Wednesday, January 07, 2026
Former Arizona state representative Austin Smith (R - Maricopa County) was sentenced to two years of probation and barred from running for public office for five years after forging signatures on his election petition. Defense counsel Kurt Altman pleaded for economic leniency from the Court because Smith's "finances are not extraordinary," so he was only fined $5,500.
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Arizona state representatives currently receive an annual salary of $24,000. Additionally, they may receive a per diem allowance which varies depending on their residence; for example, legislators residing within Maricopa County, like Austin Cole Smith, receive $35 per day.
Links:
Bio of 'Young Republican' Loser Austin Smith
