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.
An earthquake measuring 5.6 hits central Turkey. No immediate reports of casualties or damage
Maryland teen charged with planning school shooting after police review writings, internet searches
San Francisco sues Oakland over new airport name that includes 'San Francisco'
Zara Tindall and her husband Mike share a loved
Bengals likely to look for an offensive tackle and run
Scheffler wiped out from Masters and opens with a 69 at Hilton Head. He trails Poston by 6 shots
Montreal scores twice in final minutes and rallies to beat Minnesota 4
Judge hears testimony in man's bid for a new trial for girl's 1988 killing
Missouri lawmakers expand private school scholarships backed by tax credits
FIFA plans to add slew of new committees years after cutting them in anti
Maryland teen charged with planning school shooting after police review writings, internet searches