Judge orders Kari Lake to repay thousands of dollars in fees

Peter Thompson, a judge in Maricopa County Superior Court, ordered Kari lake to pay about $33,000 for costs related to her failed suit against Katie Hobbs (Democratic Governor-elect) and Maricopa County officials. However, the judge declined to sanction Lake and her lawyers for their lawsuit challenging the integrity the election.

Thompson also refused to grant the defendants a request to reimburse Lake for all Hobbs’ legal fees in relation to the lawsuit. Maricopa County filed a motion Tuesday that was joined by Hobbs. It asked for the judge’s sanction of Lake regarding the lawsuit.

Thompson rejected Lake’s Christmas Eve lawsuit against Maricopa County officials. Hobbs was also dismissed. Lake told the court that she will appeal the dismissal.

Thompson announced Wednesday that the court’s prevailing party has the right to an award of taxable costs. This includes witness fees and the cost to compensate someone for being present to inspect the ballots. This amounts to just over $33,000.

Thompson wrote that there is no doubt each side holds firm to its position with conviction. “The plaintiff’s failure to present clear and convincing evidence does NOT mean that her claims are not supported or that they were made in bad faith.

Lake, a Trump supporter fervent, also claimed widespread election fraud. Lake had said she would reject the results of the gubernatorial elections if she lost. She lost the election by 17,000 votes. Her thrown out lawsuit claimed that she lost the election due to printer issues and illegal voter participation, mostly in Maricopa County. Phoenix is the county where Thompson was residing. Thompson’s ruling stated, “The Court DOES not find clear and convincing evidence for misconduct.”