Hayworth campaign donations questioned

J.D. Hayworth evidently has received campaign contributions from the same company he's been touting as a provider of technology for the border protection.

Hayworth has been a vocal supporter of Scottsdale-based Sensor Technologies & Systems Inc., touting their radar systems and their possible applications to border security. Sensor already provides radar systems to help the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma keep smugglers and illegal immigrants off their grounds. Sensor could also get additional contracts with federal and state governments increasing border security spending.

Democrats pointed out in a statement Thursday that Sensor executives also are campaign contributors to Hayworth, a Republican representing Scottsdale, Tempe and Fountain Hills.

There is nothing inherently illegal about receiving campaign contributions from chief executives of companies. However, I suppose it is fair to ask whether there is any conflict of interest or quid pro quo if the legislator then goes out and sings the company's praises exclusively - in press releases and interviews - as the key vendor of a solution to a public policy problem.