A proposal by the Citizens Clean Elections Commission to crack down on some “dark money” groups has aroused the opposition of the Secretary of State’s Office and escalated the ongoing dispute over the extent of the commission’s authority.

To curtail the inappropriate influence of money in politics, Arizona law prohibits lobbyists from contributing to lawmakers’ campaign committees while the Legislature is in session.

California’s Fair Political Practices Commission has reached a settlement with two so-called “dark money” groups in Arizona that will see them pay a combined $1 million in fines.

An Arizona Court of Appeals ruling that put the state’s new campaign contribution limits on hold triggered widespread confusion among candidates and election attorneys.

Hoping to raise more cash, lawmakers instead face new limits

John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign committees have been fined $80,000 for accepting contributions that exceeded federal limits.