The Arizona Republic reported today that former Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas is suing state officials for $23.5 million for personal and professional damages from the conflicts he had with county and state officials.

You can read the story here. Takeaway:

Tuesday's claim, filed with a state agency, is Thomas' second. On Jan. 24, he filed a notice of claim for the same amount against Maricopa County. In essence, the two claims are countersuits. The first counters multiple lawsuits that have been filed against Thomas alleging abuse of power, while Tuesday's is a counter to the Bar investigation.

The notice claims "Gleason's investigation and findings were intended to maliciously retaliate against Thomas for doing his job as county attorney and for treating members of the state judiciary and Board of Supervisors the same as he has treated all other citizens."

"The actors have engaged in an unprecedented campaign of political retaliation against claimant Thomas," the claim says. "This campaign is in retaliation for disputes and legitimate legal actions Thomas brought against Maricopa County politicians and judges related to illegal immigration, abuse of power, and/or violations of law. Said actions have violated claimant Thomas' rights under federal and state law."

Thomas claims the three attorneys targeted by the claim have engaged in schemes, fraud, retaliation, defamation, perjury, malicious prosecution, abuse of process, abuse of power, misuse of public office, misuse of public funds, misuse of influence, vindictive and/or selective prosecution and emotional distress.
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Thomas' earlier notice of claim against the county was part of a $60 million notice against the Board of Supervisors, seeking compensation for harm of professional reputation, future earnings and emotional distress as a result of the political and legal fallout from the years-long feud among county officials. Aubuchon and Hendershott both signed onto the joint claim.

Administrative claims stemming from the battles now total more than $128 million.