A local political consultant says his work for state candidates is not associated with Club for Growth, the Washington, D.C.-based organization seeking to defeat moderate and liberal Republican candidates for Congress.

Christopher Baker of Scottsdale, who represents Arizona four legislative candidates and one congressional candidate, said some of his clients’ opponents have accused his business, Blue Point Consulting, of funneling Club for Growth money into legislative races, which would violate election laws.

Club for Growth announced last year that it would spend $1 million on Arizona legislative elections, but a spokesman said Aug. 10 it had cancelled those plans.

A Capitol Times reporter noticed that a financial report by Club for Growth showed payments of $32,000 to Blue Point, and a separate campaign report by Sen. Jack Harper, R-4, showed a payment for direct mail and consulting services to Mr. Baker’s Blue Point.

Mr. Baker said that is a coincidence. He said he is indeed a consultant to the Club for congressional races in other states, but his work in Arizona is not connected with the Club.

He represents state Rep. Randy Graf, who is challenging U.S. Rep. Jim Kolbe in the 8th Congressional District GOP primary. His legislative candidate clients, all Republicans, are Mr. Harper, Anton Orlich (District 20), Ron Gould (District 3) and Pamela Gorman (District 6).

In their latest campaign reports, Mr. Harper listed a $10,700 payment to Blue Point; Mr. Gould $800; Ms. Gorman, $2,006; and Mr. Graf $7,448. Mr. Orlich’s report did not reflect a payment to Blue Point.

Club Backs Jeff Flake, Kolbe

Club for Growth’s IRS filings say the club raised more than $6 million in 2003-2004 for congressional races across the country. It lists Arizona contributions of $4,000 to 6th District GOP Congressman Jeff Flake and $2,000 to Mr. Kolbe.

Mr. Baker said he was unaware, until told by a reporter, that Club for Growth is supporting Mr. Kolbe against his client, Mr. Graf. He said that proves his independence from the Club.

Donations to Club for Growth have come mainly from large corporations and their officers and ranged from less than $20,000 to more than $1 million. For 2003-2004, they include:

• Daniel Searle and Kinship Corp. Searle & Co. pharmaceuticals, $1.2 million

• Stephens, Inc., investment banking, $918,500

• Gilder Gagnon Howe and Co., stockbroker, $904,000

• Charles Schwab & Co. Inc., stockbroker, $125,000

• Citigroup, banking and insurance, $19,000

In Arizona, the now-abandoned Club for Growth plans to attack moderate and liberal Republicans prompted the formation of “Mainstream Arizona” by former state Attorney General Grant Woods and state Board of Regents member and former state Rep. Jack Jewett. Mainstream has raised about $300,000, they said. Its donors include:

• Banner Health, $40,000

• Behavioral Health Coaliton of Tucson, $5,000

• Tucson 30, civic and political advocacy group, $10,000

• Tucson Medical Center Health Care, $5,000

• Sen. Linda Binder, R-3, $200

• Andrew McCain, adopted son of Sen. John McCain, $1,000

• Tempe Chamber of Commerce, $1,000

• Hensley and Co., beer distributor, $5,000

• Carondelet Health Network, $5,000

• Hugh Downs, retired ABC-TV journalist, and Ruth Downs, $450

• Bashas’ grocery chain, and Edward Basha Jr., $10,000

• Susan Goldwater Levine, widow of the late Sen. Barry Goldwater, $200

• Jeanne Herberger, advocate for women’s and other social issues, and Gary Herberger, $10,000

• Lattie Coor, former ASU president, Elva, Lawrence and Joan Coor, $400 —