Republicans Race to Secure Cornel West’s Spot on Arizona Ballot as Left-Wing Scholar Gives Green Light

WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawyers closely connected to the Republican Party worked tirelessly over the weekend to aid independent presidential candidate Cornel West in securing a spot on the Arizona ballot. This situation underscores the GOP’s significant involvement in promoting West’s unconventional campaign.
As the deadline to submit necessary paperwork approached, two prominent Republican attorneys in Arizona discovered that two electors, Jerry Judie and Denisha Mitchell, were no longer willing to act in that capacity. Their withdrawals prompted a flurry of communications aimed at salvaging West’s candidacy. When these efforts fell short, Republican lawyers resorted to visiting the homes of Judie and Mitchell in an attempt to persuade them to reconsider.
The Arizona Secretary of State’s office confirmed Monday that West failed to file the required documentation before the Saturday deadline.
In a brief comment, West seemed conflicted about the GOP’s support. Democrats are concerned that this support could inadvertently benefit Donald Trump by drawing left-leaning voters away from the Democratic nominee. “So much of American politics is highly gangster-like activity,” West told The Associated Press. He expressed a desire to focus on getting on the ballot, without delving into the motives behind GOP assistance.
This activity reflects a broader effort among Republican operatives nationwide to bolster West’s candidacy, potentially undermining electoral integrity as the presidential election approaches.
Judie, a retired park ranger from Phoenix, initially supported West but lost enthusiasm following Biden’s withdrawal from the race, which positioned Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. “When she was in the driver’s seat, that changed the game,” Judie remarked.
To qualify for the ballot in Arizona, independent candidates must present a slate of electors. After Judie opted out, he received numerous calls from those involved in the campaign, as well as a visit from two GOP lawyers aiming to secure West’s candidacy.
Paul Hamrick, an attorney working with West’s ballot efforts in other states, left a voicemail for Judie expressing urgency over his decision. He noted the need for all documents, including West’s signature, to be finalized.
During this chaotic series of events, two lawyers, Amanda Reeve and Brett Johnson, visited Judie’s home. Reeve, a former Republican state representative, and Johnson, associated with the Republican National Lawyers Association, are both known for their legal work with the GOP.
Their efforts extend across several states, including Wisconsin, Virginia, and Michigan, as Republicans seek to maximize West’s potential to draw voters away from Harris. Even a small number of votes in key battleground states could significantly impact the election outcome.
Mitchell, who alleged her name was used without her consent on West’s paperwork, received a similar phone call urging her to clarify her position. Doorbell camera footage confirmed the visit from Reeve and Johnson to her home, but no contact was made.
Hamrick denied the claims against him while refusing to elaborate further. This pattern of activity surrounding West’s candidacy showcases questionable tactics employed to gain ballot access across the country.
Judie, reflecting on these events, expressed discomfort with the situation and a respect for West’s intentions. “They had only one reason they were doing it,” he stated. “Just to get him on the ballot so some votes would go to him and not go to other people.”
The Arizona Attorney General’s office declined to comment, and it’s uncertain if West has successfully qualified for the ballot in the state.