The defeated Republican candidate for Arizona Secretary of State had his lawsuit dismissed with prejudice Friday by a state judge.
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Melissa Julian dismissed the legal action brought by Mark Finchem against Democrat Katie Hobbs. Hobbs, who was elected the state’s new governor, is currently Arizona’s secretary of state.
A lawsuit dismissed with prejudice may not be reintroduced in another court, so Finchem’s quest to force a new election without electronic voting machines has ended.
The GOP candidate received 120,208 fewer votes than Democrat opponent Adrian Fontes, according to state election data.
Finchem, in his lawsuit, alleges — among other election irregularities — misconduct by Hobbs.
He faulted the governor-elect for failing to recuse herself and he expressed a “perceived conflict of
interest.” Finchem further faulted her for failing to ensure proper certification of ballot tabulating machines and software. The defeated candidate claimed Hobbs was “threatening county officials with criminal charges and indictment for failure to certify a defective election process.”
Finally, Finchem claimed Hobbs flagged alleged misinformation posted to Twitter on Finchem’s account.
“None of these alleged acts constitutes ‘misconduct’ sufficient to survive dismissal,” Judge Julian declared.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake filed a civil complaint earlier this month to overturn her election defeat. Ms. Lake lost to Democrat challenger Katie Hobbs by 17,117 votes after a contentious election. Lake’s case mirrored many of the claims for relief brought by Finchem.
She claimed the large number of Maricopa County vote centers that experienced printer issues cost her votes supporters wanted to cast for her. Lake alleged the county’s printing issues led to some votes not being read by county vote tabulators. The confusion led to long lines that stretched for blocks, she said, opining the lengthy delays suppressed turnout because some voters were unwilling or unable to wait hours in line to vote.
“Given instances of misprinted ballots, the commingling of counted and uncounted ballots, and long lines discouraging people from voting, as demonstrated in the attached declarations, these records are necessary for Plaintiff to determine the full extent of the problems identified and their impacts on electors,” Lake argued in her 19-page complaint.
Maricopa County elections officials vigorously refute her charges that they cost Lake the election.
Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.