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Recent Articles from Ben Giles
Sen. Allen overcomes Democrat Nikki Bagley’s early lead in LD6
Republican Sen. Sylvia Allen surged to a commanding lead overnight in Legislative District 6, one that Democrat Nikki Bagley appears unlikely to overcome.
Democrat Bowie wins open LD18 Senate seat
Political newcomer Sean Bowie is headed for victory over Republican Frank Schmuck, providing Democrats with a rare win in an East Valley district that has long been a Republican stronghold at the Legislature.
Pratt defeats Democrat McGuire in key LD8 Senate race
Republican Rep. Frank Pratt defeated Sen. Barb McGuire in a race that spoils Democrats’ hopes of picking up enough votes to split the Senate.
Brophy McGee holds lead over Meyer in LD28 Senate race
Republican Rep. Kate Brophy McGee leads Democratic Rep. Eric Meyer in the race for Legislative District 28’s Senate seat.
Director disparages, fires DES employee for critical email
A state employee of 22 years was fired from the Department of Economic Security and branded an “idiot” by Director Tim Jeffries after objecting to a news report shared with agency staff that the employee felt was purely political in nature.
Early voting trends feed Democrats’ hope of splitting Senate
Early voting figures have bolstered Democrats’ hopes of picking up enough seats in the Senate to split the chamber, thanks to strong showings in two districts in which Democrats are considered most vulnerable to lose.
Democratic legislative candidate disputes evidence he lives outside his district
In campaign ads and on social media, Democrat Michael Muscato and his family portray a life at home just north of Phoenix, more than 15 miles outside the boundaries of the district Muscato is running to represent as a state senator.
Pot legalization advocates accuse opponents of ‘scare-mongering’ over DUI
Despite dire warnings by opponents of Proposition 205, marijuana users could still be prosecuted for driving under the influence if voters legalize recreational marijuana use in November.
Meyer envisions a split Senate, and Brophy McGee has ‘heck of a fight’
On the campaign trail, Rep. Eric Meyer is not shying away from the potentially historic significance his election to the Senate could have.
Beth Lewallen: Entrepreneurial lobbyist excels at grunt work
After years of research and lobbying at the Capitol, including stints working for the Senate, Maricopa County, the County Supervisors Association and the Arizona Board of Regents, Beth Lewallen branched out in late 2014 to start her own independent consulting firm.
Prop 205 leader asks agency to disseminate pro-pot talking points
If Department of Economic Security Director Tim Jeffries is going to email his agency’s more than 7,000 employees articles about the perils of marijuana, he should also send them emails with a more positive message about the drug, said the campaign fighting to legalize marijuana in Arizona.
Taxes, education dominate battle for open Senate seat in LD18
Democrats’ hopes of gaining seats in the Arizona Senate hinge in part on Legislative District 18, where an open seat has created an unexpected opportunity for the state’s minority party to chip away at the Republican majority.
