Biggs heading up committee to support Senate Republicans
Senate President Andy Biggs has created an independent expenditure group to help Republicans defend their seats and capture new ones in next year’s elections.
Arizona “dark money’’ groups face combined $1 million in fines
California’s Fair Political Practices Commission has reached a settlement with two so-called “dark money” groups in Arizona that will see them pay a combined $1 million in fines.
More than saying ‘I do’
Gay marriage represents a fundamental change in society, opponents say
Elections have consequences. So opponents of gay marriage worry that voter approval of the practice would encroach on religious liberties, undermine parental rights and devalue marriage as the founding block of society.
Confusion reigns as Court of Appeals blocks campaign finance law
An Arizona Court of Appeals ruling that put the state’s new campaign contribution limits on hold triggered widespread confusion among candidates and election attorneys.
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.
The Power of Money
New campaign finance laws could restore clout of business community
Business interests that once served as the gatekeepers of Arizona’s elections may be regaining some of the clout they lost during the Clean Elections era.
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.
$11 million in the bank
Gallardo: HB2305 unnecessary, election problems could be solved with leftover HAVA money
Several provisions of HB2305 were drafted in direct response to problems in the 2012 election, when it took 11 days to call a close congressional race and an all-time high number of voters were forced to cast provisional ballots.
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.
Laws on judicial appointments, elections, Medicaid likely facing legal challenges
A law enacted to give the governor more choices in appointing judges is expected to join Medicaid expansion and an elections package as 2013 legislation that will wind up in court.
Arizona lawmakers move to revive election bills
Arizona Republican lawmakers are again working to revive a series of divisive election bills that opponents say will limit Democratic and Hispanic voter turnout.
Ballot access getting easier for candidates, harder for initiatives
Candidates for office in Arizona have never had an easier time getting on the ballot, but lawmakers are looking to raise the bar for citizen initiatives, referendums and recalls.