Recent Articles from Luige del Puerto
Speeding trucks and a flying SUV: Farley survived fatal crash on I-10
Barely an hour before the crash Tuesday afternoon, Sen. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, participated in a contentious and successful attempt to overthrow a Democratic leader. But sitting still in the middle of a freeway on his way back to Tucson, with his hands behind the wheel and with zero visibility, Farley thought how inconsequential the morning’s political drama had been against the tragedy that un[...]
Surgeon to challenge Worsley in Senate primary
An orthopedic surgeon from the East Valley is poised to challenge Sen. Bob Worsley, R-Mesa, in next year’s Republican primary.
California commission also goes after recipients of “dark money”
While the Arizona-based Center to Protect Patient Rights and the Americans for Responsible Leadership successfully settled to pay only a combined $1 million for failing to adhere to California’s campaign disclosure laws, the political committees that received millions of dollars from the Koch-associated groups still could face heftier enforcement actions.
Contribution limits vs. free speech
Supreme Court campaign finance case could change Arizona elections
While Arizona’s higher campaign contribution limits hang in the balance, a case before the U.S. Supreme Court might achieve what the state law’s supporters seek – give people the ability to contribute more to their favorite politicians and allow candidates to raise bigger amounts from backers.
Tucson Democrat steps down from leadership
Sen. Linda Lopez, D-Tucson, has stepped down as assistant minority leader to focus on a new job in Tucson.
Into the core
Palo Verde is one place where no one can afford to make mistakes. “Put these on,” the security officer, whose bullet magazines protruded and glistened against his black uniform, told me.
Energy deregulation proponents push ahead despite setback
Stung by their sudden defeat at the Arizona Corporation Commission, proponents of electricity deregulation have gone back to the drawing board to map out their next move.
Debt Dilemma
2010 decision to mortgage state’s assets threatens cash reserves
Borrowing billions of dollars allowed Arizona to limp through the worst financial crisis in its history. But the decision to mortgage state assets that include the House and Senate buildings has an unwanted underside: It precludes the state from having significant cash reserves.
Q&A with Jim Waring – Phoenix Councilman and former legislator
After losing to Ben Quayle in a crowded congressional race in 2010, former Republican legislator Jim Waring bounced back to win a seat on the Phoenix City Council in 2011.
Electricity deregulation is dead
In a sudden turn of events, the Arizona Corporation Commission today voted to end the discussion to open the state’s electricity market to competition.
But the commissioners left open looking into related issues, such as discussing technological innovations in delivering electricity.
Critics warn of legal obstacles to deregulation
Arizona’s energy regulators dug deep into the legal complications surrounding a proposal to open up the state’s electric market to competition.
Lifesaving Laws
With little fanfare, lawmakers take small steps to make the state safer
On Sept. 13, most of the laws that legislators and the governor enacted in this year’s session finally take effect. While several were highly controversial, such as expanding the state’s Medicaid program or simplifying the sales tax system, others are aimed at saving people’s lives. Many of the li[...]