Arizona Capitol Times Your Inside Source for Arizona Government, Politics and Business

There has been a lot of talk during the past few weeks about independent expenditure committees and their impacts. Specifically, there has been a lot of discussion about the direction and effectiveness of the Senate Republican Victory Fund.

The fact of the matter is there are two types of independent expenditures: IEs for “impact” and IEs for “appearance.” Think of it as work horses versus show ponies.

Arizona’s Medical Marijuana law is two years old. Patients have had the ability to get medical marijuana cards, giving them the legal protection they need. But the regulated dispensary portion of the program that was specifically called for in the law has been delayed due to numerous obstructions and legal challenges from state and local officials, primarily Republicans.

The letter “Pierce used Victory Fund in failed effort to retain presidency” by political consultant Constantin Querard published in the Jan. 25 edition of the Arizona Capitol Times was both sadly misinformed and bemusing.

There is significant and measureable value when fans pack a sold-out stadium to root for their favorite team. On Jan. 12, fans did exactly that at Chase Field, pumping up the local economy by purchasing tickets to the Monster Energy AMA Supercross race, as well as buying expensive beverages costing more than a six pack of same. But the economic boost extends far beyond the event itself, if the public is allowed access to areas that facilitate recreational spending.

Former Senate President Steve Pierce’s guest opinion (12/17/12) on how and why he was ousted as Senate president is predictably self-serving, but the complete story ought to be considered.

It was three years ago last month that President Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize. His acceptance speech conveyed his moral vision of international affairs and provided a guide for the foreign policy successes of his first term. But the challenges confronting him in a second term show where refined direction is needed.

Last year’s developments have certainly vindicated those of us who care about our health, our environment, and our treatment of animals.

My name is Laura Gargiulo and I am a 45 year-old single mom to Jack, my energetic 11year-old son. I have a bachelor of science in English and a master of education in secondary education and teach part time as an English adjunct professor at Phoenix College. Oh, and one more thing, I don’t have health insurance.

End gun-free zones. Allow teachers to conceal carry. And you, the media, please stop being biased toward gun control.

The recent slaughter at the grade school in Connecticut is an unimaginable tragedy that could never have been predicted. What can be predicted with pinpoint accuracy will be the national call to disarm honest, law-abiding citizens as a strategy to somehow prevent this from happening again.