The Robust State Investigation into Fake Electors

A “robust” state investigation into the Arizona GOP activists who declared themselves fake electors for former President Donald Trump in the 2020 elections is fully underway, according to CNN’s KFILE report on Friday. The group claimed that they were the legitimate representatives of the state’s electoral votes, signing documents allegedly provided by a Trump campaign attorney. Even after the state’s Republican governor certified Joe Biden’s win in Arizona by a margin of less than 11,000 votes, the self-styled “Republican electors” mounted an aggressive campaign pressuring then-Vice President Mike Pence to count their votes instead of the actual Democratic electors. This was one of the aggressive efforts in any of the battleground states where fake electors were declared, according to constitutional scholar, Anthony Michael Kreis.

Criminal Investigations in Multiple States

Arizona is one of several states where fake electors are under criminal investigation, with the Justice Department coordinating with investigators in other states. In Georgia and Michigan, some of the fake electors have been hit with felony charges. Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, the fake electors face a civil suit. While experts believe the fake electors in Pennsylvania are less likely to be charged, they are still under scrutiny.

Legal Actions and Intent

There is no difficulty piecing together the unlawful and corrupt intent of the fake Republican electors because they publicly documented their actions, said KREIS. State Attorney General Kris Mayes confirmed that a robust and serious investigation is ongoing. The fake electors in Pennsylvania used far more cautious language in their signing document, acknowledging the real electors and claiming they were only electors contingent on legal challenges to the election results succeeding. Nevertheless, Republicans publicly declared themselves electors even after the state’s Republican governor certified results, which highlights serious flaws in the American electoral process.

Government Shutdown Looms as Republicans Fail to Govern

Rep. Sean Casten (D-Illinois) recently tweeted a 16-part thread urging Republican colleagues to grow up and govern before a government shutdown paralyzes federal agencies in eight days. He blamed the chaotic time Republicans had when they were in charge of the House of Representative, and contrasted it with the way Democrats wielded their House majority. Casten explained that because Congress operates on a fiscal year schedule that ends on September 30, Democratic leaders such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) made sure the House passed its funding bills by the end of August each session. This ensured there was enough time for the U.S. Senate to review appropriations and for the president to sign them into law.

The Danger of a Government Shutdown

With time running out, the risk of the U.S. government shutting down is high. A government shutdown occurs when the U.S. Congress fails to pass a federal budget, causing a temporary, partial shutdown of federal agencies and programs. This not only compromises America’s ability to function, but puts the livelihoods of thousands of federal workers and their families in jeopardy. A shutdown could result in delayed paychecks, furloughs, and layoffs.

Responsibility of Republicans

Despite this disastrous scenario, Republican lawmakers have been slow to act and have failed to pass a federal budget. Casten’s tweet is just one among many criticisms levelled against them. He urged Republicans to come together, behave responsibly, and participate in a fair and transparent budget process that benefits all Americans. Whether or not Republicans will accept Casten’s warning remains to be seen, but time is running out. With the fate of the U.S. government hanging in the balance, it is imperative for them to act quickly, responsibly, and work to avert a government shutdown.

Originally Post From https://www.rawstory.com/arizona-fake-electors-2666226901/