Recent Articles from Matt Bunk
How matching funds work in Arizona
Arizona's Clean Elections system provides an initial disbursement of varying amounts to candidates to choose to run with public financing. The amount of the disbursement depends on whether the candidate is running for a legislative seat, or an executive position such as governor, attorney general, secretary of state, etc.
Big immigration rally – Crosby, Stills, Nash rumored to show
Police are preparing for a crowd of between 25,000 and 50,000 people to protest at the Capitol this weekend that could draw the likes of Crosby, Stills Nash and, unfortunately, not Young. Rumor has it the famous trio of crooners will make an appearance, though it's not been confirmed. If Neil Young was expected to be here, I would be much more excited, frankly.
Brewer, budget riding on outcome of Prop. 100
While today's special election on Proposition 100 seems to have garnered more attention than most, nobody is watching the results more closely than Gov. Jan Brewer, who has tied her political future to the temporary one-cent sales tax increase.
Arizona needs more Jack Browns
After Rusty Bowers busted out a tune as the lone “singing senator” and a roast-and-toast by lobbyists Russ Smolden and Marty Shultz, I was under the impression that nothing about this year’s Legislative Wrap-Up would be serious. But just when I began thinking Tuesday morning would be all comedy, Rep. Jack Brown gave a short farewell speech that sobered me right up.
Everyone wants to weigh in on Arizona’s new immigration law
Every time a major piece of legislation is signed or a controversial bill advances, I get bombarded with press releases from notable people and organizations that want to weigh in. Today, as expected, my inbox was flooded with reaction to the new immigration law, S1070.
Boxing Commission expedites hearing, reinstates Diaz’ boxing license
The Arizona Boxing Commission has reinstated Joe Diaz’ boxing license. The commission voted unanimously this afternoon to restore the license that was stripped from Diaz five years ago. The hearing was... […]
Diaz’ hearing postponed; 25 subpoenas on the way
The Arizona Boxing Commission rarely has to deal with dozens of subpoenas and the prospect of 10 hours of witness testimony for a simple licensing hearing. Yet that's exactly the scenario that was laid out by Joe Diaz' attorneys this morning.
Put Diaz back in the ring
For the past five years, Diaz has operated as a sort of boxing outcast. He is an unsanctioned expert who still runs Joe Diaz’ Top Level Boxing Gym on Ninth Avenue, which has retained a small band of followers. He still works with his most-prized fighter, Ramon “Yori Boy” Campas. And, perhaps more importantly, Diaz is still tough as nails.
Predictions break up repetition on the Capitol chicken circuit
I have been a regular on the Capitol luncheon circuit for the past three years, which qualifies me a connoisseur of chicken, political speeches and the sauces that they put on chicken to make it seem like their chicken is different than the last chicken.
AZ delegation, candidates weigh in on health care legislation
The U.S. House of Representatives on March 21 voted 219 to 212 to pass the health care legislation that the Senate had already approved. The vote sends the measure to President Obama, who expects to sign the legislation March 23. After the vote, Arizona’s congressional delegation explained either their support or their opposition. Candidates for Congress also weighed in.
McCain, Pullen feud erupts over fundraising
The feud has worsened between Sen. John McCain and Arizona Republican Party Chairman Randy Pullen, now that Pullen has withdrawn his endorsement of McCain and both sides are fighting over campaign fundraising.
Comment minimized the life of civil rights leader
The Arizona Capitol Times made a mistake last week that caused confusion for many readers and minimized the life work of a tireless leader of the labor movement. A story... […]