Leff Discusses State Treasurer Race

“Elections have consequences. We’re dealing with six years of Janet Napolitano, who spent way more than Arizona could sustain,” observes Barbara Leff,  President Pro-Tempore of the State Senate and one of three candidates vying for the GOP nomination for Arizona State Treasurer. “It will take years” to repair the financial situation left from the previous democratic administration.

In a candid conversation with Washington-based journalist Tim Young, Leff observes that many if not most voters don’t understand what the Treasurer’s job actually entails. Contrary to what many voters believe, the Treasurer doesn’t shape the budget or determine how the state spends its money. The Treasurer, who is more administrator than policy-maker, “protects the taxpayers’ dollars.”

Leff’s qualifications for Treasurer include 14 years in the AZ legislature, including over a decade as chairman of the Commerce and Economic Development Committee, as well as prior experience as a small business owner.

Leff believes she is well-positioned to promote effective state governance. “I know all the legislators…and have working relationships with them…,” Leff said.  Her opponents have very publicly and harshly criticized Governor Brewer – - who leads her Democratic opponent Terry Goddard in the polls by double digits – - and the legislature. Leff points out that this could undermine their ability to work together in the future.

Leff ’s primary challengers include Doug Ducey, former President and CEO of Cold Stone Creamery, and Thayer Verschoor, a fellow legislator and Army veteran. Having decided to make a run for Treasurer just as the legislative session was beginning, Leff determined not to take time from her legislative duties to raise funds, but instead to participate in Arizona’s Clean Elections program. Due to the Supreme Court’s injunction on matching funds, she is limited to $91,000. Ducey, on the other hand, has raised $368,000, most of which was raised at an elaborate fund-raising event attended by many of Arizona’s most well-heeled Republicans.

Leff explains that the presumptive Democratic candidate for Treasurer has raised close to half a million dollars, mostly from out-of-state donors. As well, Al Gore and Bill Clinton have made appearances at Cherny campaign events.