The chair of the Arizona Democratic Party has suspended a top party official from her duties for potential violations of the party's code of conduct.
Chair Robert Branscomb II sent a letter May 16 to Kim Khoury, the party's first vice chair, notifying her that she is not allowed to carry out duties he has assigned her until a formal investigation is done.
He barred Khoury from communicating with any of the party's staff, talking to the press, engaging with any members of the party's executive committee and taking part in any party caucuses or councils.
The suspension appears to be a response to Khoury's alleged failure to carry out duties assigned to her as the party's No. 2 elected officer.
Branscomb's letter suggested she has been working against party interests and party policies, as he has had a rocky start since his surprise win of the chairmanship in January.
In his letter, Branscomb noted the investigation will explore whether:
Branscomb did not return a call seeking more details on what prompted the suspension.
Khoury, a longtime party officer, would not comment due to the prohibition on speaking to the media.
Jim Barton, the party's attorney, said Khoury is within her rights to do the things she is entitled to as an elected party officer.
"He's not taking away her abilities to attend meetings, her ability to vote (in party matters)," he said of Branscomb's directive.
But she is prohibited from carrying out any of the duties that she was assigned as the first vice chair until the investigation is complete, he said, citing party bylaws.