Allen: Fraud plan was ‘pat on the head’ for Seel

Rep. Carl Seel may think that Sen. Carolyn Allen tried to run his fraud reduction scheme through the ringer last spring, but the Scottsdale Republican now says it was actually legislative leadership who put her up to the task.

Seel: Anti-fraud measures can be implemented

Rep. Carl Seel tells our reporter that, while JLBC is technically correct that the Health and Welfare BRB (Laws 2009, 3rd Special Session, Chapters 3 and 10) did not have the statutory changes necessary to implement the anti-fraud mechanisms at AHCCCS under the federal false claims act, there was a provision he said he quietly slipped into the General Government BRB (Laws 2009, 3rd Special Session, Chapter 7) that will still allow anti-fraud computer programs to be installed.

County attorney decries Smith request

In a feud that conjures up memories of the New Times subpoena/arrest debacle, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office released a letter today from County Manager David Smith asking the office’s employees to fess up to whether they’ve been blogging or posting comments on the internet about county government.

Real names, pseudonyms, work time or personal time, Smith asked for it all while citing Arizona Rules of Professional Responsibility for attorneys or “agents of the County Attorney.”

Business is good

The state’s budget crisis and other recently passed legislation has left the state in a tizzy - but the aftermath of this year’s activity at the Capitol sure has created good business for lawyers. And a prime case in point would be Paul Eckstein.

When loyalty isn’t enough

Former Fife Symington chief of staff Chris Herstam called Eileen Klein a “superb choice… due to her extensive state capitol experience and her brains.” But Herstam said it’s important to keep the shake-up in perspective. “There’s always a six to nine month settling process in a new gubernatorial administration,” Herstam said, pointing out that Symington had five chiefs of staff in six-and-a-half years.

Rusty’s telephone problem

Rusty Bowers just can’t seem to get his numbers to add up right. First, Bowers handed out business cards in CD 1 with a “480″ area code - heresy for a candidate in this state’s rural region. Now, Bowers - who admitted his “naiveté” in using his Mesa-based home number to run in a non-Maricopa County district - has decided to put his new number on his Web site so anyone can call him at any time.

At home, Brewer violating constitution

During a press conference today with mayors and civil leaders from across the Valley, Gov. Jan Brewer unveiled efforts to bring the new F-35 fighter-bomber to Luke Air Force Base. And the governor touted the fact that she’s a resident of Glendale, home of Luke. It was also a reminder that by residing in the West Valley city Brewer is actually in violation of the state constitution…

Beck presses Arpaio

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio appeared on The Glenn Beck Show last week to talk about DHS’s move to end an agreement that allowed him to enforce federal immigration law. Beck started off the interview with a softball question for Arpaio, but as the interview went on, he appeared to grow skeptical of the sheriff’s claims.

Jack Harper’s $13,000 question

In a quest to kill a component of the budget earlier this year, Sen. Jack Harper cost the state more than $13,000. But the Republican lawmaker says the money was well-spent, and may have saved the state from letting hundreds of “hardened” criminals out on the street…

Munger’s firm has lobbying ties

It might be time for John Munger to update the Web site for his law firm, Tucson-based Munger and Chadwick. Mungerchadwick.com prominently features Capitol lobbyist Michael Racy, who Munger says has cut all ties with the firm - although not on paper.