By Reagan Priest | Arizona Capitol Times
Key Points:
- Arizona’s secretary of state OK’s use of campaign funds for personal security expenses
- Arizona law does not provide specific guidance on security spending
- Politicians are on high alert after recent acts of political violence
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes says he will not open campaign finance complaints against candidates who use campaign funds for personal security in the wake of increased political violence.
Since Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was shot dead on Sept. 10, Arizona’s elected officials and candidates have been grappling with the potential threat to their own safety. According to an undated memo obtained by the Arizona Capitol Times, several potential officeholders have reached out to Fontes’ office to inquire about using campaign funds for security.
“Unfortunately, personal security has become a necessary part of running for and holding elected office,” Fontes wrote in the memo.
