Pro-Life or Profit? Unraveling the Hidden Agendas in Arizona's Political Web
AZ InformerIn the intricate web of Arizona politics, a story has begun to unfold that raises questions about the true intentions behind certain "prolife" efforts, their ties to political consulting, and the financial implications lurking beneath the surface.
At the heart of this narrative is the "It Goes Too Far" (IGTF) initiative, a controversial movement with roots in the Center for Arizona Policy (CAP). CAP, under the leadership of Cathi Herrod, has long been a key player in Arizona’s conservative landscape, famously pushing for LGBTQ inclusion in schools back in 2019. However, Herrod’s stance on a heartbeat bill—a piece of legislation aimed at restricting abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected—has drawn scrutiny. While she did not support Arizona's version of the bill, Iowa’s similar law was recently upheld, sparking questions about her commitment to the pro-life cause.
Digging deeper into IGTF, the initiative appears to be less about protecting life and more about lining pockets. A staggering $260,625 has already been funneled into consultants' hands by June 30, 2024. Among the beneficiaries are Leisa Brug, who received $53,750 through June 11, 2024, and Jamie Cook, who received $8,600. The connection between these payouts and the initiative’s actions, or lack thereof, is suspect. IGTF notably did not actively discourage voters from signing the petition for the abortion through the 9-month ballot initiative. Why? Because a successful petition could have derailed the entire financial scheme, potentially burning the cash cow that is the November election.
The situation takes a more intriguing turn with the involvement of key players like George Khalaf, who owns Orbital and Optrix LLC. Khalaf’s influence stretches across the state’s political landscape, particularly in association with Kelly B Consultant, who works for Lovis Company, owned by former legislative swamp fundraiser Phil Lovis. Lovis has close ties to Matt Gress, a prominent figure in Arizona politics. Then there’s AZGOP Chair, Gina Swoboda, who brought on Ducey’s Chief of Staff, Daniel Scarpinato, another close associate of Matt Gress. Swoboda’s refusal to place ballot initiatives and school board matters on the "golden ticket" only thickens the plot. The connections between these figures and their motives seem to form a complex puzzle, inviting speculation about the real reasons behind their actions.
As CAP begins to delve into school and education issues, one can’t help but wonder: Is this another move to fill consultants' bank accounts under the guise of public service? The whispers in the political corridors suggest that this might be the case. With a new legislature on the horizon, the continuation of Cathi Herrod's influence is uncertain, but the money trail is hard to ignore.
In the end, this story is not just about politics—it's about power, influence, and the lengths to which some will go to maintain both. Whether this strategy will pay off in the long run or lead to a dramatic unraveling remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Arizona’s political landscape is as treacherous as ever.
https://seethemoney.az.gov/PublicReports/2024/F1A6C89D-E963-4C5E-B4AB-9422D02F82AA.pdf