Recent Articles from Jim Small
Rick Lavis described as a straight-shooter who worked his magic at the Legislature
Rick Lavis died Nov. 26 at the age of 76. He is survived by his wife, Marti, and their two sons.
After 7 months, House fails to release state-funded travel documents
Seven months after the Arizona Capitol Times requested documents related to a spike in state-funded travel authorized by House Speaker David Gowan, the Arizona House of Representatives has yet to release any documents that would shed light on which legislators and employees were taking trips and for what purpose.
This new background check policy is only the latest retaliation from Gowan’s House
The actions of the House since January serve as strong evidence that this sweeping policy has less to do with security than it does with retribution against a reporter who dared to investigate the most powerful person in the chamber.
Former lawmaker Jack Brown: Driven by the needs of rural Arizona
If the light rail line through the sleepy eastern Arizona town of St. Johns ever does get built, its riders will have Jack Brown to thank for it.
Education funding deal reached, special session likely
Lawmakers have been summoned to the Capitol Monday and Tuesday to be briefed on a deal on K-12 funding in advance of a special session later in the week.
Capitol community mourns longtime education advocate Sam Polito
Sam Polito loved to cook for his friends, and his dinners for legislators and lobbyists were his calling card during his more than 30 years as a lobbyist at the Capitol. Attendees had only to abide by a single rule: no politics.
Bennett to enter CD1 race
Former Secretary of State and Senate President Ken Bennett said he plans to run for the vacant First Congressional District seat in next year’s election.
Why would they need a company to tow elephants?
When Robert Graham was running for Arizona Republican Party chairman two years ago, he made financial transparency a cornerstone of his campaign as a way to rebuild trust with the... […]
Free Enterprise Club targets Smith in new TV ad
The Arizona Free Enterprise Club had spent roughly $1.5 million to influence voters in several statewide and legislative Republican primary races, but had stayed out of the hotly contested governor’s race – until now.
Supreme Court rejects bid to boot LD13 Republican Farmer from ballot
The Arizona Supreme Court has upheld a lower court’s ruling that there is no evidence LD13 Republican Senate candidate Toby Farmer committed petition forgery, even though it is clear that several signatures on the nominating petitions he used to qualify for the ballot were forged.
Shooter files criminal complaint against GOP challenger
Sen. Don Shooter’s campaign is asking prosecutors to investigate allegations that his Republican opponent, Toby Farmer, forged at least six signatures on his nominating petitions.
Capitol community #StartsItsOwnRumors for 2014 sine die
Rumors began swirling Tuesday night that the Legislature would make a push to end its work the following day. On Wednesday morning, it was unclear where the day's actions would lead, prompting speculation about when it would be appropriate to launch the #StartYourOwnRumor festivities.