January
“Happy New Year. I thought I would start on a positive note, since the revenue news is so negative.” — Richard Stavneak, Joint Legislative Budget Committee director.
“I’m actually real glad I got out of the Legislature. It’s a whole lot more fun to be making money than to have to figure out where to cut.” — State Treasurer Dean Martin.
“I think a lot of that applause came from members who know how tough it is to put up with me.” — House Speaker Jim Weiers, after introducing his wife to lawmakers and dignitaries on the first day of session.
“I know people have been going through my kindergarten papers, but that’s not why I’m running.” — Barack Obama, mocking reports that he planned to run for president since he was a child.
February
“Well, just east of the North Pole. You asked for a location, so I gave you one. Sorry, I don’t have the exact coordinates.” — Senate Minority Leader Marsha Arzberger, when asked where the budget discussions are right now.
“There was a poll taken in November. We call it an election. The margin of error is zero.” — Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, noting the overwhelming support for four illegal immigration-related ballot measures passed in 2006.
“Not just no, but hell no!” — Rep. Pete Rios, D-Hayden, voting against H2859 in the House Appropriations Committee. The bill included funding cuts to various health and welfare programs.
“I don’t like this public defender on TV going personal against the sheriff. You don’t do that. We all work for the same county.” — Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio commenting on a recent lawsuit over jail visiting hours that pitted his office against the county’s public defenders.
March
“If you want change in Washington D.C., and you want to hear a new voice in D.C., you are picking John McCain.” — Gov. Janet Napolitano said in a speech blunder at a rally for Barack Obama in El Paso, Texas.
“Having everybody buy a flat panel TV from China isn’t going to create jobs in Arizona.” — Rep. Bill Konopnicki, R-Safford, on 2006 tax cuts be believes were too deep and not targeted enough to promote job growth.
“But we have to opt out to find out if the feds are even going to withdraw the money, then we can backfill.” — Rep. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert, on a bill that would make Arizona the first state to opt out of the education program No Child Left Behind.
“Members, it’s always a good idea to be here when your bill is debated.” — Rep. Mark Anderson, R-Mesa, who couldn’t see a bill-sponsoring legislator during floor debate while he was serving as speaker pro tem.
April
“He’ll hear it, but he’s not happy.” — House Majority Leader Tom Boone, commenting on Rep. Russell Pearce’s decision to hear a bill in the Appropriations Committee that provides money for Arizona’s English Language Learner program.
“I’m trying to break the perception that we’re the party of big government.” — Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Phoenix, on her opposition to two measures that would bring back the Administrative Rules Oversight Committee.
“I’m vetoing it this morning. You’ll have my veto message soon thereafter. I think that bill is untimely, untenable. It’s unwise.” — Gov. Janet Napolitano, commenting on a tax repeal bill passed by the Legislature that would have eliminated $250 million in state revenue this fiscal year.
“It would have been tougher to win if we hadn’t given Anderson and Rios to the Senate. The wind from Mr. Anderson’s strikeout in the first inning is still blowing.” — Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert, after his softball team, the House Ducks, beat the Senate Eagles 14-9 in the annual legislative softball game.
May
“The solution to this is not going to be inexpensive.” — Dale Norris, executive director of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, on illegal immigration and the veto of H2807, which Gov. Janet Napolitano stated was an unfunded mandate that would cost the state $100 million.
“Who is she?” — Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio responding to a reporter’s request for a reaction to criticism leveled at him by Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox.
“Pulling the rug out from under these children is not only appalling and tragic; it is a radical departure from Arizona constitutional and policy history.” — Attorney Tim Keller, after the Arizona Court of Appeals overturned a state program offering education vouchers intended for developmentally disabled and foster children.
“I think the actions today, and frankly the actions at the end of last week, imply or suggest that the common courtesies afforded to members have gone away and that the relationship that needs to be in place here at the Legislature to get our work done is crumbling.” — Sen. Debbie McCune Davis, D-Phoenix, after the Republican-controlled Senate adjourned May 27, following several hours of recess, despite appeals from Democrats to finish deliberations on pending legislation.
June
“I support the Arizona Tax Revolt, and you don’t see me using my office to promote it.” — Sen. Ron Gould, R- Lake Havasu City, alleging that the Arizona Department of Transportation is improperly promoting the TIME ballot initiative.
“Maybe it’s the one good thing about taking Thursdays off.” — Rep. Rich Crandall, R-Mesa, speaking about the high cost of gas. Crandall commutes to the Capitol from Mesa.
“I put my hat in the ring, and here I am.” — Sen. Sylvia Allen, R-Snowflake, commenting on replacing the late Sen. Jake Flake on the ballot in the fall election.
“What’s your point, Senator Gould, a question I’ve asked myself a number of times?” — Sen. Jim Waring, Phoenix, after Ron Gould called for a point of order during Senate debate of the budget bills in the early morning hours of June 26.
July
“If things really start deteriorating fast over the next couple months, I think it’ll happen sooner rather than later.” — House Majority Leader Tom Boone, speaking about the possibility of a special session to correct the fiscal 2009 budget.
“There are some of us who will be leaving willingly. Others, the voters will assist with that.” — Rep. Mark Anderson, R-Mesa, on how the election might send lawmakers home from the Capitol sooner than they expect.
