Recent Articles from Bob Christie, Associated Press
First candidate certified in race to replace Trent Franks
The Arizona secretary of state's office has certified the first candidate in the special election to replace Republican Rep. Trent Franks, and it is not one of the best-known names.
Arizona school funding still lagging, report shows
The study by the Washington, D.C.-based nonpartisan research institute showed that even with an infusion of money since Gov. Doug Ducey took office in 2016, the state's per-pupil spending is well below its 2008 funding levels when adjusted for inflation.
Arizona Rep. McSally tells colleagues she’ll run for Senate
U.S. Rep. Martha McSally, Congressional District 2, has told Republican colleagues that she will enter the race for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by fellow Republican Jeff Flake, a move that puts a mainstream candidate who could win backing from President Donald Trump into the primary race.
Gov. Ducey wants US to allow private business at rest stops
Gov. Doug Ducey wants the federal government to allow Arizona to partner with private businesses to build new facilities at highway rest areas, a move that could lead to new gas stations and fast-food restaurants at lonely roadside stops.
Ex-Board of Education president, charter school founder dies
A former president of the Arizona Board of Education who resigned his post last year amid an ongoing battle with state schools chief Diane Douglas has died.
Ex-AG Tom Horne violated campaign laws
A three-year investigation of former Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne has found he used his office staff to work on his failed 2014 re-election effort but that no criminal charges are warranted and he won't have to pay back additional money.
Arizona Legislature’s budget analysts predict 2018 shortfall
The Arizona Legislature's budget analysts predicted a budget shortfall that could top $100 million in the current and coming year as the impact of corporate tax cuts continues to overwhelm increases in sales, insurance premium and personal income tax collections.
Lawmaker seeks probe of Phoenix police immigration policy
Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, says Phoenix police are violating provisions of a contentious 2010 law known as SB 1070 that requires police to inquire about the immigration status of people they suspect are in the country illegally.
Judge won’t block new law Arizona targeting initiatives
A judge on Tuesday refused to block a new state law making it easier for opponents to challenge citizen initiatives, but she sidestepped a decision on whether the law violates the state Constitution.
Gov. Ducey in Washington for meetings on health care
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey is in Washington to confer with Trump administration officials and other governors on a repeal of the Affordable Care Act.
Arizona group says school voucher bill repeal is on track
A group that opposes a major private school voucher expansion bill signed by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey this spring says it is on track to collect enough signatures to place the law on hold.
Arizona delegation urges Flake, McCain to maintain Medicaid
A Republican state senator and representatives from business and health care groups are urged GOP Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake on Tuesday not to back cuts to Medicaid as part of a health care overhaul bill.