For now, Arizona politicians are the quiet ones
National politicking in the wake of the Jan. 8 mass shooting in Tucson has been plentiful, but the conversations ascribing blame or motive have been almost entirely absent in the halls and floors of the Arizona Legislature.
O’Grady: Redistricting challenge should wait until after members are chosen
The time isn’t right for the Arizona Supreme Court to rule on the eligibility of nominees for the Independent Redistricting Commission, the state’s solicitor general argued in briefs filed Jan. 14.
Brewer budget hits AHCCCS, universities
The budget proposal released today by Gov. Jan Brewer hinges on empathy from the federal government, surviving potential lawsuits and a $330 million accounting gimmick that may not be legal.
Capitol community ramps up security for opening day, but permanent changes unlikely
The hundreds of dignitaries, elected officials, family members and onlookers who attended Gov. Jan Brewer’s subdued State of the State address on Jan. 10 encountered more security than they would on any other day, but the changes are not likely to last
Special election for Giffords’ seat unlikely
It is the question that no one wants to ponder, not while U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is still battling the head wound that could have taken her life. But there is political curiosity: What are the options concerning her future in the U.S. House of Representatives?
Seasoned lawmakers work to thwart freshman confusion
Legislative leaders, who remember the confusion peculiar to being a new lawmaker, are working to help freshmen members begin working effectively as soon as possible, especially since they make up one-third of the House seats this year.
At Capitol, civility reigns for now, but business as usual looms
No opening day at the Capitol has ever resembled the one on Jan. 10, but the end of the 2011 session may not look any different from the near-century of sessions that preceded it.
Pearce reserves “SB1070,” his favorite bill number
David Schapira, a Democrat from Tempe, dropped nine bills this week thinking one of them would be numbered "S1070." To his surprise, he got bill numbers “S1069” and “S1071,” but “S1070” went to Senate President Russell Pearce, the author of last year’s hotly-contested immigration policy.
No Labels movement seeks support in Arizona
A nationwide movement seeking to foster more cooperation and civility across party lines is looking to make inroads in Arizona.
Collins takes top federal court position after Roll is killed
Arizona federal Judge Raner C. Collins will take over Arizona’s chief federal judge position, replacing John Roll, who was killed in the Jan. 8 mass shooting in Tucson.
Legislators seek constitutional amendment to limit federal borrowing
If the federal government wants to borrow money, states should have a say in it, Republican lawmakers and a representative of the Goldwater Institute said Wednesday morning.
House to quit early this week
The House of Representatives will cut short its first work week of the legislative session in light of Saturday’s deadly shooting in Tucson.