Sign In
Free Newsletter
Gray, Barto file motion to intervene in federal abortion suit
Two lawmakers, along with several conservative groups, filed a motion Sept. 22 to intervene as defendants in a federal lawsuit that was filed to challenge a new state law to restrict abortions. Sen. Linda Gray, a Republican from Glendale and Rep. Nancy Barto, a Republican from Phoenix, argued that they have a right to intervene because the lawsuit could invalidate their votes.
Parker takes first step toward run for governor
Paradise Valley Mayor Vernon Parker took his first step toward making a run for governor in 2010, filing an exploratory committee with the Arizona Secretary of State's Office on Sept. 22. A public announcement of his candidacy is expected Sept. 23, when Parker will attend a GOP event at the Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa.
Day 2: Quelland tries judge’s patience
A day after being repeatedly told by a judge to avoid long-winded answers and focus his responses to address only the question asked, Rep. Doug Quelland frustrated the court by feigning ignorance when asked basic questions. Of course, that was only when he was being cross-examined by the attorney for the Citizens Clean Elections Commission.
Quelland maintains innocence as testimony continues today
Doug Quelland maintains he didn't break any laws during his successful 2008 campaign for the House of Representatives, claiming he didn't do the things the Citizens Clean Elections Commission had determined earlier this year when it recommended his removal from elected office.
Lawmakers scrutinize STOs, seeking reform
A group of lawmakers are taking a closer look at a program that gives income-tax breaks to people who donate money for private school scholarships. A Sept. 21 hearing on school-tuition organizations at the state Capitol came on the heels of newspapers reports that highlighted ways the tax-credit program could be abused.
Party like its 1990 – Symington vs. Goddard again?
Back in 1990, Arizonans witnessed a drawn-out fight for governor between two rising-stars: Fife Symington and Terry Goddard. Time magazine said of the contenders: "With his Jay Rockefeller looks, Jack Kennedy charm and squeaky-clean politics (he now refuses PAC money), Goddard has Democratic presidential hopeful written all over him." Calling Symington "the hope of the Republican middl[...]
Kirkpatrick facing criticism from Republicans and environmentalists
As soon as the 2008 election ended, Arizona Republicans were evaluating which of the state's congressional Democrats would be the most vulnerable targets in 2010, and first-term representative Ann Kirkpatrick was near the top of everyone's list. Now, Kirkpatrick's left flank is under attack as well from environmentalists unhappy with her record.
Brewer approves $50 million in stimulus money for Corrections
Gov. Jan Brewer on Sept. 18 approved the use of $50 million in federal stimulus money to help pay the salaries of Department of Corrections officers. The $50 million is the first portion awarded by Brewer from a pool of stimulus money called the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund Government Services Fund. The $185 million pool can be used by the governor for essentially any government services she[...]
Rotellini files exploratory committee for AG run
Felecia Rotellini, a former state prosecutor and recently departed superintendent of the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions, filed an exploratory committee to seek the Democratic nomination for attorney general in 2010.
13 House members will be looking for new jobs
There are 13 legislators in the House of Representatives who can hear the hoof-beats of term limits fast approaching, and their plans after the forced exit from the chamber range from possible runs for higher office to recapturing memories from youth.
A third of Senate to say goodbye in 2010
A controversial constitutional amendment that limits the length of time that lawmakers can stay in office will force more than one-third of the senators out of their chamber by the end of next year, a massive revamp unprecedented in recent years.
Lawmakers lament term limits, but the public supports them
Looking for supporters of term limits? Good luck finding any at the Capitol. Many who actively worked to change the state's Constitution nearly two decades ago say the rules harm the political process and need to be scrapped.
