Arizona commission denies Ralph Heap's exit from Clean Elections program

Arizona Corporation Commission candidate Ralph Heap was denied his request to withdraw from the state's Clean Elections public-funding program, with the commission voting unanimously Wednesday to reject his appeal as too late. Heap, a Republican state representative, had been approved for public funding just before the primary and is now barred from raising outside campaign funds under program rules. His attorney argued the program should be voluntary, but officials cited Arizona's Administrative Code, which prohibits withdrawal after approval notification. The commission is also investigating complaints about Heap's campaign sign spending and signature-gathering efforts, with staff citing reason to believe he violated rules. Heap's attorney denied any wrongdoing, while a complainant argued he shouldn't be allowed to walk away after alleged violations.