GOP lawmakers create panel to scrutinize redistricting maps

House and Senate Republican leaders announced this evening that they have each appointed three lawmakers to a committee charged with scrutinizing the maps created by the state’s Independent Redistricting Commission.

Lewis: Pearce engaging in ‘spurious’ attacks

Jerry Lewis is fighting back against accusations he “stole” donated items from homeless children, saying Senate President Russell Pearce is morally unmoored for making the allegations.

AZ Supreme Court to decide on hearing Tucson election, Glendale casino cases

The Arizona Supreme Court will decide Oct. 25 whether to hear cases involving city council elections in Tucson and a southern Arizona Indian tribe’s desire to build a casino near Glendale’s sports and entertainment area.

New legislative map leaves Dems perplexed despite advanced planning

Democrats have looked to the state’s Independent Redistricting Commission as their best chance to change their fate as the perpetual minority — a position they’ve held for nearly all of the past 40 years in Arizona.

They got commissioners they liked appointed to the panel. The commission selected lawyers that many Democrats were pleased with. And they even awarded a contract to a [...]

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.

Legislative map unveils tough primary matchups

Some districts packed with incumbents

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.

Lawyers: Russell Pearce’s brother played key role in Cortes campaign

The lawyers who fought to get alleged sham candidate Olivia Cortes disqualified in the Mesa recall election planned to put Senate President Russell Pearce’s brother on the stand in a now-cancelled trial.

AZ sheriffs call for Holder to resign in wake of Fast and Furious

Ten Arizona sheriff’s today called for the resignation of U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and the Obama administration to appoint a special lawyer to investigate Operation Fast and Furious, a program that allowed thousands of guns to get into the hands of Mexican cartels.

Pearce, Lewis spar over illegal immigration in 1st debate

Arizona Senate President Russell Pearce and his opponent in a recall election met in their first debate Thursday, sparring over illegal immigration and its financial impact on education and businesses.

Cortes bows out to avoid court hearing

Olivia Cortes, who faced a lawsuit claiming she was a sham candidate, withdrew today from the recall election targeting Senate President Russell Pearce.

Her withdrawal from the high-profile race was part of a deal she made to avoid having to face another court hearing on Friday in which more witnesses were expected to link her candidacy with Pearce supporters.