Hobbs calls GOP frustration over her handling of river negotiations 'political gamesmanship'

Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs said Tuesday that Republican criticism directed at her over federally proposed Colorado River cuts doesn’t reflect the reality of negotiations.

Late last week, the federal government released water sharing guidelines, which outline potentially massive cuts to Arizona’s water supply. Hobbs’ gubernatorial opponent, Andy Biggs, and other Republicans have since bashed her for failing to secure a better deal for the state.

Biggs also accused Hobbs of waiting too long to engage in river talks and failing to work with the Trump administration.

“That is absolutely invalid criticism and quite frankly nothing more than political gamesmanship from people who have not been involved in the process at all,” Hobbs said.

The state’s chief negotiator is Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke. ADWR operates under Hobbs’ purview, and Buschatzke’s appointment was approved by the Republican-controlled state Senate.

Hobbs noted that the states are still waiting to see the final rules regarding water cuts, which should be released soon. She said she’s been keeping lawmakers up to date, and her administration is still fighting for the best deal for the state.

“We are going to do everything that we can to make sure that the water that is owed to Arizona under the compact is delivered to Arizona,” Hobbs said.