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Independents continue adding to share of Arizona’s electorate
Voter-registration figures showing that independents are increasing their share of Arizona's electorate reflect that the major political parties are becoming more polarized and alienating voters, a political scientist said Oct. 27.
Wildlife group highlights 24 Arizona species threatened by climate change
The desert tortoise thrives in intense heat and can go a year without water, but it's among the species threatened by climate change, an wildlife group says. Looking toward events Oct. 24 calling attention to carbon emissions and their role in warming the planet, the Tucson-based Center for Biological Diversity released a report highlighting 350 animal and plant species it says could vanish due[...]
Campaign finance reports show McCain with big edge in cash
Sen. John McCain ended the third quarter with 500 times more cash on hand - $5 million in all - than his closest declared Republican rival, according to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. "He's clearly on the path to continue raising money in a substantial amount," said Frederic Solop, a Northern Arizona University political science professor.
Brewer: Expanded Nogales port will boost international trade
NOGALES - Expanding the Mariposa Port of Entry here will reduce delays in each direction, boost international trade and enhance security, Gov. Jan Brewer said Oct. 22. "The expansion will benefit real people who are at the heart of international trade," Brewer said. "We have yet to realize the potential of the trade between Arizona and Sonora."
Report ranks Arizona ninth nationally in state, local reliance on sales taxes
Arizona ranks ninth nationally in its reliance on sales taxes to fund its state and local governments, according to a report by a nonpartisan tax research organization. The Washington, D.C.-based Tax Foundation found that 48.4 percent of Arizona's tax base came from general sales taxes and from selective sales taxes on motor fuel, tobacco, insurance premiums, public utilities, amusements and al[...]
The politics of tweets: Arizona leaders, candidates embrace social media
John Paul Mitchell spends two to three hours a day on social media sites, sharing links to articles he finds interesting and regularly engaging people in bursts of 140 characters or less. But the time he spends on his Twitter account, Facebook page and other sites is more than just leisure. Mitchell hopes it will help deliver him the Arizona governorship in 2010.
State agency touts programs letting hunters transfer big game permits to charities, kin
When a hunter gets a big game permit, it's a bit like winning the lottery. In fact, it is a lottery: This year's draw granted about 119,000 permits out of 258,000 applications.
New law expands domestic violence protections to dating relationships
A new law expanding domestic violence protections to dating couples reflects the modern reality that relationships have many forms and abuse can occur in any of them, a state official said. "Protection of people is more important than the status of relationship," said Greg Stanton, a deputy attorney general who helped push for the change.
Campaign reports show incumbents with big fundraising edges
With more than a year left until the midterm election, three Democratic U.S. representatives from Arizona who are considered most likely to face strong GOP challenges have big leads in fundraising. But it's soon to tell whether that means an easy road for Reps. Ann Kirkpatrick, Gabrielle Giffords and Harry Mitchell, said Frederic Solop, a political science professor and department chair at Nort[...]
U.S. education secretary: Administration committed to helping rural schools
CASA GRANDE - The Obama administration is committed to improving the performance of rural schools, the U.S. secretary of education said Oct. 19. "There is significant underinvestment in rural communities, and we would like to right that balance," Arne Duncan told educators from eight counties.
Seasonal hiring in education helps state unemployment rate remain steady
For the second straight month, seasonal hiring in education kept Arizona's unemployment rate steady, but officials expect job losses to continue, the state Department of Commerce announced Oct. 15. The unemployment rate for September was 9.1 percent, the same as August but up from 6 percent in September 2008.
Interior secretary, congresswoman help dedicate Arizona’s first commercial-scale wind farm
HEBER - It was appropriately windy Oct. 12 for the dedication of the first commercial-scale wind farm in Arizona. And speakers ranging from U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, to executives from Salt River Project said the message the facility sends is as important as the power it will generate.
