, including Black, Hispanic, and Native American people, homeless people, and those experiencing behavioral health crises. The police also used excessive force, delayed necessary medical aid, and infringed on the civil rights of those engaged in First Amendment-protected conduct, including demonstrations and protests. Our findings provide a blueprint and a roadmap that can help transform the police department, restore community trust and strengthen public safety efforts in one of America’s largest cities.”
Phoenix City Attorney Julie Kriegh: “The City of Phoenix and Phoenix Police Department of today are materially different than the Department that you investigated. . . . The Phoenix City Council has consistently, through meaningful dialogue with community members, invested in substantial public expenditures and proposed and approved significant projects. Some examples are the approval and funding for full implementation of body worn cameras, the expenditure of millions of dollars for people experiencing homelessness and for the CAP program to address mental health concerns, creating staff for a new Office of Homeless Solutions and increasing salaries for 911 operators.”
Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton: “We are taking all allegations seriously and are planning to review this lengthy report with an open mind. Self-reflection is an important step in continuous improvement, and our Police Department has demonstrated a commitment to reform by making improvements to policy, discipline, internal investigations and training.”
Phoenix Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan: “We want to see not only what these individual incidents are that the Department of Justice refers to, but we also want to see whether it included policy change or whether it possibly included discipline, or other changes within the department as far as practices go.”
Governor Hobbs Investigated Over Alleged “Pay to Play” Scheme
Early last month, Attorney General (AG) Kris Mayes’s Office announced an investigation into an alleged pay-to-play scheme involving Governor Katie Hobbs and Sunshine Residential Homes. Following a June 5 request from Senate President Pro Tempore TJ Shope, the AG’s office explained that it was “statutorily authorized to investigate the allegations and offenses outlined” by Senator Shope.
In his initial inquiry, Senator Shope relayed Arizona Republic reports that Sunshine Residential Homes has “benefited beyond all other[]” group home providers due to its “close ties to Gov. Katie Hobbs.” Specifically, Shope highlighted concerns regarding the Department of Child Safety’s “alleged decision to approve a nearly 60% rate increase” for Sunshine Residential Homes. Shope emphasized that the allegation “brings many legal questions that are both criminal and civil in nature,” before touting the importance of “find[ing] the truth of what Governor Hobbs knew and at what time she knew, as well as what she directed based on that knowledge.”
After the announcement of AG Mayes’ investigation, Arizona State Treasurer Kimberley Yee called on Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell to launch a “concurrent criminal” inquiry. In letters sent to both Mitchell and AG Mayes, Treasurer Yee wrote that the recent reports call into question whether public entities are “ensuring fiduciary duties and engaging in a waste and abuse of government resources.” While Mayes had previously “requested that this investigation remain under [the AG’s] sole jurisdiction” and called it inappropriate “to conduct parallel investigations,” Treasurer Yee urged the involvement of Mitchell or an “independent county attorney” due to “concerns of conflict of interest.” The same day, Representative David Livingston called for Mayes’s recusal “so that County Attorney Mitchell and the Auditor General can do their jobs without interference or delay.”
Attorney General Kris Mayes (D): “The Criminal Division of my office is statutorily authorized to investigate the allegations and offenses outlined in Senator Shope’s referral. It would not be appropriate or in the best interest of the state to conduct parallel investigations into the same matter. Furthermore, a separate process conducted by the [Maricopa County Attorney or Auditor General] could jeopardize the integrity of the criminal investigation that my office will now proceed with. Should my office need the assistance of either [the Maricopa County Attorney or Auditor General], we will reach out and let you know.”
Treasurer Kimberley Yee (R): “Arizona taxpayers need financial accountability and deserve to know how their money is being spent. Providing state dollars to political donors is a grave misuse of public funds. ‘Pay to play’ and special favors have no place in state government. . . . The Attorney General wrongfully asserted that she has singular control over any investigation. I have requested a separate investigation to be conducted by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has separate jurisdiction in this matter and the current investigation by the Attorney General’s Office raises concerns of potential ethical conflicts of interest in representing state agencies and officials involved in the alleged scheme.”
