Just a few weeks ago, Nancy Barto was the Republican Party chairman in District 7. Now, after David Burnell Smith’s ouster from office for campaign finance violations under Arizona’s Clean Elections system, she is his replacement at the Capitol, and has resigned from the GOP post.

Ms. Barto sat down with Arizona Capitol Times for an interview Feb. 15 to discuss her experience thus far in the session and what she is looking forward to for the rest of the year.

How would you describe your first two weeks as a legislator≠

Busy. Very busy. But, it’s gone very well, considering this session is full of bills that — how should I say it≠ — I guess it’s one of the busiest sessions ever, if you go by the number of bills dropped. [Editor’s note: A record number of pieces of legislation have been filed this year.]

It’s been a lot of fun. I’ve had a lot of help.

What kind of help have you received≠

Well, I know quite a few of the legislators personally and I’ve gotten a lot of advice, both on how the process works and how to get around — on just a lot of things.

How difficult has it been jumping in midstream and having to learn everything on the fly≠

It hasn’t been too bad. I know I have a lot of learning to go, but the system is set up very user-friendly.

In what way≠

Staff is always available, the computer system’s really easy and people are very professional and helpful.

It certainly seemed to be a “baptism by fire” sort of experience for you on your first day, having to hear a handful of illegal immigration bills in the Federal Mandates and Property Rights Committee. How was that for an introduction into what really happens at the Capitol≠

It was hitting some of the most important issues that are on the front burner of Arizona right away. I’m glad I had an opportunity to speak to them. It was intense.

Now, you voted “present” on a couple of those bills — what was the reasoning behind that≠

I had some questions. I passed these bills out of committee, but I had some questions for the sponsor. I support nearly every immigration bill that’s on the docket that’s coming through. I’m very supportive of what’s going on down here and what we’re doing with that issue.

What’s your political background≠ Most people know you were the District 7 Republican chairman, but other than that, you’re pretty much an unknown. How did you become active in politics≠

Well, I’ve always been a public policy advocate, since the mid-80s, just lobbying my own legislators on issues. And the interest in that has grown over the years.

Did you ever intend to run for a state office≠

After getting really involved in the Republican Party, the possibility became more realistic — I thought about it more in the last couple of years. But I didn’t expect to run this soon.

Most people probably don’t know it, but you gained some notoriety about 10 years ago for taking a case to the U.S. Supreme Court over a city of Phoenix ordinance. Could you maybe explain a little about the case and what the outcome was≠

Well, we won the case. The Phoenix City Council had passed an ordinance that basically prohibited sidewalk protestors and sidewalk counselors in front of abortion clinics from being too close in proximity to a person entering an abortion clinic and we just thought that was very much unconstitutional. And, obviously, we won.

Will abortion legislation be a priority for you≠

Yes — all pro-life legislation, from the womb to the tomb.

You’ve also been outspoken in the past about the merit system for selecting judges — what’s wrong with the way things are done now≠

Well, I think that the way our judges are behaving, there is very little that voters can do about it without an opportunity to have more input. So, once a judge is appointed, there’s very little recourse constituents have and some adjustments need to be made there.

What’s your goal for the rest of the session≠

My goal is to be the best legislator I can be for District 7 and to promote Republican principles. So, I’m going to make my judgments on whether a bill’s good or bad pretty much based on that — limited government, limited spending, accountable spending, effective spending. I think securing the border is extremely important. I think people are extremely concerned with that, as I am.

What are your thoughts on how the situation with former District 7 Rep. David Burnell Smith and the Citizen Clean Elections Commission was resolved≠

It was a very unfortunate situation.

What are your plans for the elections this fall≠

I do plan to run.

Even if it means running against Mr. Smith≠

Even so.

Any chance you’ll run using Clean Elections money≠

No, I won’t.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.