AZ Republic – Reagan has acted like Secretary of State for years

The AZ Republic has endorsed my campaign for Secretary of State.  In fact, they said “it was an easy call”.  Please read their endorsement here.

Reagan has acted like secretary of state for years

Editorial board, The Republic | azcentral.com

Our View: State Sen. Michele Reagan has a long track record of election-law reform, which best prepares her for this office.

The traditional duties of an Arizona secretary of state, such as keeping essential records and overseeing elections, seem so quaint these days. So anachronistic.

Election-related duties are more tied now to hot-button political issues pitting the interests of the parties against each other.

Keeping a list of voters who automatically receive early ballots, for example, once may have been an apolitical housekeeping matter.

But don't tell that to the Republicans and Democrats fighting over whether to cleanse the list of people who don't vote early.

Likewise, the secretary of state is at the center of the debate over "dark money," the money spent by all-but-anonymous organizations.

The office should be an honest broker for developing policies to bring transparency to such groups. Again, that has become a fierce partisan battle that can compromise the office if the elected secretary of state lets it.

And then there is a history of Arizona secretaries of state ascending unexpectedly to the governor's office. That is a consideration when weighing whom voters should favor.

In the Republican primary race for secretary of state, one candidate is well suited for the job under these modern-day qualifications. Another may have the intellectual chops to grow into the job. A third does not belong in the race.

The top-rung candidate of the three Republicans vying to be secretary of state is Michele Reagan.

It is an easy call.

Arizona-Public Trust - It's Time to End Dark Money

The public's trust in government is at a historic low. As we fight our way back from the recent recession, legislatures have been forced to balance the budget with less revenue meaning budget cuts to every program. On top of that, citizens have had to make do with tighter budgets themselves. When you combine government budget cuts with tightening the belt at home, it's understandable how voters can distrust elected officials, especially when they see candidates for office raking in piles of Dark Money.

The veil of secrecy surrounding Dark Money goes against transparency in government. As a candidate for Secretary of State, there is a limited range of political issues that are relevant to the duties of the office; however, I put public trust and election integrity at the top of my priorities. As citizens of Arizona, we deserve the right to know who is trying to influence or outright buy our elections.

Without transparency, the public can view any legislative decision with skepticism and distrust. These are the same voters that elect us to govern Arizona. Sadly, too many citizens have an attitude of "politics is corrupt" or "my vote doesn't count." Every vote counts and politics should be honest, open, and accessible!

I was raised to believe that if you do something and aren't willing to tell your spouse or family about it, the odds are pretty good that you know it is the wrong thing to do. The same thing applies to Dark Money – if you aren't willing to stand behind and take ownership of your actions and positions, then chances are very good that your intentions are nefarious and underhanded.

It boggles the mind that liberal labor unions and billionaires like George Soros behind Dark Money believe we should simply trust that their intentions are pure. Being a champion for disclosure and public transparency for all entities that participate in Arizona's political process is the only way to win on this issue. 

Again, I thank you for your continued faith, encouragement and support of my campaign. Together we WILL make a difference.

Any small donation goes a long way to allowing me to continue the fight, but if you can’t donate, please call my office, write me an email, and contact other legislators to support SB1403 and TRUE transparency in elections.