$150K Taxpayer Funds Down the Drain: The Truth About Cavanaugh Revealed

During a special meeting of the Pinal County Board of Supervisors on October 9, 2024, it was revealed that the investigation into Supervisor Kevin Cavanaugh’s unfounded claims of election fraud has cost taxpayers significantly more than previously anticipated. County officials estimate the investigation’s expenses have now reached at least $150,000, as stated by spokesperson James Daniels.

Cavanaugh, who represents Maricopa in District 1, had previously circulated allegations regarding election integrity. In the wake of this controversy, Board Chairman Mike Goodman had initially suggested the costs would be “well over $100,000,” acknowledging the urgency of the investigation that required experts to be flown in and completed in just three weeks.

Daniels emphasized the burden on taxpayers, indicating that the costs would likely be sourced from the county’s general fund. “It’s not like you can budget for this sort of thing,” he noted, highlighting the exceptional circumstances surrounding the spending.

In an effort to substantiate or disprove Cavanaugh’s allegations, the supervisors approved hiring the Phoenix-based law firm Snell & Wilmer. This firm enlisted Pro V&V, a federally accredited laboratory based in Huntsville, Alabama, to assess the county’s voting equipment for any irregularities, including unauthorized software or unapproved internet connections. These concerns were derived from claims made in Cavanaugh’s self-published audit earlier this year.

The highly specialized lab, known for its national voting equipment testing standards, is one of only two accredited labs fulfilling such roles. Daniels mentioned that the legal firm is expected to present a final bill in the coming weeks.