Winning: Political manipulators ply trade from D.C. to Chicago to Mesa

It seems that sleazy political tricks are oozing through every crack in the sidewalk. From Washington to Chicago to Mesa, political figures will say and do just about anything to get elected — or to prevent someone else from getting elected.

Lewis campaign reports $69K in fundraising

Republican Jerry Lewis today reported raising roughly $69,000 thus far in his campaign to unseat Senate President Russell Pearce.

Lewis: Attacks a sign of desperation

Lewis’ campaign is vigorously fighting back allegations he “stole” donated items from homeless children, saying Pearce’s camp is morally unmoored.

Back to his old self

With early balloting beginning today, the Pearce campaign went on the offensive against Lewis in a mailer targeting early voters that is expected to land in mailboxes alongside the ballots.

Mesa’s Watergate: Cortes’ campaign conspirators should come clean

The Arizona Constitution, Article 7 section 12, charges the Legislature with the duty to “maintain the purity of elections.” Arizona case law has held that attempting to place a “diversionary candidate” on the ballot is illegal. A “diversionary candidate” is one who is in the race solely to divert votes from a particular candidate so as to give an advantage to another candidate. The re[...]

The Cortes factor: Politicos debate alleged ‘sham’ candidate’s impact

Olivia Cortes’ controversy-ridden candidacy abruptly ended earlier this month.

But it’s too late to strike her name off the Nov. 8 recall election ballot, and some say she could still peel votes away from fellow Republican Jerry Lewis, thereby helping Senate President Russell Pearce secure a victory.

Pearce attacks Lewis on immigration, says challenger ‘embarrassed’ to be an Arizonan

In his first attack mailer, Senate President Russell Pearce said his challenger, fellow Republican Jerry Lewis, is “embarrassed” to be an Arizonan.

2012 Pearce-Lewis match-up unlikely

Senate President Russell Pearce’s allies have said that recall challenger Jerry Lewis would be soundly defeated if he faced Pearce in a Republican primary election.

Legislative map unveils tough primary matchups

Some districts packed with incumbents

Pearce ads cost $10K to air, target FOX News and other cable outlets

Senate President Russell Pearce’s first TV ads will cost his campaign $10,000 and will target FOX News viewers, as well as other cable stations.

The ads, set to air this week, are timed to reach early voters in the Nov. 8 recall election against him.

Lewis: Do you really want to talk ethics?

Pearce’s allies have seized on the controversy about donated school items that Lewis gave away when he was serving as a principal to show he’s not as saintly as depicted.

Lawyers: Russell Pearce’s brother played key role in Cortes campaign

The lawyers who fought to get alleged sham candidate Olivia Cortes disqualified in the Mesa recall election planned to put Senate President Russell Pearce’s brother on the stand in a now-cancelled trial.