FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Senate President Warren Petersen Will Not Issue
Punishment Without Due Process
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— In response to Democrat State Senator Brian Fernandez’s letter sent today to Senate President Warren Petersen requesting disciplinary action against Senators Jake Hoffman and Anthony Kern, the President is releasing the following statement:
"The Senator and his colleagues in the Democrat party seem to have forgotten our citizens are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and they have the right to due process. Not one of our members has been convicted of any crimes, nor any ethics violations, prompting the necessity of any punishment. I believe in upholding the Constitution, and I believe in the rule of law, and that means I will not infringe on anyone’s fundamental right to a fair and impartial trial or hearing. There must be a conviction from a court of law or recommendation from the Senate Ethics Committee before taking any rash action."
"It wasn't that long ago that there were accusations at the Capitol about Senator Fernandez harassing someone. Fortunately for Senator Fernandez, we allowed for due process without making knee jerk decisions on punishment. Unlike some people, we will not base questions of justice on political party."
###
For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus