A publicist for Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Ducey is questioning whether Gov. Jan Brewer will be able to spend money from her Political Action Committee in support of candidate Scott Smith.
Melissa DeLaney says when Smith was lobbying for the governor’s endorsement he discussed polling information with her and how she could help him succeed her. DeLaney claims as a result the spending would not be truly independent as required by Arizona law.
Brewer is not impressed with the argument.
“Oh, please. Please. Please. Please. Please. It's absolutely all speculation. And the bottom line is that we're fully aware of all the legal requirements and we're abiding with them. And we aren't coordinating with any candidates," Brewer said.
Brewer calls it a case of sour grapes, since Ducey met with her more than once to seek her blessing, even, she says, sharing his own campaign strategy with her.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article has been modified to reflect the gubernatorial candidate's name is Scott Smith.
Updated 8/15/2014 at 1:20 p.m.