Independent voters in Arizona are our State’s largest voting block at 35% of registered voters; 1.1 million good people.  In theory, they hold an enormous amount of power to determine how Arizona elections turn out. But they don’t vote – at least not in the numbers or in the elections that could change who is getting elected.  Independents, engaged effectively, would have a major impact on Arizona, moderating the extremes at both ends of the political spectrum.

Many believe that voters register as Independent rather than choosing a partisan affiliation because they are either uninformed or don’t care. But, after seeking out Independent voters during my campaign, I’ve found that theory to be far from true.

I have found that many people are registering as Independents to make an affirmative statement that they are sick of the political attack culture with its dark money and want play a part in changing our politics for the better.

So, if the Independents want to change everything, why don’t they vote?

by Mary Jo Pitzl, The Republic | azcentral.com 11:16 a.m. MST July 21, 2014

(Photo: Andrew Harrer, Bloomberg)

So-called dark money — contributions from groups that are not obliged by law to disclose their donors — is showing up in political campaigns and fueling the debate about transparency in politics.

The Republic asked the candidates: As secretary of state, what, if anything, would you do to address dark money?

One of the biggest threats facing voters in this election is the influence of 'dark money'. These donations where the actual donor remains hidden are already coming into the Republican Secretary of State race. I was recently asked by the Arizona Republic about what the Secretary of State can do to control 'dark money'. Bottom line: we must stop this deplorable practice. Arizona voters have the right to know who is trying to buy our votes. Below is my Republic answer.