Voters – Let’s Deny the Deniers, Part 2
Election Deniers Are On the November Ballot. It’s Time to Name Names
Our previous post listed the names of Secretary of State candidates who publicly deny the legitimacy of the outcome of the 2020 Presidential election. They are part of an alarming number of candidates running for public offices that have control over state election systems. Many of these candidates refuse to say publicly whether they will accept the outcome of future elections.
It’s time to name names. This post focuses on election deniers who are running for state Attorneys General.
State Attorneys General play an important role in providing oversight to state election systems. According to States United Democracy Center:
The attorney general defends state voting laws and election results in court.
The attorney general is often the state’s chief law enforcement officer and can take legal action to prevent or address voter intimidation or election misconduct.
The attorney general can be involved in the ballot initiative process to ensure voters receive nonpartisan, accurate information about ballot measures.
To qualify as an election denier, States United Democracy Center has established this set of criteria of which one or more items must be met:
Falsely claimed former President Trump won the 2020 election instead of the legitimate winner, President Joe Biden.
Spread lies about the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election in public forums, including in social media, press statements, and/or comments to press.
Called for a “forensic audit” of the 2020 presidential election after the results were certified and/or officially audited and/or stood up to multiple legal challenges.
Promoted conspiracies about the 2020 presidential election in public forums, including in social media, press statements, and/or comments to press.
Took actions to undermine the integrity of the 2020 presidential election, including: filed or supported litigation seeking to overturn the results; and/or promoted/participated in a Stop the Steal sponsored/branded event or rally.
There are 30 Attorney General contests in 2022. As of September 14, 2022, at least 11 election deniers are running for Attorney General in 10 states. This means that one-third of Attorney General contests include an election denier.
Here are the names of state Attorney General candidates who have publicly declared that they would have overturned the 2020 election, listed alphabetically by state. (Click here for the methodology and the evidence.)
Alabama — Steve Marshall
Arizona — Abraham Hamadeh
Florida — Ashley Moody
Idaho — Raúl Labrador
Kansas — Kris Kobach
Maryland — Michael Peroutka
Michigan* — Matthew DePerno
Michigan* — Joe McHugh
Nevada — Sigal Chattah
Texas — Ken Paxton
South Carolina — Alan Wilson
*In Michigan, Mr. DePerno is the Republican candidate while Mr. McHugh is the Libertarian candidate.
Our next post will list the names of Governors running for office this November who expound the Big Lie.
We must deny the deniers. Vote this November.