PHOENIX — The president of the Arizona Senate is blaming the House, at least in part, for what happened at a day-long hearing on elections last week that resulted in one witness charging, without evidence, that the governor, state lawmakers and county supervisors took bribes from the Sinaloa cartel.
Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, said it was House Speaker Ben Toma, R-Peoria, who asked for permission for a joint hearing to hear presentations arranged by Rep. Liz Harris. The Chandler Republican had lined up several witnesses who were supposed to update lawmakers on issues related to the 2022 election.
But the hearing featured Scottsdale insurance agent Jacqueline Breger who was given nearly 45 minutes to accuse dozens of officials and private citizens of taking bribes.
