TL/DR –
Kari Lake, the former Republican candidate for governor of Arizona, has been ruled by a judge to not possess a First Amendment right to label Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer a criminal. She must now substantiate her allegations that he intentionally sabotaged the 2022 election to avoid a multimillion-dollar defamation penalty. The case draws parallels to Rudy Giuliani, a former advisor to Donald Trump, who was hit with a $148 million jury verdict after defaming a pair of Georgia poll workers.
2023 Ends with Another Loss for Kari Lake
As we close out 2023, the situation mirrors 2022’s ending with another defeat for Kari Lake. The former Republican candidate for Arizona governor, known for her refusal to concede defeat, may finally face accountability.
Last week, a judge ruled that Lake doesn’t have a First Amendment right to label Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer a criminal. Lake now has to substantiate her allegations of him intentionally sabotaging the 2022 election, or risk a multimillion-dollar defamation penalty.
Giuliani’s Election Claims Unproven
Recalling Rudy Giuliani, the once-respected “America’s mayor” turned Donald Trump’s aide, Lake might break into a cold sweat. Giuliani was recently slapped with a $148 million verdict for defaming Georgia poll workers, and his alleged evidence of election fraud fell flat. Lake faces a similar situation.
Kari Lake’s Accusations
For over a year, Lake has criticized Arizona’s elections workers and particularly Richer, accusing him without proof of stealing the election. Despite losing her election challenge in court and all subsequent appeals, Lake, the likely Republican Senate pick for 2024, continues to peddle conspiracy theories and misinformation.
Defamation Lawsuit Against Lake
In June, Richer sued Lake for defamation, which she requested to be dismissed. However, Judge Jay Adleman rejected her request, potentially putting Lake in hot water.
Accountability Looms for Lake
Lake has made numerous accusations against Richer, now she must substantiate them. She has to prove that he added 300,000 phony ballots to the 2022 election vote tally and intentionally tampered with Election Day ballots. Despite her claims, the judge’s ruling means Richer will have his day in court, and Lake must back up her accusations with evidence.
Lake’s Response to Judge’s Ruling
Lake responded to the judge’s ruling by claiming a conspiracy to silence her and infringe upon her First Amendment rights. However, the situation suggests an elections official standing up to the state’s biggest camera-ready bully, something that has been a long time coming.
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