The Coconino sun., 1927-02-11
Purity Political Law Only
Meant to Purify Opposition

The specter of allegations in past
political campaigns was paraded be-
fore the state senate Friday.
Brought up in committee of the
whole for consideration, the Winsor,
lYuma) purity in election bills drew
forth pointed accusations from a
clique of senators in the center of the
chamber, congratulations by the au-
thor of the bills, and finally a copy of
letter purported to have been writ
ten by Don G. Babbitt, secretary of the
democratic state central committee,
asking for contributions from state
employees to erase a party deficit.
The letter was without date.
AT the request" it read, "of the
Hon. Louis B. Whitney, chairman of
the democratic state central commit
tee, state officers and heads of state
departments" had authorized Babbitt
to negotiate loan of $4,000 to satisfy
claims against the committee, incident
to the last campaign, in the amount of
$8,931.77
with the understanding, it con-
tinued, "that money for the repay
ment of the loan should be procured
from all state employees receiving
salary of S100 or more per month"
In order that contributions would be
equitable" it was agreed that en-
ployes so designated should contribute
two per cent Of their monthly sal
aries"
'"Since our obligations are of such
magnitude" it concluded, 'it is of the
utmost Importance that every person
enjoying the fruits of our political
victory join in bearing its burdens"
Senator Donnelly of Pima, who gave
the senate page the letter to hand to
the senate reader, said the letter had
been sent to the heads of all depart
ments of state. Babbitt, according to
its context, was charged with receiv-
ing all contributions and with keeping
record OF those persons contribut-
ing.
Purity in Elections
Senate bill No. A, the first of four
purlty-in-elections measures drawn
by the president of the senate, had
received the unanimous approval of
the committee of the whole over the
strenuous objections of Golfer, Apache
who was presiding when the matter
of the letter came up. The next was
a companion bill. Senator Golfer
asked Nelson to act as chairman
while he took the floor to talk against |
the adoption of the bill, and in the |
discussion that followed asked the
senator from Apache if he favored |
state employees contributing to election |
campaign funds.
Il most certainly do" replied Col |
ter. when state employe wants to
contribute to the campaign fund of /
the governor, that's his privilege and
duty. If we pass this bill, we will
play into the hands of the special in
terests that are trying to control our
elections"
.'This bill, it seems to me-" inter-
posed Suffer, Cochise, affords the
poor man the opportunity to run for
office against the man who has the
support of the people whose wages
are taxed for campaign funds contri-
buttons"
'sBut the bill takes away a mans
vote" exulaimed Golfer.
in what way?" asked Winsor, add
ing moment later: ''The senator
from Apache refuses to answer the
question" as Golfer sought words to
explain his viewpoint.
Akers interrupted the discussion
by asking the clerk to read portion
of Governor Hunts message to the
regular session, calling the attention
of the legislature to "the extravagant
use of money in the last two cam
paigns in Arizona" and recommends
ing that "this legislature gave this
subject very careful consideration
with view to strengthening our
laws against corrupt election
practices"
THAT" commented Akers, "is the
reason | am in favor of this bill,"
and sat down.
Donnely was on his feet as Golfer
sought to keep the floor. 'The sal
aries of state employees" said the
senator from Pima, "are added to in
amounts to defray the campaign ex-
penses of the governor. | grant you
that some of the employees contribute
to this fund willingly, but / dare say !
that many of them do not. Why, this
letter (referring to the missiye pur-
ported to have been written by Bah {
oitt) is a practical threat. If the i
employees of the state are paid too
nuch-if their wages are such as to
provide for these contributions-then I
heir wages should be reduced If \
heir salaries are not too high, then
hey should be entitled to keep every 7
.ent they earn" {