Citizens Clean Elections Commission Stands Firm on Debate Rules Excluding Green Party

PHOENIX — The Citizens Clean Elections Commission is defending its decision to exclude Green Party nominee Eduardo Quintana from an upcoming debate. Tom Collins, the commission’s head, asserts that the agency adhered to its rules and that allowing Quintana to participate would dilute the focus on candidates with significant voter support.

In a recent letter to Senate Government Committee Chair Sen. Jake Hoffman, Collins explained that the debate on October 9 will feature only Democrat Ruben Gallego and Republican Kari Lake. He emphasized that Quintana does not meet the commission’s criteria for participation, as he lacks an official campaign committee registered with the Federal Elections Commission.

Collins also addressed Hoffman’s concerns regarding the commission’s invitation criteria, which stipulate that only candidates receiving at least 1,239 votes in their party primary can participate. This threshold represents 1% of total votes cast across primary races. Quintana, who was a write-in candidate, only received 282 votes.

Hoffman expressed dissatisfaction with the commission’s decision, suggesting that it undermines the laws requiring certain procedures for rule changes. He contends that excluding Quintana may limit voter engagement and contradicts the intent of the 1998 ballot measure that established the commission to promote public funding and education for candidates.

Quintana has indicated he may consider legal action against the commission, arguing that they instituted last-minute rules that effectively shut him out of the debate. He highlighted that the Green Party garnered ballot recognition by submitting approximately 63,000 petition signatures, underscoring the party’s support despite their limited voter base in the state.

The political dynamics add complexity to the situation. Traditionally, Green Party candidates are believed to siphon votes from Democrats. With no Libertarian candidate in the race, observers note that Quintana’s presence could influence the election’s outcome. Recent polls suggest Gallego is leading, but Lake insists the margin is narrow enough to be overcome.

In his eight-page response to Hoffman, Collins argued that the commission’s threshold for candidates is within their legal rights, aimed at prioritizing public education responsibilities over participation from all potential candidates. He clarified that the commission’s decision does not constitute a new rule that would require public hearings.

The debate will be produced and broadcast under a new contract with Rieser Advertising Agency, with plans for broad coverage by Arizona media outlets. However, there are concerns that if participation is open to lesser-known candidates, many broadcasters might opt out altogether to protect viewer interest and revenue.

As the investigation into the commission’s decision continues, Hoffman’s frustrations reflect a growing concern over transparency and inclusivity in electoral processes. Development in this case will be closely watched, particularly given the stakes involved in the upcoming Senate race to replace retiring Sen. Kyrsten Sinema.