Tobin: My institute isn't the place for quid pro quo

Former Arizona House Speaker-turned-Corporation Commissioner Andy Tobin is spearheading a new “Legislative Affairs Institute” through Arizona State University aimed at getting new lawmakers up to speed quicker.

Tobin wants to orient new House members for $332,500

The two Democrats running for the Arizona Corporation Commission showed solidarity with a current Republican commissioner over an outstanding investigation into a utility’s role in the 2014 commission election, telling voters electing the bipartisan trio the best way to push the investigation forward.

Commissioner Bob Burns, who has made transparency in electioneering activities as the lynchpin of his bid for re-election, has won the Republican primary race for the Arizona Corporation Commission, according to the Associated Press.

The state utility regulator appointed earlier this year by Gov. Doug Ducey wants to strip his new agency of some of its powers and give them over to others directly under the control of the governor.

Three GOP contenders for the three open seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission teamed up to run as a slate after months of a disjointed Republican campaign.

The newest state utility regulator is blasting Chairman Doug Little for sidelining a discussion of whether Arizona Public Service should be forced to use some of the cash it has from ratepayers to reduce peak energy demand through battery storage.

Arizona Corporation Commissioner Andy Tobin sat out on a vote April 12 because of a potential conflict of interest. But after that matter failed, Tobin now says he should have been able to vote and he wants an emergency meeting so the Commission can vote again.

Arizona Corporation Commissioner Andy Tobin will seek a full term on the commission in this year’s election.