Proposition 207’s chief proponent, the Arizona HomeOwners Protection Effort (HOPE), has launched a television advertising campaign with two spots that acknowledge that they are bankrolled by out-of-state donors.
Both ads use the tagline “Vote ‘yes’ on 207 … Keep what you own.” And both end with this the small-print disclaimer: “Paid for by the AZ Home Owners Protection Effort (AZ-HOPE). Petitioned to the ballot by 225,000 Arizona citizens. Major funding by the Fund for Democracy and Americans for Limited Government, out of state contributors.”
The Fund for Democracy and Americans for Limited Government are both headed by Howard Rich, a wealthy political activist who lives in New York City. According to filings through October 2, the two entities had given a total of $1,151,500 to Arizona HOPE, accounting for more than 99 percent of its contributions.
In filings in other states, Rich has identified the Fund for Democracy, which shares his New York address, as “a revocable trust [that is] dedicated to assisting citizens assert their constitutional rights.” Americans for Limited Government, which Rich chairs, is in Chicago.
“Yes on 207” Television Ad 1
A narrator’s voice is heard over music; images of a family of four are shown.
The courts have ruled bureaucrats can condemn your home and give it to a private developer without your permission. Prop 207 changes state law to protect Arizona homeowners. Vote “yes” on 207 . . . Keep what you own.
“Yes on 207” Television Ad 2
A narrator’s voice is heard over music; images of a woman, an older man, and an African American man are shown.
Too often, homes owned by women, the elderly, or minorities are targets when bureaucrats condemn property for developers. Prop 207 changes state law to protect Arizona homeowners. Vote “yes” on 207 . . . Keep what you own.”
