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As potential challenger emerges, Pearce’s campaign machinery gears up for battle
Perhaps more than anything, the declaration of support by Gov. Jan Brewer for Senate President Russell Pearce, who is the first sitting legislator to officially face a recall in state history, affirms the enormity of the challenge of unseating a powerful politician like the incumbent Mesa Republican.
Pro and con groups consider possible role in Pearce recall set for Nov. 8
With the special election for the recall of Senate President Russell Pearce set for Nov. 8, both the backers and opponents of the recall effort must decide what to do with their organizational structures.
Klein responds to handgun handling criticism
No stranger to controversy, freshman Sen. Lori Klein might have waded into another one after she pointed a loaded gun at the chest of a reporter who was profiling her as a part of a series on gun culture in Arizona.
Pearce officially faces recall election
It’s official: Senate President Russell Pearce is the first sitting elected legislator who will face a recall election in Arizona history.
The Secretary of State today confirmed that the group seeking Pearce’s recall has submitted more than enough signatures for the special election to take place.
Pearce appears headed to recall election
Arizona Senate President Russell Pearce, a prominent champion of legislation against illegal immigration, appears destined for a November recall election after Maricopa County officials certified that petitioners gathered more than the number of valid signatures required to trigger the special vote.
Legislators water down ignition interlock law
Arizona solidified its reputation as a state that is particularly tough on drunk drivers in 2007, when legislators required first-time offenders to equip their vehicle with an ignition interlock device for one year.
Competitiveness package goes into effect Thursday
The Arizona Competitiveness Package goes into effect June 30, and while the business tax cuts that formed its foundation won’t start phasing in until 2014, several provisions will take root immediately.
Revenues collections solid for 10th month in a row
Increases in individual income taxes and a higher-than-anticipated influx of federal funds put May’s revenue collections on solid footing, the Legislature’s budget arm reported.
Democrats donate special session paychecks to nonprofit organization
A handful of Democratic lawmakers held a press conference today to announce they are donating their special session paychecks to a nonprofit employment assistance organization and chastise their Republican colleagues for not extending federal unemployment benefits.
Bundgaard enters ‘not guilty’ plea
Sen. Scott Bundgaard, the Peoria Republican who is facing misdemeanor charges over a physical scuffle with his then-girlfriend in February, has entered a “not guilty” plea.
Budget gimmicks explained: 5 ways states hide deficits
Last week, California Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a budget that he said was filled with gimmicks — or as he put it, “legally questionable maneuvers, costly borrowing and unrealistic savings.” Editorial boards have praised Brown for exercising responsible fiscal judgment. Meanwhile, Brian Joseph of the Orange County Register has written that Brown’s own budget plan uses gimmicks, too.
Pearce, Tobin enter AHCCCS funding fight
Lawmakers made a difficult decision when they cut more than $200 million from the state’s health care system for the poor, but doing so wasn’t unconstitutional, Senate President Russell Pearce and House Speaker Andy Tobin argued yesterday in a brief opposing a lawsuit that aims to block the cuts.
