http://www.azdem.org/page/m/56a824bd5bd2a7d2/daBwtZ/VEsD/Dear Rapid Responders,
Well, our friends in the GOP are up to their old dirty tricks again. The media has begun to pick up on it, but we need your help to keep these stories alive through the election!
Over the weekend, you may have read that the GOP is fielding Green Party candidates to siphon votes from our strong Democratic candidates. Read it here:
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2008/10/11/20081011greenparty1011.htmlToday, we responded to several GOP efforts that are even more vile - as well as potentially illegal. We filed a complaint with the Secretary of State and Maricopa County Recorder to make them aware of several wrongdoings, including:
The Republican Party accepted contributions of more than $100,000 from an organization known only as SCA. According to the complaint, "it appears that SCA's name may have been used to hide the identity of the individual donors." None of the donors are named, making SCA effectively an entity that contributes in the name of another person, a class 6 felony violation of Arizona law for "any person who knowingly accepts a contribution made by one person in the name of another person."
SCA has not registered as a political committee, a violation of several Arizona statutes listed in the complaint. Further, SCA calls itself an "unincorporated association of individuals." There is no such organizational designation in Arizona campaign finance law.
According to media reports, senior Party officials told contributors from SCA that their money would be "set aside" for specific races, which would constitute illegal earmarking. Arizona law mandates that "an individual or political committee shall not give and a political party or other political committee shall not accept an earmarked contribution."
Read more about our complaint here:
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/128108, and for a copy of the full complaint, go here:
http://www.azdem.org/press/814/arizona-gop-accused-of-breaking-campaign-finance-laws-for-deceptive-campaignsSo, here's what you can do... Write letters to the editor to make sure these stories get the impact they deserve and the outrage they require. As always, you can use our link to easily submit your letters to various publications:
http://www.azdem.org/page/speakout/dailiesI encourage you to read up on the issues and form your own thoughts to send to the editors, but here are some things you should keep in mind as you write them:
We're not afraid of a fair fight. Our candidates are strong, honest, and right for Arizona. We welcome honest debate on the issues, but voters should reject the GOP's fraudulent tactics.
These attacks come out of desperation. The GOP is losing once sacred ground in Arizona because they are out of the mainstream. They are afraid that will translate to losses on Election Day. So, they are forced to stoop low to try to protect their majority.
The Arizona Republican Party Chair himself admitted that they broadcast at least one false attack ad.
If you live in a district with Republican representation in the Legislature, call on your Representatives to condemn the actions of their party.
Remember to keep your comments focused and pointed, but always well-thought out and not too nasty. We can stand on our soap box because we're right. Nastiness stoops to their level and muddies the message.
Finally, demand accountability and punishment for the acts of the GOP. If their fraud sways the election, they are hurting your future, your economy, your civil liberties, your schools, progress in your state. Make sure they are held responsible for that!
I know you are all busy, but your help makes a difference. Like I said last time, we are on the verge of making history here in Arizona. But, we can't do it without you.
Thank you for fighting with me.
Emily DeRose
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