There are new developments regarding the Russell Pearce recall election and candidate Olivia Cortes. Many say she is a sham designed to siphon votes from Pearce’s other challenger, Jerry Lewis.
After the secretary of state’s office said it will not investigate allegations of fraud, a Mesa woman filed a lawsuit. Cortes is starting to look more like a legitimate candidate to challenge Senate President Russell Pearce. Her website went live Friday and she issued a press release that says, “I want to have an opportunity, to bring into this race my points of view and observations as a Permanent Alien and later Naturalized American Citizen for over forty years.”
Cortes was home Tuesday and didn’t answer when I dropped by. She didn’t respond Friday when 3TV’s Frank Camacho left her a note or when I called later.
“I don’t know the answer but it leads us all to be a little suspicious when she won’t answer,” said Bettina Nava of Firststrategic. “I’ve never heard of a candidate that didn’t want a little exposure.”
As odd as it might seem, the Arizona Secretary of State’s office is determined it will not investigate whether Cortes is a shill candidate.
Full Article: New lawsuit over Russell Pearce recall election | azfamily.com Phoenix.