Badly Wounded
Horne could face bloody, expensive battle in 2014 attorney general race
Tom Horne has long maintained that he’s innocent of the campaign finance allegations against him, but he may not get a chance to prove it until after voters have decided whether to give him a second term as attorney general.
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.
Contribution limits vs. free speech
Supreme Court campaign finance case could change Arizona elections
While Arizona’s higher campaign contribution limits hang in the balance, a case before the U.S. Supreme Court might achieve what the state law’s supporters seek – give people the ability to contribute more to their favorite politicians and allow candidates to raise bigger amounts from backers.
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.
Resign-to-run change lets candidates say what they mean
Al Melvin no longer has to pretend he’s considering, exploring or contemplating a run for governor. He’s running. It’s as simple as that.
Regulators propose phase-in for big water rate increases
Some Arizonans, especially those in rural areas, face having their water bills dramatically increase when providers need to finance infrastructure improvements.
State finishes fiscal year with more money than expected
Arizona is poised to end fiscal 2013 in a better position than anticipated.
Ariz. failed to pass millions in aid to homeowners
Arizona has failed to pass along millions of dollars given to the state from Washington to help struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure.
Lawmakers aim high in budget talks
Small-group discussions have begun on the state budget, offering rank- and-file lawmakers their first chance to give input on next year’s spending plan, and nearly everyone has a pet priority they want funded.
An expensive bone to pick
The IRC met last night (March 14) to revisit what has become routine: mounting legal costs and dwindling funds. The commission is just about out of money, and the bills for March haven’t even arrived yet. Executive Director Ray Bladine has opened negotiations with top Legislative staff, and has formally submitted a request for a $551,000 FY13 supplemental.
We want some more
Executive Director Ray Bladine submitted a letter to Biggs and Tobin on Friday asking for a $2.27 million supplemental to prevent the IRC from running out of money by the end of February, as the commission is still under the cloud of three pending lawsuits.
DOC seeks more money for maximum security, manpower
Although the Arizona Department of Corrections is asking for a relatively small increase in its nearly $1 billion budget, one request stands out.