Race to fill Giffords’ House seat could cost $3M
Jun 29, 2012, 8:29 AM
TUCSON, Ariz. — The special election to fill the seat of former U.S. Rep.
Gabrielle Giffords is likely to cost Arizona taxpayers $3 million.
The Arizona Daily Star reported figures show that was the
estimated cost for the four counties in the state’s 8th Congressional District
to put on a primary and general election.
The data shows much of the cost fell to Pima County, where 78 percent of the
district’s voters live. Pima County elections officials spent $2.5 million to
print ballots, pay for postage and staff polling sites.
The state Legislature only set aside $1.9 million from the general fund to
reimburse the counties.
A Pima County administrator said payments shouldn’t prevent the county from
providing any basic services.
Democrat Ron Barber won the June 12 race to replace Giffords.
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Information from: Arizona Daily Star, http://www.azstarnet.com
