BACK AT ME: Finchem/Kern File Defamation Lawsuit Against Dem Colleague, Also Open Civil Investigation Into Own Roles In Jan. 6 Capitol Violence (READ LAWSUIT)

Two current and former Arizona State Representatives who were in Washington for the January 6 activities have filed a defamation lawsuit against a Democratic colleague, thus opening themselves up for a civil investigation into their own activities.

The Complaint filed Friday in Yuma County Superior Court against Rep, Charlene Fernandez was first reported yesterday by Arizona Capitol Media's Howard Fischer and the Republic's Andrew Oxford. 

Rep. Mark Finchem and former Rep. Anthony Kern claim that Fernandez spearheaded a letter signed by many of her Democratic colleagues, asking the U.S. Department of Justice (and FBI) to investigate the Finchem and Kern activities related to the January 6 insurrection. They also say she has personal animus against Kern because he held her bills in the Rules Committee.

In January, we reported that attorneys for Rep. Andy Biggs (R-CD5) had sent a letter to former opponent Joan Greene, threatening a defamation suit for social media posts she made about his January 6 activities. After Greene's counsel memorably replied, no suit has been filed.

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