The Grand Canyon state is fast becoming known as one that cannot escape controversy during and after any election. Now, Katie Hobbs gets to take the reins of this purple state and try and make heads or tails of why she wanted the job of governor in the first place. At one time in its political history, the joke being told was if you wanted to be governor, just get elected secretary of state and wait for the inevitable scandal and impeachment. And so Hobbs becomes Arizona’s 24th governor, the fifth female to head the state.
Hobbs took the oath of office on Monday, and had Facebook not live-streamed the quiet, private ceremony, and no one would be the wiser. Surrounded by the other victors, including Democratic Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes, Republican Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, Republican Treasurer Kimberly Yee, and Republican Mine Inspector Paul Marsh, it was over within minutes. Democrats now hold the top three positions in the state, a feat not accomplished since 1975. But that low-key swearing-in is not indicative of what Ms. Hobbs had up her sleeve.
The Opaque Response
Hobbs spent an entire campaign promising to be the most transparent of all governors ever and give the people an open book to read and enjoy: “the most ethical and accountable” in the state’s history. Week one, and that vow of transparency has turned opaque. Hosting a governor’s ball is part and parcel with the extemporaneous activities of ascending to office. Close friends, donors, and faithful minions can dress up and dance the night away with the newly minted grand poohbah. But when asked about who forked over cash for the swanky event, the information was not exactly forthcoming.
Can you imagine the newly elected governor pitched to donors and corporations that if she could get $250,000, that entity would become a “platinum sponsor?” Those unimaginable donors get 25 seats at the inauguration ceremony, a super “special gift,” and a signed program. And super special access to the governor, but that wasn’t publicized. Hobbs’ administration has listed the sponsors of the ball and the Capital courtyard official ceremony. The list is full of special interest groups, lobbyists, and developers and builders who do business with the state. However, while listing official “sponsors,” the new administration has been unwilling to share how much each is paying for that privilege.
But anyone can read between the lines: Some serious makeup funds are being spent to mend fences with Hobbs after donating to her opponent, Kari Lake. The state’s largest utility, Arizona Public Service (APS), is on top of the listed donors, suggesting it is also the largest benefactor. APS gave $100,000 to the Republican Governors Association, which spent it on attack ads against Hobbs. They have yet to disclose the 2022 donation amount to the Democrat. APS did issue a statement, also not disclosing the amount given, reading in part: “This support is directed specifically to the 2023 gubernatorial inauguration committee, meaning it can be used in support of all inauguration functions. This is an important event for Arizona and its citizens; and we are pleased to be a participant.”
Another donor listed high on the inaugural homepage is Hensley Beverage: a mega resource controlled by none other than Cindy Hensley, the widow of Sen. John McCain. The Trump effect obviously rubbed Cindy the wrong way.
Hobbs Refuses to Disclose
The new governor remains resolute about staying quite on who is writing checks and spreading the cash around. When asked about the details, her press aide, Murphy Hebert, replied: “This is a private event not being paid for with public funds.” But every Arizonan would like to know whose pocket Hobbs climbed into for her first term. All eyes are on the new leader with great expectations: She is the first Democrat to lead the state since Janet Napolitano. As Hobbs said in a statement post swearing in: “Today marks a new era in Arizona, where my administration will work to build an Arizona for everyone. It’s time for bold action, and I feel ready as ever to get the job done. Let’s get to work.”
Nothing about transparency or how the people “deserve to know what their leaders are doing with their money.” Maybe Secretary of State Adrian Fontes needs to practice his succession speech.
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