Arizona LP files suit to stop state funding of presidential debate

PsYcHoLoGiCaL · 10-07-2004, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Arizona LP files suit to stop state funding of presidential debate

Arizona Libertarians have filed a lawsuit that could stop Arizona State University from sponsoring the third presidential debate between George Bush and Sen. John Kerry, scheduled for Oct. 13. The lawsuit maintains that by spending up to $2 million to sponsor the event in Tempe, the university is making an illegal campaign contribution to the Republican and Democratic parties.

"It's a clear case of misusing state funds," said David Euchner, attorney for the Arizona Libertarian Party (AZLP).

"Arizona recognizes three political parties," Euchner continued. "A debate which included all three of those parties would be a legitimate expenditure on education and public information. A debate including only two of the three candidates is a partisan campaign commercial -- and an illegal donation to partisan political associations."

AZLP Vice Chair Barry Hess agreed: "It is so outrageous because the Republicans and the Democrats clearly violate their own Finance Reform Act, which in this case operates against all parties except the Republicans and the Democrats."

The AZLP and its treasurer, Warren Severin, are listed as plaintiffs in the suit, which seeks an injunction or restraining order against the use of state funds for the debate.

"Additionally, this use of these particular funds is in clear violation of the Arizona Constitution," Hess added.

The Arizona Constitution prohibits making grants or donations to any individual, association, or corporation.

Libertarians also claim that if special privileges are granted to Bush and Kerry, Arizona Libertarians will have been denied their 14th Amendment equal protection guarantee. The university and the Commission for Presidential Debates were named as defendants in the suit.

Representatives of the AZLP and of Libertarian Michael Badnarik's presidential campaign conducted a joint press conference after filing the complaint with the Maricopa County Superior Court.

"They have absolutely no right to use our tax dollars for what is effectively a very expensive television commercial for Bush and Kerry," Hess told reporters.

They have a vaild point, I hope they win.

HappyMan · 10-07-2004, 11:13 PM

Would it be better if some corporation funded the debate?

Herb Ninja · 10-07-2004, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HappyMan

Would it be better if some corporation funded the debate?

Yes...

"It's a clear case of misusing state funds," said David Euchner

I'd have to agree with him. Peace, HN-

Higher Logic · 10-08-2004, 02:20 AM

That would be nice to see, especially since it's happening here in Tempe. They have some valid points, why should the Presidential debate only happen between Republicans and Democrats? And people wonder why no one votes...

10-07-2004, 11:13 PM	#2
HappyMan Jr. Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 4,224 Grams: 3,511.72 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts Stock Portfolio Total Value: 0.000 Gain/Loss: 0.000%	Would it be better if some corporation funded the debate? __________________ Bla. and Marijuana.Com Community Posting Guidelines

10-08-2004, 02:20 AM	#4
Higher Logic Web Developer Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 6,119 Grams: 8,693.68 Thanks: 2 Thanked 90 Times in 45 Posts Stock Portfolio Total Value: 0.000 Gain/Loss: 0.000%	That would be nice to see, especially since it's happening here in Tempe. They have some valid points, why should the Presidential debate only happen between Republicans and Democrats? And people wonder why no one votes... __________________ Crucial Web Hosting · Garden's Cure · Marijuana Recipes · Drug Testing Facts Dilution · Substitution · Urine Testing · Hair Testing · Drug Testing FAQ

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