Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes says he won’t take action against any political candidate or office holder who uses campaign cash on personal security.
State law doesn’t address whether security is an allowable campaign expense.
But Aaron Thacker with the Secretary of State’s Office says freeing up campaign money for protection has received bipartisan support.
“People should be able to live in a Democratic institution where due process holds people accountable and not the threat of violence," Thacker said.
Thacker says it’s an unprecedented but necessary use of campaign funds after recent events of political violence, including the shootings of two Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota and the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“We need to make sure the people who want to become elected officials or are currently elected officials have the ability to protect themselves," Thacker said.
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Find everything you need to know about elections in Arizona and Maricopa County from KJZZ's politics team. -
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