Ariz. Court Orders Lawmaker Out of Office (Republican)

[barbaraann]

By PAUL DAVENPORT, Associated Press Writer 51 minutes ago

PHOENIX - An Arizona legislator has been removed from office for overspending during his 2004 primary race, making him the first lawmaker in the country to be ousted for violating a state's public campaign financing system.

After a five-month court battle, the Arizona Supreme Court on Thursday ordered first-term Republican Rep. David Burnell Smith to leave office at midnight.

"I will no longer exercise any duties as a representative," the 64-year-old lawyer said Friday.

Under Arizon's 1998 Clean Elections Law, candidates who voluntarily participate must collect a set number of $5 contributions from voters to qualify for public funding. In return, they must adhere to certain spending limits.
...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/campaign_spending_arizona

Way to go Arizona!!!!

[Chimichurri]

1. yeah! More of this!!!

[AlecBGreen]

13. is he...

a State rep or in Congress?

[joeybee12]

2. This is indeed good news...

...nice to see that crimes do have consequences!

[Wheezy]

3. I'm in Phoenix...

...and I can't believe it. I thought this state was doomed.

Thanks for the tip! I stopped watching local news long ago.

[barbaraann]

4. You're welcome.

It's beautiful, isn't it? :-)

[Wheezy]

6. More beautiful than the weather.

Now if we can just get some rain (setting a new record, some 110 days without a drop. And this is our rainy season!)

[barbaraann]

7. Oh, I didn't know it was that bad. Sorry!

Perhaps this will bring some good karma/rain your way, I hope.

[rodeodance]

11. yes, good rain to you and nice about your rep. getting the boot.

[SammyBlue]

12. Beautiful weather my ass

It's fucking cold right now! It's been 25 at night for the past week here in Tucson.

But, yes. . .this is great! We need more Republican cocksuckers legally thrown out of office.

[Synnical]

5. Leave office at midnight!

Wow, kicked out in shame. Thanks for sharing.

[barbaraann]

8. I hope someone gets some pictures!

n/t

[eppur_se_muova]

9. This is why so many in Congress oppose campaign finance reform!! nt

[AnneD]

10. I think some AZ dems

need to be there to give him a send off!

[DavidDvorkin]

14. But laws don't apply to Republicans!

Everyone knows that. Except for some of those damned activist judges.