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.
Defending champion Lilia Vu withdraws from Chevron Championship with back injury before 1st round
Romanian artists share China travel experiences
Hong Kong holds digital economy summit, eyes sustainable future
China champions peace, development, confronts jackals, wolves head on
Trump loses bid to halt Jan. 6 lawsuits while he fights criminal charges in the 2020 election case
Xi holds talks with Iranian president, eyeing new progress in ties
In pics: industrial production across China
China's 1st domestically made polar icebreaker Xuelong 2 visits HKSAR
As Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes insists his 'dad bod' is 'great' for his NFL performance
King Charles diagnosed with cancer, halts duties
Zara Tindall and her husband Mike share a loved
Economic Watch: China remains popular destination for foreign investment