An unpublished op-ed by Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer discovered through a public records request reveals that he believes the First Amendment is “the biggest threat to elections and Democracy,” Americans ‘ opinions are “disturbing,” and that “it may be time to revisit our First Amendment jurisprudence.”
The election official in Arizona’s largest county also refers to his constituents and Trump supporters who know that Joe Biden didn’t legitimately win 81 million votes as “gullible,” “crazies,” and “idiots.” He even suggests that suing citizens for defamation would be a remedy to his problems if it weren’t for the First Amendment.
Jack Butler, editor of The National Review, rejected the drafted op-ed, citing Richer’s attack on freedom of speech.
However, days earlier, Richer apparently gave a similarly written speech, ironically in commemoration of Constitution Day, to students of the Maricopa County Community College District, which was approved by the district beforehand.
In his drafted speech, Richer warns, “Despite what I’m going to say, I’m a huge fan of the Constitution” before remarking that “the Constitution today is in some ways a thorn in the side of my office. Specifically the First Amendment.” He also states, “It’s possible that our First Amendment jurisprudence needs to change,” even calling it a “religious problem.” In closing, Richer tells the college students, “If you have some time to spare to think about the problem of disinformation, I’d greatly appreciate it, and so too would all elections workers in the country.”
This is an American, sworn to uphold the Constitution, telling students that the First Amendment- the basis of American freedom- has to be done away with. Changed to suit his fraudulent purposes.
He's a traitor. He shouldn't be in office, much less adjudicating our elections. After all, if he could lie about fealty to the Constitution, why couldn't he lie about the true results of an election?
PAID FOR BY WENDY ROGERS FOR AZ SENATE
Wendy Rogers is a retired member of the Air Force. Use of military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of the Air Force or the Department of Defense.