Governor Katie Hobbs (D): “I’m a social worker, and it is outrageous that I would not act in the best interest of Arizona’s children in foster care. I have always and will always do what is best for Arizonans. . . . There is an AG investigation . . . I look forward to the conclusion of the investigation and finding that we acted in the best interest of Arizona.”
Senator TJ Shope: “I am deeply disturbed by recent reports in the media outlining what can only be described as a pay-to-play scheme between Governor Katie Hobbs’s Office, the Arizona Department of Child Safety, and political donors. These reports, if verified, raise serious public corruption questions that could implicate several state laws, including potentially: [bribery, fraud schemes, conflict of interest, and illegal expenditure of state monies]. Elected officials are bound by an oath to uphold the laws of our state and to be prudent stewards of taxpayer money.”
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell: “I agree with [AG Mayes] that two simultaneous investigations could have a negative impact. Therefore, I am asking that [Mayes] not complicate an already complex investigation by duplicating efforts. . . . This is not an accusation against you or the many fine employees in your office. We, however, are in a time when people are increasingly distrustful of government. Your insistence on being the sole investigator in this matter will greatly contribute to people’s distrust but also to their belief that nothing can change.”
Other Relevant Announcements
Two groups sue, claim Arizona elections manual violates rights (July 10, 2024) — “Two groups with ties to Republican interests are charging that new election rules adopted by the Democratic secretary of state interfere with free speech and could disenfranchise many Arizona voters. The lawsuit filed in federal court here by American Encore and the America First Policy Institute claims what Adrian Fontes put into the Elections Procedures Manual about harassment of voters and election officials is so broad and nebulous that it could criminalize otherwise legal conduct.”
Alex Meruelo officially gives up rights to Coyotes franchise (July 10, 2024) — “If the Arizona Coyotes are to come back to the NHL, Alex Meruelo does not plan to be the owner of the new team. He officially relinquished his rights to the Coyotes franchise on Wednesday, according to a report. It brings Meruelo’s rocky road of an ownership tenure over the Coyotes to a close….It’s not clear if or when the Arizona Coyotes will return to the NHL. If they do, it would likely be under a new ownership group willing to build a new arena in the Valley.”
AG Mayes opens new investigation of private school vouchers (July 11, 2024) — “Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is investigating alleged spending violations in Arizona’s hotly debated private school voucher program, beginning what could be new broad-based scrutiny of the $800 million program. . . . The AG’s office alleges the Arizona Department of Education’s handbook for parents gives bad advice because it allows them to use ESA funds to purchase ‘supplementary materials’ without proof those materials are recommended by curriculums.”
New voters using Arizona registration forms must prove citizenship, federal court says (July 18, 2024) — “A federal appeals court handed a victory on Thursday to Republicans who have been fighting to uphold a proof-of-citizenship requirement in state law. Going forward, the ruling applies to people who register to vote in Arizona using the state form and don’t provide documents showing they are U.S. citizens. Until now, those voters have been able to register by attesting to citizenship when they sign the state registration form and have been limited to voting only in federal races. That practice will not be allowed, at least not for now, a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided.”
Activists take fight against border-control ballot measure to state Supreme Court (July 20, 2024) — “Activist organizations are appealing a judge's ruling that allowed a proposal making it a state crime to cross the border illegally to qualify for the November ballot. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Scott Minder on July 12 rejected the organizations’ argument that the measure violated the constitution’s single-subject rule. The appeal is headed to the Arizona Supreme Court.”
This round-up was written by Jared (JJ) Cichoke. He currently works as a Policy Analyst after previously holding various roles with Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) and the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, he recently moved to Arizona after spending nearly his entire life in Portland, Oregon.