Corporation Commission Candidate Heap Faces Continued Clean Elections Scrutiny

Investigation Launched Into Campaign Coordination

Legislator and Corporation Commission candidate Ralph Heap, MD, is facing continued scrutiny over his campaign finances after questions arose about whether his campaign improperly coordinated with an independent expenditure committee during the election.

The allegations prompted the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission to open an investigation and ultimately withhold the release of Heap's public campaign funding.

Request to Withdraw From Clean Elections Denied

In an effort to move forward with his campaign, Heap asked to withdraw from the Clean Elections system and instead operate as a traditionally financed candidate.

However, this week the Commission voted to deny that request, citing state law that requires participating candidates to certify compliance with Clean Elections requirements before public funds can be distributed.

Campaign's Response

Heap's campaign, meanwhile, maintains that the underlying allegations have not been resolved and that they should not be prevented from moving forward while the matter is pending.