Coconino News

Arizona Rep. Austin Smith has expressed his views on Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs' selection of nominees for state agency directors. In a statement, Smith suggested that Hobbs would have an easier time getting Senate approval if she stopped nominating "progressive activists" for these positions. Smith's comments come after Hobbs retracted her nominations for multiple state agency directors earlier this week, effectively removing them from Senate consideration.

Hobbs has accused the Senate of intentionally delaying the consideration of her nominees. In a letter to Senate President Warren Peterson, she alleged that the Committee on Nominations conducted an improper review of her nominations and deemed the entire process unlawful. Hobbs also stated her intention to explore "other lawful means" to ensure the functioning of the state government.

The blame game continues between Hobbs and Senate Republicans, who hold the majority. While Hobbs accuses Senate Republicans of acting unlawfully and deeming her nominees unworthy of consideration, the Republicans argue that Hobbs is the one acting unlawfully. The nominations committee recently rejected Hobbs' choice to lead the Arizona Department of Housing due to plagiarism allegations, further exacerbating tensions between the Democratic governor and the Republican majority. However, the committee had previously approved Hobbs' choices for other departments, including the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Corrections.

The withdrawn nominees were intended for various agencies, including lottery, tourism, environmental quality, insurance and financial institutions, gaming, housing, child safety, and veteran services. In response to the retraction of the nominations, these individuals will now assume the role of executive deputy directors, a position they can hold for up to a year without confirmation or until the Senate decides to resume the regular confirmation process.

The retraction of the nominations has sparked strong reactions from Senate President Peterson and Committee on Nominations Chair Senator Jake Hoffman. Peterson criticized Hobbs, stating that her actions demonstrate a belief that elected officials are above the law. He argued that without confirmed directors in these agencies, the legality of their decisions becomes questionable and litigation against the state could prevail.

Hoffman echoed Peterson's sentiments, accusing Hobbs of weaponizing the government of Arizona to push her "extreme far-left agenda." He claimed that Hobbs should take responsibility for the struggles her nominees have faced, suggesting that she did not adequately vet them before making the nominations.

The contentious situation between Hobbs and Senate Republicans highlights the challenges in confirming nominees and the political dynamics at play. Whether a resolution can be reached that satisfies both sides remains to be seen.