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Recent Articles from Luige del Puerto
Pearce supporters file suit in hopes of stopping recall
Arguing that the recall petition against Senate President Russell Pearce failed to comply with constitutional and statutory requirements, the Mesa Republican’s allies today asked a judge to invalidate signature sheets in a last-minute bid to block the special election from taking place this November.
Hundreds of millions in fed assistance, but only 4 AZ homeowners were helped
By September 2010, the Arizona Department of Housing was sitting atop $268 million in federal money, which it was seeking to unload to help struggling homeowners here.
But since the program’s inception last year, it has helped only four homeowners and reduced their principles by a combined $62,000. On average, it lowered their monthly payments by $420.
Klein’s gun gaffe triggers criticism, but political impact unlikely
Despite all the attention it drew, the controversy surrounding Sen. Lori Klein pointing her handgun at a reporter’s chest while she was showing it during an interview is unlikely to result in any lasting implication for gun legislation in Arizona.
Pro and con groups consider possible role in Pearce recall set for Nov. 8
With the special election for the recall of Senate President Russell Pearce set for Nov. 8, both the backers and opponents of the recall effort must decide what to do with their organizational structures.
Brewer calls for special election while Pearce says he’s staying to fight
Pearce officially becomes the first sitting Arizona legislator to face a recall after the group that spearheaded the drive submitted more than enough signatures to Secretary of State for the special election to take place. Last week, Secretary of State Ken Bennett certified the recall and passed it on to Brewer, who is tasked by state law with formally calling the election.
Klein responds to handgun handling criticism
No stranger to controversy, freshman Sen. Lori Klein might have waded into another one after she pointed a loaded gun at the chest of a reporter who was profiling her as a part of a series on gun culture in Arizona.
Pearce officially faces recall election
It’s official: Senate President Russell Pearce is the first sitting elected legislator who will face a recall election in Arizona history.
The Secretary of State today confirmed that the group seeking Pearce’s recall has submitted more than enough signatures for the special election to take place.
Legislators water down ignition interlock law
Arizona solidified its reputation as a state that is particularly tough on drunk drivers in 2007, when legislators required first-time offenders to equip their vehicle with an ignition interlock device for one year.
Goldwater Institute takes aim at Department of Health Services low-fat milk standard
The Goldwater Institute is known for its high-profile maneuvers, like challenging a part of the Clean Elections system and derailing the potential sale of the Phoenix Coyotes hockey team. But showing that it can tackle even seemingly benign state regulations, the watchdog group is now taking aim at the Department of Health Services for asking day care centers to serve low-fat milk.
Illegal immigration rhetoric doesn’t match reality
Strict enforcement laws like SB1070 sprang from widespread sentiment that the federal government refuses to untangle the illegal immigration mess, leaving states to bear the brunt of its fiscal and societal costs and compelling them to adopt a patchwork of laws to confront the problem.
ADEQ: We have electric car charging stations now
The decision by the state agency in charge of implementing air quality policy to repeal the Clean Cars program in favor of emission standards that aren't as stringent led to a chorus of protests from environmentalist and health advocates.
Revenues collections solid for 10th month in a row
Increases in individual income taxes and a higher-than-anticipated influx of federal funds put May’s revenue collections on solid footing, the Legislature’s budget arm reported.
