Is a Debt Collection Appointment Sparking a Political Scandal?

The attorney general of Arizona, Tom Horne, recently hired a new leader for his Collections Enforcement Unit, a clearinghouse for debt owed to various state agencies. But the specific person hired to fill that role appears to have sparked controversy, or soon will, according to a local paper.

Horne hired Amy Rezzonico, his former spokeswoman, to fill the $93,000/year job, according to The Arizona Republic. While it is not uncommon for political operatives at the state level to get shuffled around to various posts, the paper argues that Rezzonico may not be qualified for the position.

It notes that the job requires detailed understanding of both business and legal matters, especially contracts. Preferred qualifications for the job include an advanced degree in business and previous experience in debt collection. Rezzonico has a degree in communications and political science.

The previous attorney general had hired an attorney with debt collection experience for the position.

Rezzonico is also a figure attached to scandals that have plagued Horne’s tenure as AG. In 2013, she resigned as spokeswoman “because of the high-profile controversies that have enveloped the agency in the past year.” The scandals include allegations of campaign finance law violations and a hit-and-run incident that uncovered an extramarital affair.

After resigning, Rezzonico went to work for a political consulting firm, one that Horne’s office hired to do work while Rezzonico was employed there.

All of the political intrigue is magnified as Horne is facing re-election in November. He is facing a challenge from inside his party for the Republican nomination and will face a strong Democrat in the general election.