Good revenues belie looming budget uncertainty
With COVID-19 again on the rise in Arizona and the next legislative session looming, some in the Legislature are coming around to the idea of passing a so-called “skinny budget” that retains baseline spending levels from the previous fiscal year and ducking out early, just as lawmakers did last session.
Republicans aim to pull veil from small political contributions
Legislative Republicans who for years have trumpeted their support of money in politics are now looking for ways to curtail some spending after a tsunami of out-of-state Democratic dollars failed to result in the electoral take over Democrats sought.
New tally favors GOP, but control of Senate still hangs in the balance
Democratic challengers jumped out to early leads in a handful of key races that could determine control of Arizona’s Senate, but the contests remain too close to call, initial results show.
Conservative Prescott, liberal Tucson coalesce in election-date lawsuit
The Democrat enclave of Tucson is getting help from largely Republican Prescott in its fight with the Arizona Legislature and Attorney General Mark Brnovich about when cities can have their local elections.
Democratic money dwarfs Republican spending
A handful of Democratic legislative candidates bolstered by out-of-state funders broke Arizona campaign finance records with just two weeks to go before the election. Democrats in swing districts pulled in... […]
Big bucks, negative ads besiege LD17 Senate race
With just over two weeks to go before the election, incumbent Republican Sen. J.D. Mesnard, Democratic challenger Ajlan Kurdoglu and outside groups have already spent a combined $1.7 million, most of that from deep-pocketed national Democratic organizations intent on flipping the Arizona Legislature.
U.S. Supreme Court takes on Arizona ballot harvest law
Arizonans remain legally barred from taking someone else’s ballot to the polls, at least for this election. Without comment, the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday agreed to review the decision... […]
Court reinstates ‘dark money’ contributions
The state Court of Appeals has reinstated a 2017 law that opens the door to "dark money'' contributions to political races.
Liberal group ignores Dem support of health care bill, attacks GOP
The political postcards began landing in swing district voters’ mailboxes nearly as soon as election administrators finished counting primary ballots.
Dems mull return of budget committees if they gain majority
No matter who leads the party next year, legislative Democrats are keen on reviving the subcommittee process when they draw up a budget.
Some reform-minded Dems accept dark money
A handful of Arizona Democrats running to replace incumbent Republicans in swing districts have high-minded aspirations of expanding the state's Clean Elections program and limiting money in politics.
Mesnard asks for immunity from ousted member’s lawsuit
A former House speaker wants the state's high court to rule that the concept of legislative immunity is so broad that he cannot be sued for defamation by ousted Rep. Don Shooter.