Mark Finchem wants to run Arizona’s elections.
Currently a state representative, he’s seeking an upgrade to secretary of state (story here). He shouldn’t be allowed to get within a country mile of that office.
Not because he’s endorsed by Trump, but because of what he is.
Finchem (profile here) is an Oath Keeper, a QAnon adherent, and supporter of the Bundys. He calls Covid-19 vaccines “a crime against humanity,” implying they’re a “bio-weapon,” and falsely claimed Covid-19 doesn’t exist in Alberta.
As a state representative, he “introduced legislation that would prohibit Arizona from implementing presidential executive orders, directives issued by federal agencies and U.S. Supreme Court rulings.” That wouldn’t survive in the courts; it’s plainly unconstitutional. But the fact he proposed it provides a window into his attitude toward the rule of law.
Nor does he respect democracy, or your right to vote. He demanded the Arizona legislature overrule voters and appoint Trump electors, and participated in Trump’s Jan. 6 D.C. rally and supported the Capitol rioters.
Finchem has a right to spew his nonsense, and Arizona voters have a right to vote for him. But he’s a garbage candidate, and if they do, they’re garbage voters. Neither he nor anyone who votes for him deserves respect.
