Line in the sand

Republican governor and GOP Legislature are digging in for long budget fight

Bill seeks state backing for business loans

Proponents of a bill that would use state tax credits to encourage lenders to open their wallets for small businesses say they can help struggling entrepreneurs get access to much needed capital without invoking the most dreaded phrase in the debate over government incentives — “picking winners and losers.”

Bill restricting HOA parking authority advances


The Senate on Thursday approved a proposal to prohibit homeowner associations from regulating public roadways that are owned by a government entity. But both Democratic and Republican legislators also opposed it, which showed that issues dealing with homeowners associations often transcend political boundaries.

Barber files more than 5,400 signatures in CD8 special election

Ron Barber, who opened his campaign by raising more than $100,000 in three days, boasted another stunning number today when he submitted 5,472 signatures for the special election in the 8th Congressional District.

Barber, the lone Democrat in the special election field, shattered the minimum requirement of 671 signatures for Democrats to get on the special election ballot.

Brewer declines invitation to talk SB1070 before ‘publicity stunt’ U.S. Senate panel

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer is looking to put Gov. Jan Brewer on the hot seat on the eve of April’s SB1070 U.S. Supreme Court hearing when his subcommittee conducts a hearing on state-level illegal immigration enforcement efforts.

Pro-life advocates revive stalled anti-abortion bill

Unable to shepherd an abortion bill out of a House committee, pro-life advocates are resorting to a common legislative maneuver to revive the proposal.

Romney, Santorum battle, but little focus on Arizona issues

Just a few percentage points separate Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum in the polls for Arizona’s GOP presidential primary, but the two frontrunners did little to differentiate themselves on the issues nearest to Arizona Republicans’ hearts.

Bill would require all college students to pay $2,000 of their tuition

The House Appropriations committee narrowly passed a bill today that would require all university students to pay at least $2,000 of their tuition.

Pierce says he’s supporting Antenori’s congressional bid

Sen. Frank Antenori, a Tucson Republican, received a boost today after the Senate’s most influential member said he’s behind his candidacy for Congress. “I can’t vote there, but I’d vote for Frank Antenori,” Senate President Steve Pierce told the Arizona Capitol Times today.

Former Republican gubernatorial candidate to run as Democrat in CD6

Matt Jette, who in 2010 unsuccessfully ran in the Republican gubernatorial primary, has shifted his sights to Washington D.C. and shifted his party affiliation from red to blue in order to do it.

Brewer orders halt to budget negotiations

Gov. Jan Brewer threw a counterpunch at GOP lawmakers following the Monday release of their budget plan, ordering a halt to meetings between the two sides’ budget staffs until the legislative budget plan is changed to address some of her key concerns.

Babeu shops investigation into allegations against him

After a flurry of announcements and a press conference late today, confusion reigned over who would investigate allegations involving Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu’s and his gay ex-lover.

The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office announced today that Attorney General Tom Horne will handle the investigation. Earlier in the day, Babeu said he wanted Gila County officials to conduct the inve[...]