“One second, I clicked on the wrong thing. I clicked on the ‘clear mikes.’ If you’d like to speak, go ahead and push your buttons again.” — Sen. Jack Harper, R-Surprise, after he shut off the microphones of two Democrats who had been trying to delay a vote on a measure to define marriage in Arizona. “In spite of that, I remained a Republican, despite all my years there.” — Rep. Bob Stump, R-Peoria, who received a degree from the University of California at Berkeley.
August
“I think that gas, the issue, is viable, even if gas prices drop to, let’s hope, $3.50 a gallon or less, because it’s not just about gas prices.” — U.S. Rep. John Shadegg, who led a “speak-in” after Congress adjourned for August without addressing energy prices. Thanks to Shadegg, who found a way to turn the House microphones back on, the move didn’t go unnoticed.
“I look forward to just representing the good people of District 11 for the remainder of the term, however short it may be.” — Rep. David Funkhouser, who became the newest member of the Arizona Legislature after being sworn in Aug. 26 to replace Democrat Mark DeSimone, who resigned his District 11 House seat in July after he was arrested for domestic violence.
“He (Rep. Russell Pearce) draws lines in the sand, and unless you’re on his side of the line … your patriotism is called into question.” — Farrell Quinlan, a consultant for an independent expenditure group campaigning to defeat Pearce in the District 18 Senate primary.
“I wouldn’t count the governor out because the governor makes up the rules as she goes along … Until the ballots are printed and that’s not on there, then I’m not going to feel safe.” — Sen. Ron Gould, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, on news of disqualification of the TIME initiative. The secretary of state said the initiative lacked the minimum number of signatures needed to qualify for the November ballot.
September
“That’s when “Phony Tony” began, and it stuck.” — Rep. Sam Crump, R-Anthem, speaking on the night of the primary election about the nickname given to opponent Tony Bouie after Bouie lied about having been registered as a Republican when he lived in Florida.
“There’s a real difference between a bridge to nowhere and a bridge over a highway for kids so they can get to a school. There’s a real difference between a bridge to nowhere and more roads in Maricopa County. There’s a real difference between a bridge to nowhere and funding health services for children in Arizona. Those are the kinds of things that get kind of wrapped up in this anti-earmark zaniness.” — Gov. Janet Napolitano on the difference between congressional earmarks and legitimate requests for federal funding.
“I’ll be using my New York finesse, not my old New York nightstick.” — Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, on Sept. 11 explaining why he would be a good choice for caucus whip. He is a retired member of the New York New Jersey Port Authority.
“Both sides are afraid to take the first step because they don’t want to get the snot kicked out of them.” — Rep. Steve Yarbrough, R-Chandler, on the hesitation of legislative leaders and Gov. Janet Napolitano to suggest ways to address a looming deficit.
October
“We are getting free national publicity here.” — Sedona Mayor Rob Adams, on Republican vice presidential pick Sarah Palin’s stay at Sen. John McCain’s home in nearby Cornville to prepare for the Oct. 2 debate with Sen. Joe Biden. The national media insisted on referring to McCain’s property as his “Sedona ranch.”
“Biggest inhibitor of free speech: the Clean Elections Commission.” — Rep. Bob Robson, giving his take on the practical effects of Arizona’s system of publicly funded campaigns.
“I collect memorabilia.” — Ryan Anderson, a volunteer deputy campaign manager for U.S. Rep. John Shadegg, explaining why he stopped at Arizona Democratic headquarters to buy a Barack Obama bumper sticker.
November
“We’re like Lennon and McCartney, and I’m McCartney. He’s the thoughtful and soulful one, and I get all the girls.” — Rep. Jonathan Paton, R-Tucson, speaking Nov. 24 about the working relationship he has with speaker-elect Kirk Adams.
“I expect to travel many miles.” — Sen. Jack Harper, R-Surprise, talking about his plans during the upcoming legislative session as he explores a bid for Secretary of State in 2010.
“I’m backing off the revenue-sharing issue.” — Senate President-elect Robert Burns, R-Peoria, commenting on his past efforts to reform the system by which cities receive revenue from the state.
“They’re going to put all of their materials on a truck and hope it doesn’t get hijacked or crash.” — Deputy Secretary of State Kevin Tyne on election procedures used in Pima County forbidding polling results from being transmitted electronically.
December
“In today’s era, it is a young man’s war. They always say that.” — Brig. Gen. Hugo Salazar, who took over as commander of the Arizona National Guard in December. He replaced Maj. Gen. David Rataczak, who has retired.
“I’m finding the lobbyists are really helpful. I guess I didn’t anticipate that. You know, we all have the idea of lobbyists as probably a negative. But when you get down here they’re really a positive. They’re really helpful.” — Incoming Rep. Laurin Hendrix, a Republican from Gilbert, on the first day of freshmen orientation at the state House on Dec. 8.
“Should you subpoena this account, I promise you on my life that you will find payments totaling $11,000. Add this to the four months of rent, you have the grand total of $15,000 that we charged Mr. Quelland to run his campaign that he state he fired us from.” — Consultant Larry Davis, stating that Rep.-elect Doug Quelland paid his firm for campaign work despite Quelland’s claims to the contrary.