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As a member of the Senate Republican caucus, I lend my support for Senate President Russell Pearce.

As we celebrate our centennial next February, there are many days that stand out in our history, but few have had the impact on Arizona as much as Dec. 7, 1941. Now, some of that history is at risk of being destroyed.

By supporting a transition to new, clean energy projects in our state and ensuring that existing coal plants reduce their pollution, we can restore and protect the clean air and scenic views that attract visitors to the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and other now-polluted parks in the region.

There is a myth going around that even if government employees are inefficient or unneeded, we should not terminate them in this economic crisis because it would dampen the economy.

Last week, East Valley investor Wil Cardon announced he’d challenge Congressman Jeff Flake for the Republican nomination to the U.S. Senate in what could be described as the Political Consultant Employment Act of 2011. In these times, a complete lack of experience is somehow touted as a benefit when it comes to running for political office. With that in mind, Cardon seems to be the man for the job. His political experience appears largely limited to making political contributions … to Flake.

Well, that didn’t take long. The state hadn’t even closed its books on the outgoing fiscal year, and already there were some in the Legislature clamoring for us to spend money we don’t have.

If we are to take her staff’s word for it, U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords will retain — at least — her Democratic seat in Congress in 2012.

In the best-case scenario, she would be the heavy front-runner in a U.S. Senate race with Republican Congressman Jeff Flake, whose early entry into the contest has thus far scared off all other GOP contenders.

More than 800 square miles were torched, 32 home were destroyed and taxpayers are on the hook for $100 million.

That’s the cost of the Wallow fire, the largest wildfire in our state’s history. Sadly, this could have been prevented.

Tell me that the upcoming recall election of Russell Pearce isn’t going to be as uneventful as I expect it will be. So far, all the signs are pointing to a disappointing blowout, with Pearce clobbering political newbie Jerry Lewis.

Dear Arizona Capitol Times:

It’s outrageous that some in Washington want to cut Social Security to help balance our federal budget. Social Security did not contribute to our financial mess and should not be used as a piggy bank to pay down our debt.