Kirkpatrick campaign argues Lea Marquez Peterson lied to IRS, Peterson blames independent auditor

Ann Kirkpatrick's campaign has released documents showing that while serving as the President and CEO of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce signed statements that state there were no family members working for her within the organization.

Marquez Peterson called the attack by Democrat rival "frivolous."

Various 990s show that they were signed "No" at time when when her brother, Edmund Marquez, was both a “2009-2010 officer”of the group and a “past Chairman” when the Board of Directors hired his sister, Lea. 

And several years later when her mother worked for the organization in minor capacity.

Edmund Marquez recused himself from the board when his sister was hired. 

The IRS form specifically asks “Did any officer, director, trustee or key employee have a family relationship or a business relationship with any other officer, director, trustee or key employee?”

“Marquez Peterson ran her business into the ground in 2005, leaving behind more than $3 million in unpaid bills. Now we find out that she made false statements in documents submitted to the IRS," said Abigail O’Brien of the Kirkpatrick campaign.

Marquez Peterson said the Chamber has used an outside firm for years and they are responsible for the mistake. 

"The Tucson Hispanic Chamber uses a professional company to prepare and file official tax documents with the IRS and are reviewed by an independent auditor," she said. 

"This frivolous attack on my family by my career politician opponent is why people are fed up with today's political process and why I'm running to change the status quo in Washington," she added.