Arizona Judge Denies Request for Sanction Kari lake over Election Lawsuit

An Arizona A request by Katie Hobbs, Democratic gubernatorial Candidate, was denied by a judge Dec. 27 Maricopa County to sanction Republican candidate Kari Lake and her legal team over her lawsuit challenging the results of the 2022 general election.

Judge Peter Thompson wrote that while Lake didn’t meet the burden of providing evidence of her election-related claims, her lawsuit didn’t meet the standard for imposing sanctions. Thompson, however, ruled that Lake must reimburse Hobbs $33,040 for some expenses because she didn’t win her case.

“There is no doubt that each side believes firmly in its position with great conviction,” The judge ruledpdf) on Dec. 27. “The fact that Plaintiff failed to meet the burden of clear and convincing evidence required … does not equate to a finding that her claims were, or were not, groundless and presented in bad faith. Any legal decision must be based on the law and facts rather than subjective beliefs or partisan opinions, no matter how strongly held.”

Thompson had ruled that there wasn’t enough evidence of misconduct by Maricopa County to overturn election results in the county. Thompson granted two of the 10 election claims to be tried, just days after Lake had filed her lawsuit.

On Dec. 26, Maricopa County officials filed a motion against Lake, her legal team, and others. Hobbs, as secretary-of-state, joined the motion.

“Courts are established by Arizona’s Constitution and statutes to resolve actual disputes between parties,” Thomas P. Liddy is the Maricopa County Deputy Attorney wrote December 26, in a 15 page memo, Thompson asked for sanctions and attorney fees. “They do not exist so that candidates for political office can attempt to make political statements and fundraise,” Liddy continued. “And they should not be used to harass political opponents and sow completely unfounded