Father of Maricopa County recorder faces campaign finance investigation

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The Arizona Clean Elections Commission voted 3-1 Thursday to release public campaign funds to Dr. Ralph Heap while simultaneously launching an investigation into whether his campaign violated state campaign finance rules. Heap is the father of Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap.

The commission had been withholding the funds over concerns that Heap’s campaign created debt before qualifying for public funding — a violation of clean elections rules.

Commission releases funds, opens investigation

Commissioner Christina Werther said the board’s action was limited in scope.

“We were never here to remove anybody from the ballot, I just wanted to make that clarification. This was just about funding,” Werther said.

Following the vote to release the funds, Werther announced the commission’s next step.

“The commission moves that there is reason to believe that Dr. Heap has violated a statute or rule of which the commission has jurisdiction and to proceed with an investigation,” Werther said.

Complaint stems from campaign signs

The original complaint was filed by Republican Lisa Everett and centered on campaign signs Heap’s campaign allegedly obtained before qualifying for public funding.

“Signs work. That’s why politicians pay thousands and thousands of dollars for these signs. This gave Heap an advantage in this race and he knew that,” Everett said.

Everett also raised concerns about the use of taxpayer dollars.

“If we don’t follow the rules, if we don’t enforce them, what good is clean elections? This is taxpayer dollars,” Everett said.

Attorney calls scrutiny politically motivated

Attorney Tim La Sota, representing Heap’s campaign, argued the case was unprecedented and politically driven.

“You heard Mr. Collins say this is an issue of first impression, which is a nice way of saying the Commission has never done this to any other participating candidate,” La Sota said.

Connection to Maricopa County recorder

Dr. Heap is the father of Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap, whose office has faced scrutiny over its handling of election equipment. Justin Heap has also claimed the 2020 election results were rigged against Donald Trump.

Everett said those who advocate for election integrity should apply the same standard to clean elections rules.

“The people that scream election integrity the most need to step up now and start speaking for the integrity of clean elections,” Everett said.

The commission’s investigation will determine whether any campaign finance violations occurred. That process could result in additional consequences for Dr. Heap.

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