As the draft map did, the final legislative map sets the stage for a Crandall-Pearce primary brawl, and both have said they anticipate running against each other in the new LD25.

While Republicans are hopping mad about the congressional maps, the legislative maps seem to be a win for them.

Thanks to a significant uptick in tax collections that began in the last half of FY11, JLBC is now estimating the surplus for FY12 will be $510 million, though it seems likely that number will rise in the coming months.

On the eve of tomorrow’s ethics hearing, Gallardo introduced a bill inspired by Bundgaard’s roadside scuffle and the ensuing plea deal he struck that some feel carried too light a punishment.

The IRC meeting yesterday was one of the most cordial get-togethers in recent memory.

Although some Republicans have blindly thrown their support behind Arpaio, others show a bit more hesitation.

Still stewing over the Pearce recall, Antenori told our reporter yesterday he’s meeting with Republican activists on Friday to plan revenge.

Unable to persuade colleagues to stop the ethics investigation against him and determined to fight to the end, Bundgaard went to court yesterday to sue the Senate Ethics Committee and its members.

Gallardo told our reporter that legislators can bring two guests for the opening day of session in the House chamber, where Brewer will give her state address. So he’s bringing a familiar figure – activist Randy Parraz.

Goddard said Coughlin’s allegations in yesterday’s report that the former AG used his position to spark a Social Security investigation against Brewer and that he leaked the news to the Arizona Republic are completely unfounded.