Business group trying to veto-proof its tax-break bill

The Greater Phoenix Economic Council is rebooting its signature bill from the 2011 legislative session with some substantial changes that may help it avoid another veto.

The GPEC-drafted proposal, obtained by the Arizona Capitol Times, contains familiar benefits for businesses: A huge property tax break for companies that make major investments, and a tax break for Arizona-bas[...]

Pearce attacks Lewis on immigration, says challenger ‘embarrassed’ to be an Arizonan

In his first attack mailer, Senate President Russell Pearce said his challenger, fellow Republican Jerry Lewis, is “embarrassed” to be an Arizonan.

2012 Pearce-Lewis match-up unlikely

Senate President Russell Pearce’s allies have said that recall challenger Jerry Lewis would be soundly defeated if he faced Pearce in a Republican primary election.

Lewis makes TV ad buy

Jerry Lewis, who is challenging Senate President Russell Pearce in the Nov. 8 recall election, is hoping to capture early voters and will air TV ads targeting Mesa residents starting this week.

Legislative map unveils tough primary matchups

Some districts packed with incumbents

Civil rights settlement near for deaf and blind in Harkins Theatres lawsuit

Harkins Theatres and the state are on the verge of settling a hard-fought, groundbreaking lawsuit that became the center of a national struggle between theater owners and the hearing and visually impaired.

Despite funding shortfalls, regional transportation plan creeps along

A several-billion-dollar projected shortfall is stalling work on the transportation plan to build a system that keeps people and goods moving throughout Maricopa County during the next two decades.

Education advocates push for improved statewide database

Even as initiatives to increase school accountability go into effect, Arizona lacks effective database for tracking teacher performance and student achievement. And education officials say the state has a long way to go before it can even manage data in a meaningful way.

Pearce ads cost $10K to air, target FOX News and other cable outlets

Senate President Russell Pearce’s first TV ads will cost his campaign $10,000 and will target FOX News viewers, as well as other cable stations.

The ads, set to air this week, are timed to reach early voters in the Nov. 8 recall election against him.

Political hotspot Tom’s Tavern set to reopen

When Arizona Cardinals President Michael Bidwill heard Tom’s Tavern was up for sale in September 2010, he decided that someone had to step in to carry on the restaurant’s traditions. Owner Michael Ratner was struggling with pancreatic cancer, and the tavern, which had served as a popular meeting place for politicians since 1929, was in danger of closing.

IRC approves legislative draft map on 4-1 vote

Despite objections about a lack of competitiveness, divisions of like-minded communities and concerns that some regions were given more consideration than others, the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission approved a draft legislative map, one day before it begins a 30-day series of public hearings.

Pearce TV ad touts budget accomplishments; no mention of immigration

Senate President Russell Pearce’s campaign will begin airing TV ads in his fight to keep his legislative seat. The ad, which is also on YouTube, touts Pearce’s accomplishments in balancing the budget and helping to pass a “jobs” bill in the last session.