Democrats might get an equal voice on a joint House-Senate committee that eventually will receive and analyze two investigations into the hostage taking at Arizona State Prison Complex-Lewis that began Jan. 18.

Senate President Ken Bennett, R-Dist.1, says the make-up of the committee probably will be six members, “three and three” from each party.

“I think so,” he said Feb. 16.

Senate Democrats have complained that the committee would not be “bipartisan,” as stated by Republican leaders, if Republicans had more seats.

“It should be even numbers if it’s to be bipartisan,” said Sen. Bill Brotherton, D-Dist. 14.

“Otherwise, forget it.”

“To me,” Mr. Bennett said, “bipartisan means there’ll be representation from both caucuses on the panel. Bipartisan hasn’t always meant even numbers.”

Members of the committee had not been named as of Feb. 19.

Governor Napolitano’s investigation includes a criminal probe of the activities of inmates Ricky Wassenaar and Steven Coy, who took two Arizona Department of Corrections officers hostage Jan. 18; a broader review of prison policies headed by Dennis Burke, her chief of staff; and a study by a panel of state officials and prison experts from other states.

Maricopa County Attorney Rick Romley is in charge of the criminal investigation, and GOP legislative leadership also chose him to head its separate investigation.

Mr. Romley, who has indicated an interest in running for governor, hired former U.S. Attorney A. Melvin McDonald to conduct the legislative investigation, and both Mr. Romley and Ms. Napolitano are to report their findings to the legislative committee.

In a floor speech Feb. 16, Mr. Brotherton questioned Mr. Romley’s “fair-mindedness,” adding that the hiring of Mr. McDonald doesn’t guarantee a non-biased investigation.

Bennett: Investigations Come 1st

Mr. Bennett said he wants both investigations completed before taking up the confirmation of Department of Corrections Director Dora Schriro — even if it requires a special session. He said he expects the governor’s investigation to be completed in several weeks, and Mr. McDonald’s probe to be finished by April or May. Legislative leadership is hoping to end the session in April.

The Senate must act on Ms. Schriro’s nomination no later than June 30, the end of her first year at Corrections. She was hired by Ms. Napolitano in July 2003.

“I don’t want the nomination to become the investigation into the prison situation,” Mr. Bennett said. “I think the state deserves a more broad and complete evaluation as part of her nomination than just what happened in Lewis.”

The Senate Government Committee will consider the nomination.

Sen. Robert Cannell, D-Dist. 24, urged his fellow Democrats to cooperate with the Republicans in the formation of the joint committee, so as not to put Ms. Schriro’s confirmation in jeopardy.

Democrats: Probe Will ‘Make Janet Look Bad’

Senate Democrats were critical of the second investigation.

“It’s obviously a political game to make Janet look bad,” said Sen. Ken Cheuvront, D-Dist.15.

“Prisons have been a long-time problem,” said Sen. Harry Mitchell, D-Dist. 17. “They’re using this as a wedge against the governor. How better could it have ended≠”

Wassenaar and Coy surrendered to authorities after releasing their second hostage Feb. 1.

Minority Whip Linda Aguirre, D-Dist. 16, defended Ms. Schriro and Ms. Napolitano’s handling of the negotiations that ended a 15-day standoff with the inmates. Under a previous Department of Corrections leadership, she said, things would have turned out badly.

The Senate Government Committee will conduct Ms. Schriro’s confirmation hearing, said its chairman, Sen. Jay Tibshraeny, R-Dist. 21. The committee will vote whether to forward the appointment to the full Senate. —