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Capitol Quotes: October 31, 2014
This week's most outstanding quips, gibes and utterances from Arizona's political scene.
House chairmanship scuttlebutt
One source close to Gowan told our reporter this morning (Sept. 12) that, although Ugenti made a strong pitch for approps chair, Gowan has no intention of giving her the reins of the committee. “I can guarantee with 110 percent certainty that Ugenti will not be approps chair,” the source said.
Fire up the rumor mill
Following yesterday’s (Sept. 10) report that House moderates have struck a deal to support Gowan as House speaker next year, the rumor mill began churning. One, in particular, piqued the interest of a legislative insider: Ugenti will supposedly be tapped to lead approps.
Republicans backed by Brewer falter in LD23
The trio of Republican challengers backed by Gov. Jan Brewer in Legislative District 23 are faltering in their bids for a seat at the Capitol.
Brewer backs newcomers who could carry on her legacy
While Gov. Jan Brewer follows through on her pledge to help Republican lawmakers who backed her in her battle for Medicaid expansion, the governor is also lending a hand to legislative hopefuls who could fight for her vision after she leaves office.
Arizona Chamber endorses lawmakers who opposed its policies
Almost two dozen incumbent lawmakers can boast of earning the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s endorsement despite opposing the business community’s biggest policy positions in the last two years.
Ugenti: Legislative privilege prevents search for evidence of affair with co-worker
Republican Rep. Michelle Ugenti is citing her legislative privilege in an attempt to block a subpoena to obtain her text messages in what is becoming a contentious divorce battle with her husband, Frank Ugenti.
Ableser attributes low attendance to family responsibilities
Democratic Sen. Ed Ableser of Tempe regained his title of most absentee lawmaker this year, showing up for only 62 percent of Senate floor sessions, though he voted on 70 percent of all the bills put before the chamber.
Chambers’ dilemma: After Common Core and Medicaid, who should they endorse?
In the last two years, more than two dozen legislators who had received the support of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry during the 2012 elections fought the business community on two of its biggest policy battles — upholding Common Core and expanding Medicaid.
Ballot initiative warning bill revived in House
Your November ballot will contain a new warning that lawmakers cannot nullify voters’ decisions on citizen initiatives if a bill approved by the House becomes law.
Bill targets power of HOAs in Arizona
The Arizona House of Representatives will debate a bill that would significantly reduce the power of HOAs.
Lawmaker: Note on ballots that voter-approved laws tough to change
Arizona voters need to better understand that when they approve a ballot initiative it’s almost impossible for lawmakers to make changes when they are needed, a state lawmaker contends.
