IN FOCUS - Oct. 4, 2024

It’s the biggest whodunit in Arizona politics since 2018.

Who recorded and leaked to The Washington Post the explosive phone call between Governor Katie Hobbs, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and Attorney General Kris Mayes?

The stakes were high for the Sept. 10 call, during which the three Democrats discussed what was initially believed to be 148,000 Arizonans who were registered to vote but for whom there was no record of them having proven their citizenship in accordance with a law passed by voters in 2004. The 20-year-old data glitch and miscategorization at the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles applies to certain longtime Arizonans (those with a pre-1996 driver’s license). In recent days, the number of impacted voters has grown to 218,000 - including 79,000 Republicans, 61,000 Democrats and 76,000 independent or unaffiliated voters. It is unknown how many are, in fact, U.S. citizens.

Back to the now-infamous phone call. Governor Hobbs argued individuals caught up in data mixup should have to prove their citizenship before voting a full ballot this fall. Secretary Fontes and Attorney General Mayes countered that was not feasible during the remaining weeks before the election, noting many legitimate voters could be disenfranchised in the process. The debate is now moot - the Arizona Supreme Court recently ruled the affected voters will vote a full ballot, same as before.

What remains is the biggest parlor game in Arizona politics: Who recorded/leaked the phone call, and why?

Both Secretary Fontes and Attorney General Mayes are considered political rivals of Governor Hobbs and possible contenders to “Primary” her in 2026. An argument could be made for any of the three having leaked the call. And a flurry of public record requests from media outlets have thus far turned up zilch.

So, who’s the culprit? Let us know if you have the details. And be safe out there … you never know who’s going to be listening.