PHOENIX (AP) — A leader of the conservative group Turning Point Action resigned from the organization Thursday and dropped his bid for reelection to the Arizona House of Representatives after he was accused of forging signatures on his nominating petitions.
Republican state Rep. Austin Smith has in the past promoted disproven allegations of election fraud.
A complaint filed by a Democratic activist in Smith’s district says several petition sheets contain signatures “that appear to have been written by the same person” and says “many of those signatures bear a striking resemblance to Smith’s.” It includes affidavits from two voters whose names were included in Smith’s petition but say they never signed.
Smith cast the allegations as a coordinated attack by Democrats that was “silly on its face,” but said he would drop out to avoid racking up legal bills.
The number of Americans applying for jobless benefits holds steady as labor market remains strong
China, Pakistan celebrate 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties
China strongly condemns UK's suspension of extradition treaty with HKSAR
Charting global diplomacy: win
J.K. Dobbins signs with Chargers, continuing the trend of former Ravens heading to LA
Expert warns return to lockdown conditions a possibility in B.C., Canada
Voting begins in Singapore general election
Messi explains absence in Hong Kong match for third time
Rural Texas towns report cyberattacks that caused one water system to overflow
Desert locusts seen in Sanaa, Yemen
Google fires 28 employees after protest against cloud contract with Israel
Chinese FM attends reception marking 60th anniversary of China