Several lawsuits seek to block three Arizona Republicans from running for, or holding, office because of their alleged involvement with the Jan. 6 insurrection.
The suits assert Mark Finchem, a state representative, plus Congressmen Andy Biggs and Paul Gosar should be barred because of a provision in the 14th Amendment. It states those involved in an insurrection cannot hold office.
But Attorney Jack Wilenchik, who represents Finchem, says there is no basis for these lawsuits since none of the politicians have actually been charged.
"Somebody needs to be convicted of a crime before they're barred from public office. We don't allow random members of the public to accuse politicians of a crime and remove them from office. If we did, then Lord knows, the courts would be full of this kind of thing every day," Wilenchik said.
Hearings were scheduled for this week, but they have been delayed.
