Second anti-union bill gets Senate OK

After being pulled from the debate calendar twice, a proposal that would prohibit public employees from being paid for union work finally received Senate approval today.

Patterson lashes out against fellow Dems

Rep. Daniel Patterson lashed out against his colleagues today, saying that he was the victim of a “lynch mob mentality” and that some members were going to “look very foolish” when the truth came out.

The Tucson Democrat said that he would not be “bullied” into stepping down or reconsidering his bid for re-election this fall, despite being dogged by accusations of domestic v[...]

Sweeping abortion bill advancing in Senate

Pro-life lawmakers were able to get a sweeping abortion measure through a Senate committee Monday, despite the measure being held in the House nearly two weeks ago.

Democrats call on one of their own to resign

Democrats in the House and Senate are calling for one of their own to step down amid allegations of domestic violence.

Rep. Daniel Patterson’s former live-in girlfriend and campaign manager was granted an order of protection against him on Friday, liberal blog Three Sonorans reported yesterday.

Perhaps in an attempt to avoid another drawn-out saga like the one after former Sen.[...]

Line in the sand

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

Experts: Rank-and-file would face discipline for allegations dogging Babeu

If embattled Sheriff Paul Babeu was a rank-and-file employee he likely would have faced discipline for sending a text message identifying himself as a law-enforcement officer and emailing nude photos of himself to a potential sex partner.

Embattled Babeu urged to evaluate congressional campaign

The act of sending out sexually suggestive photos via the Internet ended the political careers of two New York congressmen last year. But while many questioned his judgment, outrage involving Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu’s similar actions was mostly muted at the state Capitol. So far, no Republican or Democratic lawmakers have called for his resignation.

Attorney: Babeu’s ex-lover denies hacking allegations

Attorneys for the ex-boyfriend of Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu proclaimed their client’s innocence today, saying he never hacked into the lawman’s campaign websites.

Adnan Horan, attorney for Jose Orozco, a Mexican citizen who claimed in a news article that Babeu threatened him with deportation after their relationship disintegrated, held a news conference announcing Orozco’s d[...]

Swift budget unveiling spurs critics

In less than 24 hours, the House and Senate had introduced, discussed, and voted on their budget proposals – a move that has led some lawmakers to grouse about the lack of time to consider the important policy implications.

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.

Legislative budget plan moves forward over Brewer’s concerns

Despite a clear sign that the governor is unhappy with their budget plan, Republican lawmakers swiftly approved the proposal during simultaneous committee hearings in the House and Senate this morning.

Legislature introduces budget after negotiation non-starter with Brewer

Legislative leaders are pushing ahead with their budget proposal after efforts to get the governor involved have failed.

But in going ahead, lawmakers risk alienating Gov. Jan Brewer, who has a competing budget plan.

The move could also spur the sides to begin meeting on the state’s spending plan.