Republican Victory Fund spends $28k on Crandall v Fillmore primary
The committee whose goal is to extend Republicans’ dominance at the state Legislature has so far spent nearly $30,000 on the primary contest between Sen. Rich Crandall, R-Mesa, and Rep. John Fillmore, R-Apache Junction.
2010’s wildest statements, other gaffes and a pregnant pause
At the end of the year, it’s easy to look back and recognize the high points and low points. But often the most memorable moments are neither high nor low — they’re just ridiculous.
Immigration, gays in the military, abortion — these are all weighty topics. But in the hands of politicians, these subjects get pretty wild and, in some cases, twisted.
Garcia’s widow sworn in Wednesday to Arizona Senate
The Arizona Senate convenes an informal session Wednesday to swear in the appointed replacement for the late Sen. Jorge Garcia and to commemorate the Tucson lawmaker.
Capitol Quotes: Oct. 29, 2010
“In aggregate, I would give term limits a net minus, but I don’t attribute every ill that we have to term limits. They’re not responsible for 110 degrees in July.” — Kevin McCarthy, president of the Arizona Tax Research Association, talking about the movement to repeal term limits for politicians.
Garcia’s wife among 3 nominated to replace late senator
Maria Garcia, wife of the late Democratic leader Jorge Garcia, was among three Tucson residents who were nominated Oct. 26 to replace the senator.
Unassuming but rarely underestimated, Sen. Jorge Garcia dies
Senate Minority Leader Jorge Garcia had an aura of almost monkish austerity. You saw it in what he wore – earth-colored trousers and a drab polo shirt. And you saw it in how he spoke – plain and direct.
Lawmakers will face $450M shortfall if voters reject ballot measures in Nov.
Lawmakers may find themselves back at the Capitol for another budget round if voters in November knock down a proposal to eliminate an early childhood development program and take its money, and sweep funds reserved for preserving Arizona's open spaces.
Capitol Quotes 1/22/10
"I've only been here a year. I don't want to go through this every three to five years. It's cruel and unusual." - Sen. Al Melvin, a Republican from Tucson, speaking about huge swings in state revenue.
Brewer reaching out to rank-and-file lawmakers
Gov. Jan Brewer's budget proposal will be a hard sell to Democrats. And some provisions, such as her temporary sales tax increase, will be difficult for Republicans to embrace.
Special session kicks off, but most work slated for Thursday
Lawmakers officially kicked off the fourth special session of the year - the second devoted to the fiscal 2010 budget - with an uneventful gathering at the state Capitol on Nov. 17. The work on taking a small bite out of the state's $2 billion budget deficit will take place on Nov. 19, when House and Senate budget committees are expected to meet.
Uncertainty looms in off session for Brewer, lawmakers
The uneasy stalemate that ended this year's budget battle didn't answer many questions, and the new ones it raises loom large as Gov. Jan Brewer and the Legislature look to what will probably be an even tougher fight ahead.
Stopping time: In the AZ Senate, anything is possible
As the last day of the 2009 fiscal year was winding down without a budget in place, political onlookers who have spent a few years at the Capitol started to wonder: Will the Senate stop the clock before midnight of June 30 to hide the fact that the new fiscal year has started?