Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed legislation to create specialty license plates to honor the work of slain Turning Point USA CEO and founder Charlie Kirk.
The proposed legislation would allow Arizona residents the freedom to choose to buy specialty plates. A portion of the $32.00 fee would go to an unspecified pro-family, conservative group founded in 2012, presumably Turning Point.
Oddly, Hobbs, a liberal Democrat, framed her veto of the message as a way to remain “nonpartisan.”
She wrote in her veto letter:
Charlie Kirk’s assassination is tragic and a horrifying act of violence. In America, we resolve our political differences at the ballot box. No matter who it targets, political violence puts us all in harm’s way and damages our sacred democratic institutions.
I will continue working toward solutions that bring people together, but this bill falls short of that standard by inserting politics into a function of government that should remain nonpartisan.
A Democratic governor signing legislation to honor the work of a conservative Republican is, of course, a great way to promote the political peace Gov. Hobbs says she desires.
Her decision drew heavy backlash from Republican leaders and commentators.
The veto is “petty” and “callous,” according to Congressman Andy Biggs.
“Charlie Kirk was one of America’s most influential voices and leaders,” Rep. Biggs wrote on X.
“He made his home in Arizona, building a company and raising a family in this state before he was assassinated because of his political beliefs.”
Arizona state senator Jake Hoffman authored the bill. He is a former consultant to Turning Point USA and a friend of Kirk.
“Charlie Kirk was an incredible man,” Hoffman told Fox News recently.
“Hobbs’ true colors are exposed — rabid partisanship, gross incompetence, petulant political games, and a far-Left extremism that’s destroying our state,” he wrote on X.
Others ripped into Hobbs.
“Purely petty politics and exactly the kind of partisan GARBAGE Americans are tired of,” Students for Life of America President Kristan Hawkins wrote.
“Sick,” Senator Ted Cruz said.
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