By Howard Fischer | Capitol Media Services via Pinal Central
The way Rep. Bob Thorpe sees it, it’s illegal for foreigners to try to use their money to influence elections in this country.
So now the Flagstaff Republican wants to enact the same law here — but with a twist: His HB 2718 would make it a crime for anyone who does not live in Arizona to contribute to campaigns for or against candidates and for or against ballot measures. Put simply, Thorpe does not want out-of-staters influencing Arizona politics and policies.
An attorney with expertise in state election law said the idea “makes a lot of sense.’’
“For example, you can’t vote if you are not a resident of Arizona and a citizen,’’ said Tom Collins, executive director of the Citizens Clean Elections Commission. “Likewise, you might think that it would follow that if you’re going to be spending money on elections, you ought to also be from Arizona.’’
But Collins said Thorpe’s proposal is very likely unconstitutional.
