A group of lawyers with ties to the Republican Party made efforts over the weekend to assist independent presidential candidate Cornel West in getting on the Arizona ballot. This highlights the GOP's involvement in supporting West's unlikely bid for the presidency. As a deadline approached for submitting necessary paperwork, it was discovered that two potential electors, Jerry Judie and Denisha Mitchell, were no longer interested in participating. This led to a flurry of communication in an attempt to salvage the situation.
Republican lawyers visited the homes of Judie and Mitchell after their decisions, seemingly trying to persuade them to reconsider. This activity is part of a broader strategy by conservative activists and Republican operatives to promote West's candidacy and potentially disrupt the electoral process leading up to the presidential election in November.
To qualify for the ballot in Arizona, independent presidential candidates must present a slate of electors. Efforts to get West on the ballot have been observed in several states, with the hope that he could draw votes away from the Democratic nominee, potentially benefiting former President Donald Trump's chances.
Allegations of forged documents and questionable tactics have emerged in the process of securing West's placement on various ballots. The involvement of Republican-aligned operatives and the use of deceptive methods have raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
The Arizona Attorney General's office and the secretary of state's office have not provided comments on the situation. It remains uncertain whether West has met the requirements to appear on the Arizona ballot.
