Investigation Shows Horne Illegally Coordinated 2010 Win

Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk said her investigation shows Attorney General Tom Horne illegally coordinated his successful 2010 campaign to be the state’s top prosecutor with what was supposed to be an independent political committee. Polk said she found evidence Horne helped to create a $500,000 TV commercial, paid for by Business Leaders for Arizona , to help defeat Democrat Felicia Rotellini. Polk said that was illegal under state campaign finance laws, but Horne’s press aide, Stephanie Grisham said her boss disagrees with the findings.

“This case will proceed to a hearing where it will be proven that there was no coordination,” Grisham said.

 But, Polk’s 26-page report said there was convincing proof from Horne’s emails with committee coordinator Kathleen Winn that the two coordinated creation of the commercial. Polk said Horne intentionally and blatantly broke the barrier that was supposed to exist between his campaign and the committee.