Republican crook kicked out of office (Arizona)

[CatWoman]

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.

The state Citizens Clean Elections Commission ruled in August that Smith exceeded his nearly $25,000 primary spending limit by about $6,000.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060128/ap_on_re_us/campaign_spending_arizona

[corkhead]

1. One Down

about 300 to go...:woohoo:

[CatWoman]

2. ROFL

I said the same thing, i.e, "one down" :D

[hippiegranny]

3. Republican. Crook.

Redundant! Arizona is such a mess. Poor Janet, what she has to deal with.

[noahmijo]

4. Yup that's why I want outta this shithole state

Sure college and the weather has been good to me, and Janet is an incredible trooper, but ultimately this state belongs to the heartless crooks and thugs of the rethug corporate commission and repuke lawmakers.

My girlfriend is even seriously considering just applying for her old job at the Gap after she graduates this Spring until we move to a blue state-she could probably make more $$$ at The Gap than starting her teaching career here.