Pearce allies: Cut him $250K check for recall costs
Former Senate President Russell Pearce is facing a wealthy opponent in this year’s elections, but his campaign could receive a six-figure windfall from the state treasury if some Republican lawmakers have their way.
Constitutionality of recall election changes questioned
Following the historic recall of former Senate President Russell Pearce, the ousted immigration hawk’s legislative allies are striving to change the state’s recall process to make it more difficult to remove elected officials. But the effort to add a primary election to the process has run into some obstacles.
AZ Supreme Court: Recall laws meant to protect public, not politicians
The Arizona Supreme Court today said recall laws should be construed “liberally” because they’re written to protect the public’s right to remove an official — not for a politician’s benefit.
Latest count shows almost 12 point Lewis lead
As more votes are being counted, Sen.-elect Jerry Lewis is widening his lead over former Senate President Russell Pearce.
DEFEATED: Pearce’s ouster viewed as cautionary tale for immigration hawks
Senate President Russell Pearce’s defeat on Nov. 8 was a colossal political victory for critics of his strict-enforcement approach to confronting illegal immigration.
And many immediately saw it as a cautionary tale for politicians here and elsewhere who share his views.
Lawyer who exposed Cortes strives for ‘purity in the process’
By his own account, attorney Thomas Ryan spent more than 200 hours of his time preparing and litigating a lawsuit to thwart recall candidate Olivia Cortes, whose bogus candidacy was launched with the sole intention of ruining the chances of a challenger who Ryan had never met.
Three senators jockey for Senate presidency
The toppling of Senate President Russell Pearce will trigger a shakeup in Senate leadership that will see Republicans choosing a new president.
And depending on who replaces him, that shakeup could also mean changes in the makeup and chairmanships of committees.
Some GOP senators expected to give Lewis cold shoulder
Jerry Lewis gained political enemies when he took on Senate President Russell Pearce in a historic recall election on Nov. 8.
Starting next year, the political neophyte will be sharing a parking lot with some of them.
Actually, some even suggested setting up Lewis’ office just several steps from the parking lot.
Grassroots ‘Mormon Fall’ aided Lewis victory
Though Jerry Lewis was cautious about saying exactly how important the Mormon church was to his campaign, the political newcomer’s upset win over Senate President Russell Pearce largely relied on a quiet, grassroots effort among Mesa’s faithful.
As the final results of the Nov. 8 recall election became clear, campaign insiders for Lewis revealed how vital early support was among membe[...]
Pearce says Lewis will be challenged in 2012 GOP primary – one way or another
In his near-concession speech Tuesday night, Senate President Russell Pearce said he would spend time with his family and reassess his next political move after he lost the recall election.
But before polling precincts closed that night, Pearce hinted he would be back next year.
Senators quickly moving toward electing new leader
With Senate President Russell Pearce toppled, Republicans in his chamber are pushing to meet this week to elect a new leader.
That meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, multiple sources told the Arizona Capitol Times.
Parraz’s group parties to recall results
Most of the taco buffet was gone when Randy Parraz finally arrived at the Citizens for a Better Arizona party at 8:11 p.m., but he came with news that brought a cheer from the 100 or so guests.
“It’s 53 to 45, we’re up by 1,000,” Parraz announced as he reached out a hand to Sen. Steve Gallardo and embraced him.