Contribution limits vs. free speech
Supreme Court campaign finance case could change Arizona elections
While Arizona’s higher campaign contribution limits hang in the balance, a case before the U.S. Supreme Court might achieve what the state law’s supporters seek – give people the ability to contribute more to their favorite politicians and allow candidates to raise bigger amounts from backers.
Judge’s ruling could create PAC ‘free-for-all’
Every law regulating ballot measure campaigns, political action committees and possibly even candidates’ campaign committees in Arizona may soon be wiped from the books, at least until the Legislature can write new ones.
Donor fatigue
Higher contribution limits don’t translate into avalanche of cash
Legislators who approved a controversial election law this year and are hoping to get a serious bump in their fundraising efforts should not expect to see an avalanche of hefty checks coming their way.
Picking up ballots
Mysterious visits to south Phoenix home became catalyst for new elections law
Rey Valenzuela was at his home in south Phoenix during election season last year when a young man, clipboard in hand, knocked on his door and asked for his wife.
Supporters of controversial elections law start second committee to defend against referendum
The referendum effort against the state’s controversial new election law is now facing a two-pronged opposition, as a second political action committee filed paperwork July 23 to fight the referendum.
Elections law supporters start second committee to defend it
The referendum effort against the state’s controversial new election law is now facing a two-pronged opposition, as a second political action committee filed paperwork this week to fight the referendum.
GOP attorney in IRC case says Voting Rights Act ruling should be retroactive
A GOP attorney who is challenging Arizona’s legislative maps said a federal judge should retroactively apply the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that scrapped the preclearance requirement of the Voting Rights Act, even though Arizona was still subject to the law when the maps were implemented.
Election law opponents move toward a referendum
Critics of the state’s new election law today filed papers to create a political committee that will challenge the legislation through a referendum.
Clean Elections consolidation bill advances
The Citizen's Clean Election Commission would be consolidated with the Arizona Secretary of State's office and take on added responsibilities for overseeing election law violations and lobbyist reporting under a bill approved by a Senate committee Tuesday.
Experts say changes are needed in Arizona’s approach to early voting
Pima County Recorder F. Ann Rodriguez was a big proponent of the Permanent Early Voter List. In in 2007, she suggested creating it and then testified at the Legislature on behalf of the idea.
Watching the watchers
As Verify the Vote AZ prepares for its Election Day vote-watching operation, the Arizona Democratic Party is also readying its troops and planning to post election protection teams at polling sites to watch the watchers.
Judge: Arizona campaign finance laws unconstitutional
A Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled this month that the state’s most fundamental campaign finance laws dealing with the registration of political committees and reporting of contributions and expenditures are unconstitutional.
The ruling won’t affect campaigns this election cycle, but it threatens to upend the state’s campaign finance system for future elections.


















