As one of only three representatives in their fourth and final term in the state House, Speaker Andy Tobin, a Republican from Paulden, has more institutional knowledge than most. He has risen through the ranks from freshman, to the majority whip, to majority leader, to the top position in the House. Tobin, who because of term limits is unable to run for re-election to the House, has seen the state through surplus and deficit. Looking back on his time in the Legislature, he is determined to leave the state in better condition than it was when he was first elected.

After receiving a briefing on the governor’s $8.9 billion budget proposal, Republican leaders said they want a final spending plan that hews to the conservative approach they have adopted during the past few years.

House Speaker Andy Tobin on Monday announced that he will forgo a run for Arizona’s new 4th Congressional District.

Not all Republicans are celebrating the special session as a victory over federal spending.

For representatives from rural areas, where unemployment is more than 20 percent in some pockets, it can be frustrating to hear their colleagues from urban centers like Phoenix denounce efforts to help the unemployed as unnecessary spending.

Antsy for results, tea party supporters gathered for a weekend strategy summit say they're intent on making sure the Republicans they helped return to power last fall live up to promises to dramatically change course in Washington.