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Recent Articles from Luige del Puerto
Pearce reserves “SB1070,” his favorite bill number
David Schapira, a Democrat from Tempe, dropped nine bills this week thinking one of them would be numbered "S1070." To his surprise, he got bill numbers “S1069” and “S1071,” but “S1070” went to Senate President Russell Pearce, the author of last year’s hotly-contested immigration policy.
Legislators seek constitutional amendment to limit federal borrowing
If the federal government wants to borrow money, states should have a say in it, Republican lawmakers and a representative of the Goldwater Institute said Wednesday morning.
Legislature swiftly passes, Brewer signs bill to restrict funeral protests
To members of a notorious Kansas-based church who are planning to picket the funerals of victims of the shooting rampage in Tucson, Arizona sent this message today: We don't want you here.
With a close friend in critical condition, Lawmakers avoid pomp on first day of session
The sorrow that cast a pall over the traditionally jubilant opening day of the legislative session was all too visible on Sen. Linda Lopez’s face.
Barto wants to raise burden of proof in all medical liability cases
Following a hard-fought battle to raise the burden of proof of malpractice cases against emergency room doctors, a senior Republican wants to expand it to all physicians.
Adams proposes elimination of elected officials’ pension program
House Speaker Kirk Adams is proposing to eliminate the pension program for elected officials. "Is it any surprise to anyone in this room that a pension program for politicians designed by politicians would happen to be the most generous of all," Adams said during the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Legislative Forecast Luncheon Jan. 7.
Kelly expected to announce another bid for Congress
Republican Jesse Kelly, who failed to unseat U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords last year, may be itching for a rematch.
Pearce to skip national birthright bill unveiling in D.C.
The unveiling of what may become the most controversial immigration legislation of this era will have to go on without one of its primary architects.
Dem targets texting while driving
The Arizona Legislature has balked at a statewide ban on texting while driving during each of the past three sessions despite bipartisan support for such a measure. So this year, a Tucson Democrat is planning a different approach.
Can’t we all just get along — occasionally? Top bipartisan moments of 2010
Real cross-party dialogue on major issues like the budget and immigration was pretty much non-existent this past session, where compromise, once a virtue, acquired a negative connotation. But veer away from the spotlight and you’ll discover pockets of cooperation initiated by rank-and-file members, and many bills actually passed with bipartisan support, a handful of them unanimously.
2010’s wildest statements, other gaffes and a pregnant pause
At the end of the year, it’s easy to look back and recognize the high points and low points. But often the most memorable moments are neither high nor low — they’re just ridiculous.
Immigration, gays in the military, abortion — these are all weighty topics. But in the hands of politicians, these subjects get pretty wild and, in some cases, twisted.
Defiant Quelland fails to pay fine
The saga surrounding the removal of former House member Doug Quelland from the Legislature isn't over quite yet.
